State of Illinois
05/29/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/29/2026 08:40
Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site starts summer season with Pioneer Days
SPRINGFIELD - Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site in Menard County will kick off its summer season with Pioneer Days June 5-6, including complimentary round-trip shuttle service between Springfield and the site on both days of the event.
The historic village at Lincoln's New Salem will feature costumed interpreters demonstrating life in the 1830s. Activities will include blacksmithing, quilting, open-hearth cooking, games and more.
"We are pleased to offer these special events at Lincoln's New Salem. Experiencing the life and times of the 1830s helps us remember the past and helps strengthen our understanding of the present," said site superintendent Troy Gilmore.
The event is presented in collaboration with Visit Springfield and the annual History Comes Alive program.
"Visit Springfield will also provide complimentary shuttle service from Springfield on both days of the event," said Darrin Thurman, tourism manager for Visit Springfield. "Each day will include two round-trip shuttles featuring an onboard Lincoln's New Salem interpreter."
The shuttle departs from Springfield at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. and returns from Petersburg at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. each day. Registration is required for the complimentary shuttle service, and seating is limited. Registration information is available online through the Visit Springfield events website.
Pioneer Days coincides with the start of the 17th season of the History Comes Alive program. As part of the program, Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site will offer hands-on history demonstrations and discussions every Tuesday through Saturday at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Demonstrations and discussions will vary daily and may include blacksmithing, natural dyeing, coopering and historical medicine.
Additional summer schedule of events:
Saturday, June 13
Worldwide Knit in Public Day
Fiber arts enthusiasts of all skill levels are invited to participate in the world's largest knitter-run event at Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site. A commemorative sticker will be available in the visitor center for participants.
Saturday, June 20
Walk Your Dog Where Lincoln Walked
Visitors are encouraged to bring their dogs to the historic village for a walk through the site. All animals must remain on a leash. The event is hosted in collaboration with Menard County Animal Control.
Thursday, July 2 through Saturday, July 4
Independence Day Celebration
Lincoln's New Salem will continue its annual Independence Day tradition with daily parades and readings of the Declaration of Independence as part of the nationwide America 250 celebration. Parades begin at noon each day at the visitor center followed by readings at the carding mill.
For updates regarding future events follow Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site on Facebook .
Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site
, located at 15588 History Lane in Petersburg, is one of 56 state historic sites managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Built during the 1930s and 1940s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the historic village includes 23 furnished buildings, including homes, stores, tradesmen's shops, a tavern, school, wool carding mill, sawmill and gristmill. The site also features log barns, hiking trails, a campground, picnic areas and playground equipment across its 700-acre park.
, located at 15588 History Lane in Petersburg, is one of 56 state historic sites managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Built during the 1930s and 1940s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the historic village includes 23 furnished buildings, including homes, stores, tradesmen's shops, a tavern, school, wool carding mill, sawmill and gristmill. The site also features log barns, hiking trails, a campground, picnic areas and playground equipment across its 700-acre park.
About IDNR
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources was established in 1925 as the Illinois Department of Conservation, bringing under one umbrella oversight of fish and game, forestry, public works, and lakes. Today, IDNR's work encompasses management of about 400 sites across Illinois, including state parks and historic sites; wildlife, fisheries, forestry, and natural heritage; Lake Michigan water allocation and coastal management; conservation police; mines and minerals; oil and gas; issuance of licenses, permits, and numerous grants; the World Shooting and Recreational Complex in Sparta; and the Illinois State Museum. Visit https://dnr.illinois.gov and follow us on Facebook , YouTube and LinkedIn .
State of Illinois published this content on May 29, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on May 29, 2026 at 14:40 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]