Reconstructed pioneer village featuring log cabins, costumed interpreters, and exhibits that portray the early life and career of a future U.S. president.
General Information
September 16 – October 31: Wednesday to Sunday 9am to 5pm
November 1 – February 28: Wednesday to Sunday 8am to 4pm
March 1 – April 15: Wednesday to Sunday 9am to 5pm
Closed on major holidays
How to Get There
From Springfield, IL (20 mi): Take IL-97 N toward Petersburg; continue for approximately 20 miles and follow signs to the historic site entrance on History Lane.
Overview
The Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site is a meticulously reconstructed pioneer village that brings to life the formative years of Abraham Lincoln. Nestled in the rolling hills near Petersburg, Illinois, the site recreates the 1830s frontier town where Lincoln lived as a young adult, working as a store clerk, postmaster, and surveyor. Visitors can explore over 20 log buildings, including homes, shops, and a tavern, all staffed by costumed interpreters who demonstrate period crafts and share stories of daily life in early Illinois.
Managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, New Salem offers a rich blend of education and entertainment through seasonal events like candlelight walks, bluegrass festivals, and living history weekends. The site also features a visitor center with exhibits, a theater, and a gift shop. Whether you're a history enthusiast or a family seeking a hands-on learning experience, Lincoln’s New Salem offers a vivid window into the past and a deeper understanding of the man who would become one of America’s most revered presidents.
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