When President Theodore Roosevelt visited Peoria on October 10, 1910, he called Grand View Drive the "World's Most Beautiful Drive." Grand View is revered as one of the most beautiful drives in Peoria because of its breathtaking views of the river and the many historic and remarkable homes lining it. One such home, built by Walter H. Kirk, was known as Valley View. As it was one of the first homes built along the drive, today it has been carefully restored.

Construction of Grand View Drive began in 1903, and when it was completed in late 1904, the road consisted of gravel measuring 30 feet wide and 8 inches deep. In 1936, the drive was paved and trees were planted along the road. That year, tennis courts, softball fields, and picnic areas were also added.

Some Peorians may remember the 75-foot Observation Tower that once stood at Kingman and Grand View. Its construction began in 1905 and ended in 1906 with the completed tower standing 89 feet tall, some 450 feet from river level. The five-story tower contained 126 steps, and anyone climbing to its top was rewarded with a view of up to 30 miles. During WWII, citizens sacrificed this tower for the Allied Forces, who needed the 100 tons of scrap iron the tower provided. Today, a similar tower stands near Grand View Drive.

The Peoria Park District’s Grand View Drive Park consists of 342 acres adjoining Grand View Drive with Scenic overlooks of the Illinois River Valley; picnic benches; ball diamond; hiking trail access; play areas; sand volleyball court; and picnic shelter.