Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site, Petersburg, IL
Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site operates as a historical landmark in Petersburg, IL, and also carries a psychic tag. The site offers a walk through a reconstructed 1830s village where actors in period clothing give demonstrations and answer questions about Abraham Lincoln's time there. Visitors can watch a short film in the theater, tour the buildings, and explore a museum covering Lincoln's years in New Salem. A blacksmith, a one room schoolhouse, and yarn dyeing demonstrations are among the activities available.
The site sits in Petersburg, IL, and welcomes visitors in person. It opens Tuesday through Saturday from nine in the morning to four in the afternoon, and it stays closed on Sundays and Mondays. Parking is free, and the lot has room for RVs.
Google reviews describe a quiet and educational walk through history. Visitors mention friendly staff, period demonstrations, and the chance to take their time or move quickly through the site. Several reviewers note that the gift shop and restaurant have closed, which they see as a downside. Reviewers also mention that entry is free with a suggested donation.
The site sits in Petersburg, IL, and welcomes visitors in person. It opens Tuesday through Saturday from nine in the morning to four in the afternoon, and it stays closed on Sundays and Mondays. Parking is free, and the lot has room for RVs.
Google reviews describe a quiet and educational walk through history. Visitors mention friendly staff, period demonstrations, and the chance to take their time or move quickly through the site. Several reviewers note that the gift shop and restaurant have closed, which they see as a downside. Reviewers also mention that entry is free with a suggested donation.
Petersburg, IL, 15588 History Ln, Petersburg, IL 62675, United States.
+1 217-632-4000
http://www.lincolnsnewsalem.com/
Is this your listing? Costs nothing to take it over, and the description, number and site stop being ours to guess at.
Jeff Grant
2 years ago
What an awesome experience, we absolutely loved our time here!! We happened to be visiting during the annual bluegrass music event which was such an added bonus. The kids loved seeing everyone dressed up in period outfits and giving demonstrations. We were able to talk to the blacksmith, the teachers in the one room school house and even get even a live demonstration on how they dyed yarn back then. Very cool!! The entry was FREE, but they do ask for a recommended donation.
The only downside we could see was that the gift shop and restaurant were now closed due to lack of or no funding. Seems the state of Illinois could be a greater help here. Such an amazing part of Illinois history, such a shame the State doesn't put more effort behind it.
Regardless, we had a great time and highly recommend it to anyone wanting to learn more about Lincoln, his history in Illinois and how they lived back then.
Jeremey DeLeon
2 years ago
A quiet walk through history while being educated. Visually appealing and at the same time showing son how much easier today is compared to the past. Friendly staff and loved the history and walk through time. Take time to check it out. You can take your time or zip through however a nice time if you appreciate the history and story of Lincoln and those who were part of the town during that time. May be free however please donate. Recommend 10 dollars for family. Please donate as well worth it and less expensive and worth it.
Nicole B.
2 years ago
Our group came into the visitors center from the parking lot, and we asked about the tours. First, we watched the 17 min movie in the theater, then went outside to walk in and through the different buildings. They had actors dressed up that you could ask questions to about Abe Lincolns stay there. After that, we took a stroll back inside the visitors center to walk through the museum of Abe Lincolns time spent in New Salem.
You can do all of the activities for free. However, there is a suggested $4/ person donation. The parking is free. There is room for RV's to park in the parking lot. This self guided tour takes about 2-4 hours depending on how much you want to soak in.
Make sure to dress appropriately for the weather as you are walking outdoors mostly. I did see people with dogs and strollers. There is an air-conditioned visitors center with a small museum inside. They have bathrooms in the visitors center and about halfway through the cabins.
I would suggest bringing your own water and snacks.. Although there is a water fountain in the visitors center. They do have picnic tables and pavilions to eat at outdoors.
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