Constructed in 1899 by the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad as railroad station & freight house. It sits directly beside the Illinois River. The depot and freight house are Peoria’s last, remaining historic reminders of the importance of the railroad in the city’s past. The building was listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1978. After the end of train service, the building became known as The River Station. It was turned into a restaurant. Afterwards, a set of restaurants and bars have brought the river front delicious food and drinks! Currently, the building is occupied by Martini’s On Water Street, where you can admire the stained glass and elegant, old-world woodwork, while sipping on a martini! The Blue Duck Barbecue Tavern is home to delicious, smoked bbq. They can also help with any catering need you might have. The building offers a large parking lot, right by the river. The building is across the street from the Peoria Riverfront Museum.