The Treehouses at Starved Rock is a 26-acre retreat carved into Starved Rock’s border. There are two treehouses available for short stays and two more under construction, with availability beginning in February.

After closing in 2024, Sam and Serena Witz reestablished the Serena Cafe on Wednesday, March 5.

“It’s very exciting to have more retail invest in the city of Peru,” Mayor Ken Kolowski said when the store opened. “Our goal is to continue to create more retail and more jobs for our community.”

The Illinois Valley welcomed a few new coffee businesses this year.

Cajun Connection closed in 2023, but the loss of the nearly 30-year-old restaurant was softened with plans for a food truck.

If there’s one thing the Illinois Valley does well, it’s pizza, and in 2025, Peru lost two of its favorites.

Downtown La Salle welcomed new businesses in 2025 thanks to a renovation project.

Start the New Year off right with a guided winter hike at Starved Rock State Park.

Prairie Creek Public Library in Dwight has fun activities scheduled for January and into the new year.