Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site : Springfield, IL

 Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site is a reconstruction of the village where Abraham Lincoln lived in his early adulthood and studied to become a lawyer.   

During the six years Lincoln spent in New Salem he clerked in a store, split rails, enlisted in the Black Hawk War, served as postmaster and deputy surveyor, failed in business and was elected to the Illinois general Assembly in 1834 and 1836.  This site has log homes preserved as they would have been in the 1830s.  The museum provides a great visual history of Abraham Lincoln and of New Salem when he lived and worked, and became truly the man who would later become the President of the United States.  The video we watched prior to going out the meander through the "town" did a great job of showing how life was at that time, how Abraham Lincoln came to New Salem and how he studied, lived and worked there.  

 Lincoln's New Salem is a great place to visit with kids of any age to show them what life was like during the 1850s and to learn more about President Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln's New Salem is located about 2 miles south of Petersburg and about 20 miles northwest of Springfield, on Rt 97, but it is well worth the trip to see it. There is no charge to visit but donations are accepted.  The offer various special events throughout the year so be sure to check out the Lincoln's New Salem website to view upcoming events.

For you campers, Lincoln's New Salem also has a modern campground available.

We visited during February during their quiet period but we still really enjoyed our visit. We loved walking self-guided tour of all the different buildings and reading about each of them. We enjoyed to time outside and are looking forward to going back when during their more active period and maybe even checking out the campgrounds. 

For information on this and other attractions in the Springfield area you can visit the Visitors Bureau and request a free copy of  the 2012 guide as well as learn about the History Comes Alive program which begins in early June.

Thank you to the Springfield Visitors Center for working with us on these features, opinions are honest.  Review by Michelle.

Don't miss the freebies, coupons, and deals, Subscribe Now!