Illinois Historic Preservation Agency
09/28/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/29/2025 14:19
Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site to host nine nights of candlelight walks in October
SPRINGFIELD - The annual candlelight walk at Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site, a popular kick-off to the fall festival season, will take place Oct. 3-5, Oct. 10-12, and Oct. 17-19.
Visitors are invited to explore the historic village at night while pathways are lined with more than 200 candle lanterns. Site staff and volunteer interpreters dressed in period clothing will be in many of the log homes and shops to talk about life in the original village and in 19th-century Illinois. Building interiors will be candle-lit, and visitors will be able to walk through buildings that are open. Visitors are asked to keep flashlights off while experiencing the village at candlelight.
"The walk has expanded to nine nights to accommodate the growing crowds at the state's most visited historic site," said Troy Gilmore, acting superintendent of Lincoln's New Salem. "More than 100 volunteers each night make this event possible, and we look forward to welcoming new and returning visitors this year."
This free event takes place from 5 to 7:30 p.m. each night. Donations are welcome at the visitor center. Free hot chocolate will be available to visitors while supplies last. Food and beverages will be available for purchase from Railsplitter Gifts and Eatery. Leo's Pizza food truck will also be on site the second weekend of the candlelight walks, and Theater in the Park will provide concessions on select dates.
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 program, the site's historic 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. Scattered throughout the village are log barns and other outbuildings.
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 program, the site's historic 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. Scattered throughout the village are log barns and other outbuildings.
In addition to the village, the 700-acre park features hiking trails, a campground, picnic areas, and playground equipment.
About IDNR
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is celebrating 100 years of conservation and service to the people of Illinois throughout 2025. The department was established July 1, 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 for more information.
Illinois Historic Preservation Agency published this content on September 28, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on September 29, 2025 at 20:19 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]