CONFLUENCE - Farm Creek - Illinois River - East Peoria, IL
Posted by: 
NorStar
N 40° 41.517 W 089° 34.285
16T E 282725 N 4507741
Farm Creek is a major tributary of the Illinois River, draining the terrain east of Peoria.
Waymark Code: WMJ6VF
Location: Illinois, United States
Date Posted: 10/03/2013
Views: 4
In Peoria, along the Illinois River, is the confluence with Farm Creek.
Farm Creek is a major tributary that drains the eastern side of the river, across from the city of Peoria. Farm Creek is a significant stream, yet it is small compared to the larger river which drains most of the state of Illinois. It drains 40,000 acres in Tazewell County in mostly suburban area mixed with agricultural areas. Major settlements include East Peoria, where the mouth is; Morton; and Washington.
Farm Creek empties into South Peoria Lake, a wide section of the Illinois River. A delta has formed where the creek empties. This is a major challenge for Farm Creek, as outlined in a report, link below.
I did not find an easy access point on the East Peoria side of the river. There is Riverfront Park to the south, which is on the other side of the I-74 bridge. In land by the delta, there is construction for a Bass Pro Shop. When that is complete, then there may be access from there.
From land, the best view is from the Riverfront Park in Peoria across the Illinois River. Streetside parking is available there.
The best way to see the delta is by boat - on board the Spirit of Peoria. This boat is a diesel powered paddlewheeler that offers scenic boat rides in the Illinois River. See their web site for times and rates available.
The creek is channelized on the way to the delta. You can see the channel as you cross US 150 near I-74. The channel is wide and, for the most part, the creek does not fill it. However, when there are heavy rains, the creek can rise quickly.
Spirit of Peoria:
(
visit link)