Did you know that Abraham Lincoln spent six formative years in New Salem, Illinois, before becoming one of America’s most revered presidents? This small village, where Lincoln worked as a store clerk, postmaster, and surveyor from 1831 to 1837, shaped the future president’s character and political ambitions. Today, the meticulously reconstructed 1830s village offers visitors a remarkable window into Lincoln’s early adult life and 19th-century frontier America.
The reconstructed 1830s village of New Salem where Abraham Lincoln spent his formative years
Getting to New Salem, Illinois
New Salem is located about 20 miles northwest of Springfield, Illinois, making it easily accessible for history enthusiasts and travelers. The historic site sits near the small town of Petersburg in central Illinois.
By Car
The most convenient way to reach New Salem is by car. From Springfield, take IL-97 northwest for approximately 20 miles. The drive takes about 30 minutes, and the route is well-marked with directional signs. If you’re coming from Chicago, the drive is about 3.5 hours south via I-55 and IL-97.
Don’t have a vehicle? Consider renting one to explore the area at your own pace. Rental cars are readily available at Springfield’s Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport or in downtown Springfield.
Public Transportation
Public transportation options to New Salem are limited. The nearest bus stop is in Petersburg, about 2 miles from the historic site. If you’re relying on public transit, you may need to arrange for a taxi or rideshare service for the final leg of your journey.
Planning Your Journey to New Salem
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Admission and Hours
Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site is open year-round, though hours vary by season:
- April through October: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily
- November through March: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM Wednesday through Sunday (closed Monday and Tuesday)
While admission to the historic site is free, a suggested donation of $4 for adults and $2 for children helps support the preservation of this important historical landmark.
Visitor Center
Start your visit at the Visitor Center, which features exhibits on Lincoln’s life in New Salem, a short orientation film, and a gift shop. The center provides maps and information about the village layout and scheduled interpretive programs.
Best Time to Visit New Salem
Spring (April-May)
Spring brings mild temperatures and blooming wildflowers to New Salem. The historic site comes alive with fewer crowds than summer, making it an ideal time to explore the outdoor village. Spring events often include demonstrations of planting and spring activities typical of the 1830s.
Summer (June-August)
Summer is the peak tourist season with warm weather and the most living history demonstrations. Costumed interpreters bring the village to life, demonstrating blacksmithing, candle making, and other period crafts. The annual “Summer Festival” in July features special performances and activities.
Fall (September-October)
Fall offers spectacular foliage as the trees around New Salem turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold. The weather is typically pleasant, and harvest-themed events showcase how villagers prepared for winter. The “Candlelight Tour” in October allows visitors to experience the village by lantern light.
Winter at New Salem (November-March)
While winter brings reduced hours and fewer interpretive programs, it offers a unique, peaceful perspective of frontier life. The “Christmas at New Salem” event in early December features period decorations and demonstrations of winter activities. Be sure to check the official website for current hours and special events if planning a winter visit.
For the most immersive experience, consider visiting during one of the special events held throughout the year, when additional living history demonstrations and activities are scheduled.
Top Attractions in New Salem, Illinois
The reconstructed Lincoln-Berry Store where Lincoln worked as a clerk
Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site
The centerpiece of any visit to New Salem is the reconstructed 1830s village where Abraham Lincoln lived and worked. The site features over 20 historically accurate buildings, including:
- Lincoln-Berry Store – Where Lincoln worked as a clerk and first gained public recognition
- Rutledge Tavern – A reconstruction of the inn where Lincoln sometimes boarded
- Blacksmith Shop – Featuring live demonstrations during peak season
- Sawmill – Representing the industry of the period
- Various Residences – Showcasing how different social classes lived
Costumed interpreters throughout the village demonstrate period crafts and answer questions about life in the 1830s and Lincoln’s time in New Salem. Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the village.
Museum and Visitor Center
Before exploring the village, spend time in the modern Visitor Center which houses:
- Exhibits on Lincoln’s life in New Salem
- Archaeological artifacts discovered at the original village site
- A short orientation film providing historical context
- Interactive displays about frontier life
The center also offers maps, guided tour information, and a gift shop with books, crafts, and souvenirs related to Lincoln and the 1830s period.
Lincoln Trail Homestead State Park
Located about 30 miles east of New Salem, this park marks the site of Thomas Lincoln’s first Illinois home, where Abraham Lincoln lived briefly as a young man. The park offers:
- Hiking trails through wooded areas
- Picnic facilities along the Sangamon River
- Historical markers explaining the significance of the site
- Bird watching opportunities
While smaller than New Salem, this site provides additional context to Lincoln’s early years in Illinois and makes for a pleasant side trip, especially for history enthusiasts.
Things to Do in New Salem, Illinois
Living History Experiences
One of the highlights of visiting New Salem is interacting with the costumed interpreters who bring history to life. During peak season (May through September), you can:
- Watch blacksmiths forge tools using 19th-century techniques
- Observe wool spinning and weaving demonstrations
- See how candles and soap were made on the frontier
- Learn about period cooking methods at the tavern
- Participate in children’s games from the 1830s
For an enhanced experience, visit during one of the special event weekends when additional demonstrations and activities are scheduled. The Pioneer Festival in September is particularly popular, featuring music, dance, and expanded craft demonstrations.
Outdoor Recreation
The natural setting around New Salem offers several outdoor activities:
- Hiking: Explore the 1.5-mile self-guided nature trail that loops through the wooded areas surrounding the village
- Picnicking: Enjoy lunch at one of the designated picnic areas with tables and grills
- Fishing: Try your luck at the nearby Sangamon River, known for catfish and bass
- Photography: Capture the historic buildings and beautiful natural surroundings
The site’s location on a bluff overlooking the Sangamon River provides scenic views and opportunities to connect with the same landscape that Lincoln would have experienced.
Educational Programs
New Salem offers several educational opportunities for visitors of all ages:
- Guided Tours: Join a knowledgeable guide for insights beyond what’s on the interpretive signs
- Junior Historian Program: Children can complete activities to earn a special badge
- School Field Trips: Special programs aligned with curriculum standards
- Workshops: Seasonal craft workshops where you can learn period skills like candle making or blacksmithing (pre-registration required)
Check with the Visitor Center upon arrival for the day’s scheduled programs or visit the official website to plan ahead.
Young visitors enjoying the Junior Historian program at New Salem
Dining and Shopping in New Salem
Dining Options
While there are no restaurants within the historic site itself, several dining options are available nearby:
- Picnic Areas: Bring your own food and enjoy it at the designated picnic grounds within the park
- New Salem Steak House: Located in nearby Petersburg (about 2 miles away), offering hearty American fare
- Hand of Fate Brewing Company: Craft brewery and restaurant in Petersburg with locally-inspired menu items
- West Wing Cafe: Casual dining option with sandwiches and salads
For an authentic experience, consider packing a picnic lunch to enjoy on the grounds, as visitors to the original village would have brought their own provisions when traveling.
Shopping
Take home a piece of history from these shopping options:
- Visitor Center Gift Shop: Offers books about Lincoln and frontier life, reproduction period items, educational toys, and souvenirs
- Museum Store: Features higher-end collectibles and locally made crafts
- Petersburg Square: The nearby town’s historic square has several small shops with antiques and local products
Popular purchases include handmade candles, reproduction tin lanterns, educational books about Lincoln, and locally produced honey and jams. The proceeds from purchases at the site’s shops help support the ongoing preservation and educational programs.
Nearby Attractions to New Salem, Illinois
Springfield Lincoln Sites
Just 20 miles southeast of New Salem, Springfield offers several important Lincoln-related attractions:
- Lincoln Home National Historic Site: The only home Lincoln ever owned
- Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum: World-class museum with interactive exhibits
- Lincoln Tomb: Final resting place of Abraham Lincoln and his family
- Old State Capitol: Where Lincoln delivered his famous “House Divided” speech
Many visitors combine New Salem with a day or two in Springfield for a comprehensive Lincoln experience. The sites in Springfield complement New Salem by showing Lincoln’s later life and career.
Petersburg
The charming small town of Petersburg, just 2 miles from New Salem, offers:
- Menard County Historical Museum: Local history exhibits in a historic building
- Edgar Lee Masters Home: Residence of the famous poet who wrote “Spoon River Anthology”
- Historic Downtown: Quaint shops and restaurants around the town square
- Riverfront Park: Pleasant walking paths along the Sangamon River
Petersburg makes a convenient base for exploring New Salem, with several bed and breakfast options and small hotels available for overnight stays.
Outdoor Recreation
The area surrounding New Salem offers several options for nature lovers:
- Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area: 16,000 acres of forests, lakes, and prairies for hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing
- Sangamon River: Canoeing and kayaking opportunities
- Rock Creek Trail: Scenic hiking path connecting New Salem to Petersburg
- Lake Petersburg: Fishing and boating on this 200-acre lake
These natural areas provide a glimpse of the Illinois landscape as it would have appeared in Lincoln’s time, with rolling prairies, oak-hickory forests, and winding rivers.
Extend Your Historical Journey
Make the most of your visit by exploring all the Lincoln sites in central Illinois. Book your accommodations now to create the perfect historical vacation.
Practical Information for Visiting New Salem
Where to Stay
While there are no accommodations within New Salem itself, several options are available nearby:
- Petersburg: Several bed and breakfasts and small hotels
- Springfield: Full range of accommodations from budget to luxury hotels
- Camping: Seasonal campgrounds at nearby state parks
For the most convenient access to New Salem, consider staying in Petersburg. For more amenities and accommodation choices, Springfield offers numerous options just a 30-minute drive away. Book your accommodations well in advance if visiting during peak summer months or special events.
Weather Considerations
Central Illinois experiences four distinct seasons:
- Summer (June-August): Hot and humid with temperatures 75-95°F
- Fall (September-November): Mild with temperatures 45-70°F
- Winter (December-February): Cold with temperatures 20-40°F
- Spring (March-May): Variable with temperatures 45-70°F
Most of the historic village is outdoors, so dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. Summer visitors should bring water bottles, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Winter visitors should dress in warm layers as buildings have minimal heating.
Accessibility
Lincoln’s New Salem strives to accommodate all visitors:
- The Visitor Center is fully accessible with ramps and elevators
- A paved path provides access to some village buildings
- Some historic structures have steps and narrow doorways that may present challenges
- Wheelchairs are available for loan at the Visitor Center
- Service animals are welcome throughout the site
Contact the site in advance if you have specific accessibility concerns or requirements. Staff can provide information about the most accessible routes through the village and buildings.
Visitor Tips for New Salem
- Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the historic village
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven surfaces
- Bring a water bottle, especially during summer months
- Check the official website for special events and living history schedules
- Consider visiting on weekdays to avoid weekend crowds during peak season
- Download the site map before your visit for easier navigation
- Bring cash for donations and some smaller vendors
Visitors navigating the historic village with a site map
Experience the Birthplace of Lincoln’s Political Career
New Salem, Illinois offers a rare opportunity to step back in time and walk in the footsteps of a young Abraham Lincoln as he transformed from a frontier store clerk to an aspiring politician. The meticulously reconstructed village, with its authentic buildings and living history demonstrations, provides an immersive window into 1830s frontier life that shaped one of America’s greatest presidents.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a Lincoln scholar, or simply looking for an educational family outing, New Salem delivers a memorable experience that connects visitors to a pivotal chapter in American history. Combined with nearby Springfield’s Lincoln sites, it creates a comprehensive journey through the life and legacy of our 16th president.
Pack your curiosity and comfortable walking shoes, and prepare to be transported to the formative years of Abraham Lincoln in the charming, historic setting of New Salem, Illinois. The stories, sights, and experiences of this remarkable place will stay with you long after your visit ends.
Ready to Step Back in Time?
Plan your historical journey to New Salem today and discover where Lincoln’s remarkable path to the presidency began.
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