PETERSBURG, Ill. (WAND) – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the Illinois Capital Development Board announced $8 million for improvements to Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site in Menard County. 

The recreated log village is where young Abraham Lincoln lived for six formative years from 1831 to 1837.

“We are grateful for Governor Pritzker’s ongoing commitment to preserving New Salem and other state historic sites for future generations,” said IDNR Director Natalie Phelps Finnie. “For decades, Illinois families have enjoyed visiting New Salem for class trips, historical demonstrations, scouting excursions, theater outings, candlelight walks, summer picnics, and more. We want to ensure visitors can continue enjoying all that New Salem has to offer for years to come.” 

 

This funding is in addition to the nearly $3 million in improvements that have already been completed or undertaken at New Salem under the Pritzker administration, including a roof replacement and new HVAC controls at the visitor center, stairway construction between the village and the grist mill, a bridge replacement on the Mentor Graham Trail, a planned major road and bridge improvement project, and more. 

 

Lincoln’s New Salem, one of 56 state historic sites managed by IDNR, attracted 374,418 visitors in 2024 and 359,950 visitors in 2023. 

 

Built in the 1930s and 1940s as a Civilian Conservation Corps program, New Salem village features 23 historically furnished buildings, including several homes, stores, and tradesmen’s shops, as well as a tavern, school, wool carding mill, a sawmill and gristmill. The village includes log barns and other outbuildings.

 

At the entrance to the historical village is a visitor center that houses museum exhibits and a 250-seat auditorium. Adjacent to the visitor center is a 500-seat outdoor theater. 

 

New Salem village is also part of a 700-acre park with hiking trails, a campground, picnic areas, and playground equipment. 

 

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