International Circus Hall of Fame — Located on the former Wallace Winter Quarters, this National Historic Landmark showcases vintage wagons, costumes, memorabilia, and exhibits honoring legendary circus performers  .

Circus City Festival Museum — Found in the Circus City Center, it features artifacts from Peru’s circus past. Attend in summer to catch the Peru Amateur Circus and the annual Circus City Festival—an eight-day celebration of circus arts  .

Miami County Museum — Just steps from the courthouse, this museum narrates local history with exhibits on pioneer life, Native Americans, railroads, the circus, and hometown hero Cole Porter (including his piano and car)  .

Cole Porter Birthplace & Museum — Reconstructed into an elegant inn and museum, the childhood home of famed composer Cole Porter features gift shop, themed suites, and musical memorabilia  .

Miami County Courthouse — A classic 1908–1910 limestone and brick landmark with Tuscan columns and a domed roof. Surrounding grounds feature historic statues and lamps  .

James Omar Cole House — Built circa 1883, this Second Empire–style historic home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places  .

Peru High School Historic District — Includes early 20th-century school buildings in Classical Revival, Collegiate Gothic, and Art Deco styles; now home to the Miami Nation of Indians  .

Grissom Air Museum — Featuring over 20 aircraft like the B-47 Stratojet, B-58 Hustler, A-10 Thunderbolt II, and more. Indoor exhibits include flight simulators, cockpit displays, and an observation tower with panoramic views of the base  .

American Huey 369 Museum — Located on the Grissom base complex, this smaller museum focuses on the iconic Huey helicopter and Vietnam War aviation history  .

Mississinewa Lake & Reservoir — Spanning over 3,200 acres, this scenic reservoir offers camping, boating, hiking, fishing, swimming, Frisbee golf, and wildlife watching  .

Nickel Plate Trail — A 44‑mile paved rail trail passing through Peru. Ideal for walking, biking, or rollerblading amid woodlands and riverside views  .

Seven Pillars Nature Preserve — A dramatic riverside cliff formation with seven rocky pillars carved into the Mississinewa River. Offers hikes, scenic viewpoints, and opportunities to paddle or picnic near the, well, pillars!  .

Maconaquah Park & River Walkway Park — Family-friendly parks featuring playgrounds, fields, picnic spots, and a 1.8‑mile trail along the Wabash River  .

Rock Hollow Golf Club — Ranked among the Midwest’s top public courses, this 18‑hole gem features unique terrain with wetlands, woodlands, and rocky landscapes  .

Additional Courses — Also nearby: Indiana Oaks Golf Club, Leaning Tree Golf Course, and the Peru Municipal Golf Course  .

Ole Olsen Memorial Theatre — Community theater named for vaudeville great Ole Olsen. Offers plays, musicals, and performances in a historic venue  .

Circus City Festival — Held each summer, this big local event celebrates Peru’s circus heritage with parade floats, performances, carnival acts, and family events  .

One-day Cultural Tour: Start at the International Circus Hall of Fame, stop at the Miami County Museum, then stroll or bike the Nickel Plate Trail. Finish with dinner near Maconaquah Park.

Outdoor & Aviation Day: Morning hike or paddle at Seven Pillars, afternoon exploring Grissom Air Museum and climbing the observation tower. Evening play a round at Rock Hollow, followed by visit to 7 Pillars Brewing Co.  .

Summer Festival Fun: Visit during the Circus City Festival or catch a live act at the Ole Olsen Theatre. Combine with visits to historical and outdoor sites.