Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site
Petersburg, IL
A rebuilt pioneer village of log cabins, shops and a tavern where Abraham Lincoln lived as a young man in the 1830s. Free; interpreters in period dress in summer.
Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site is a reconstructed pioneer village near Petersburg, Illinois, about 32 kilometres (20 miles) northwest of Springfield. This is where the young Abraham Lincoln lived: he arrived in Illinois in 1831 and worked in the frontier village of New Salem as a clerk, storekeeper and postmaster before studying law and moving to Springfield.
The village is presented with replica buildings, historical displays and costumed performances. Lonely Planet calls it "a pretty informative and entertaining package". If you are interested in Lincoln's early years, you can follow everyday life on the frontier here and combine the visit with the Lincoln sites in Springfield.
Opening hours, admission and the season for costumed performers change; please check the site's own page in advance.
- Nearest town
- Petersburg, IL
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 39.9737, -89.8440
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, June, August and October. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Family CampgroundCampsite12 mi from Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic SiteTentsCaravans
- Group CampgroundCampsite12 mi from Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic SiteTents
- Riverside Park CampgroundsCampsite14 mi from Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic SiteTentsCaravansWaste disposalDogs allowed
- Questing Hills Equestrian CampgroundCampsite15 mi from Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic SiteTentsCaravans
- Wheeland ParkCampsite18 mi from Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site
- Double J CampgroundCampsite24 mi from Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic SiteTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterDogs allowedWi-Fi
All campsites in Illinois · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site?
Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site is in Petersburg, IL, at GPS 39.9737, -89.8440. It is about 17 mi from Springfield.
Can you camp near Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Family Campground, about 12 mi away; within 25 mi there are 7 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site?
Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Starved Rock canyons and Lincoln’s Springfield.
What is there to see near Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site?
Places worth a stop nearby: Lincoln Tomb (14 mi), Lincoln Home National Historic Site (16 mi), Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum (82 mi) and Old Chain of Rocks Bridge (86 mi).
When is the best time to visit Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site?
The most pleasant months are usually May and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, June, August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)