Introduction to Spring Valley, Illinois
Spring Valley, Illinois, in Bureau county, is 48 miles NE of Peoria, Illinois and 88 miles SW of Chicago, Illinois.
Spring Valley History
Spring Valley is located on the Illinois River. Its name was derived from the numerous springs located in the area. Henry J. Miller founded the city in 1884 for the purpose of establishing a coal metropolis. Miller and his son-in-law were some of the first settlers of this region. Spring Valley’s growth was so rapid that it was once called the Magic City. The city was incorporated in 1887.
Spring Valley and nearby Attractions
- Batavia Depot Museum
- Bishop Hill State Historic Site
- Buffalo Rock State Park
- Donnelley State Fish and Wildlife Area
- Glen Oak Zoo
Things To Do In Spring Valley
The Bishop Hill State Historic Site was founded in 1846 by religious dissident emigrants from Sweden. The Glen Oak Zoo, the Donnelley State Fish and Wildlife Area, and Hollywood Casino Aurora are accessible from Spring Valley as well. Local parks include the Buffalo Rock State Park, the Matthiessen State Park and the Starved Rock State Park.
Spring Valley Transportation
Greater Peoria Regional is the local airport.
Spring Valley Higher Education
Nearby colleges include Illinois Valley Community College, the Morrison Institute of Technology and Sauk Valley Community College.