Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site to bring back nine nights of candlelight walks in October

SPRINGFIELD - Visitors are invited to enjoy this year's Candlelight Walk at Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site, a popular kickoff to the fall festival season, on any of the nine nights it takes place, Oct. 2-4, 9-11 and 16-18.

From 5 to 7:30 p.m. each evening, visitors can explore the historic village while more than 200 candle lanterns illuminate pathways throughout the site. Building interiors will be illuminated by candlelight. Site staff and volunteer interpreters dressed in period clothing will be stationed in many of the log homes and shops to discuss life in the original village and 19th-century Illinois.

"This year marks the second year of the expanded Candlelight Walk event," site superintendent Troy Gilmore said. "For more than 30 years, the annual Candlelight Walk was limited to the first weekend in October. Following positive public response, the event was expanded to three weekends to provide more opportunities for guests to visit during this magical time at New Salem."

Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site, at 15588 History Lane in Petersburg, is one of 56 state historic sites managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Built in the 1930s and 1940s as a Civilian Conservation Corps project, the site's historic village features 23 historically furnished buildings, including homes, stores, tradesmen's shops, a tavern, school, wool carding mill, sawmill and gristmill. Log barns and other outbuildings are scattered throughout the village. The 700-acre park also features hiking trails, a campground, picnic areas and playground equipment.