Caterpillar Visitors Center
Celebrating 5 Years
The Doug Oberhelman Caterpillar Visitors Center
SPEED – 26 Years of Cat Racing
Visit Caterpillar in Peoria, Illinois!
This isn't your average museum! Your visit begins with a virtual ride in the bed of a massive two-and-a-half story Cat® 797F Mining Truck. Learn how Caterpillar's story began as two companies came together to build Caterpillar on the foundation of innovation and customer focus. Unleash your inner engineer as you design your very own Cat machine. Test your skills on a simulator to see first-hand what it's like to operate equipment the way our operators do, and no visit is complete without climbing in a track-type tractor.
Annual Passes
Do you visit us more than a couple times per year? If so, you may want to consider an Annual Pass to the Caterpillar Visitors Center! Annual Pass holders receive unlimited visits for one year from the date of purchase, $1 off admission tickets for family and friends and a 15% discount at the Cat Merchandise Center. Passes are $25 and are available at the ticket counter or by calling (309) 675-0606.
HOURS OF OPERATION
Monday - Saturday
10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
(last ticket / entry at 3:30 p.m.)
Closed on Sundays and holidays.
ADMISSION
Tickets are available online and at the ticket counter.
- General admission: $7
- Seniors (55+), veterans and active military: $6
- Veterans and active military (55+): $5
- Children (12 and under): Free
(limit of 4 children per 1 adult ticket. Must be accompanied by an adult.) - Group rate (25 or more): $6
For Caterpillar employee and retiree tickets, please present your ID at the ticket counter.
BUILDING CLOSURES
The Caterpillar Visitors Center is closed all day in observance of National Holidays:
- January 1 (New Year's Day)
- May 29 (Memorial Day)
- July 4 (Independence Day)
- September 4 (Labor Day)
- November 23 (Thanksgiving Day)
- December 24 (Christmas Eve Day)
- December 25 (Christmas Day)
- December 31 (New Year's Eve Day)
Parking
Complimentary parking is available in the Water Street parking garage adjacent to the Caterpillar Visitors Center. Free, two-hour parking is available in the Water Street lot, South of our facility. City fees are charged for parking along Main Street and Water Street.
Take a Virtual Tour
Get a glimpse of meeting rooms and exhibits. (Hint: use the arrow keys to navigate the tour).
Take a Virtual ToureNewsletter Sign UP
Learn about upcoming exhibits, events and specials in our monthly eNewsletter.
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(309) 676-7990
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News
Benjamin Holt Exhibit Unveiling at The Doug Oberhelman Caterpillar Visitors Center
On November 29, 2017, Caterpillar CEO Jim Umpleby hosted the unveiling of The Doug Oberhelman Caterpillar Visitors Center’s newest heritage exhibit which tells the story of how Benjamin Holt invented the first practical track-type tractor, established his company in Peoria, and came up with the legendary name "Caterpillar."
Full StoryFATHER-SON DUO BRING CENTURY OF MACHINERY TO LIFE
For Doug and Matt Veerkamp, it’s a generational journey on the jobsite and in their passion for restoring antique Cat equipment.
Full StoryTHE BEST WEDDING EVER
Our people never cease to amaze us with their stories. Never. They’ve brought our machines along for the ride on each of their journeys. Shawn Stover and his wife, Fallon, were no different when they cruised down the aisle on a Best 60.
Full StoryTHE BEAUTIFUL FOUR-CYLINDER SONG SILENT FOR DECADES
“What a journey it has been getting her restored back to the life she deserves,” Matt Veerkamp says proudly of the jewel in his antique machine collection.
Full Story