The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and the Illinois Capital Development Board (CDB) have announced an $8 million allocation for improvements at Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site in Menard County. This funding is part of Governor JB Pritzker’s Rebuild Illinois capital plan and aims to repair up to 23 log village buildings and update the outdoor theater.
“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. She emphasized the importance of ensuring that visitors can continue enjoying New Salem, which has been a popular destination for various activities such as class trips, historical demonstrations, scouting excursions, theater outings, candlelight walks, and summer picnics.
This new funding adds to nearly $3 million already invested in improvements at New Salem under the current administration. Previous projects include 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, and a planned major road and bridge improvement project.
Lincoln’s New Salem is one of 56 state historic sites managed by IDNR. It attracted 374,418 visitors in 2024 and 359,950 visitors in 2023. The site is particularly known for its annual candlelight walk in October, which marks the start of the fall season in the region.
Constructed during the 1930s and 1940s as part of a Civilian Conservation Corps program, New Salem village features 23 historically furnished buildings including homes, stores, tradesmen’s shops, a tavern, school, wool carding mill, sawmill, and gristmill. Additional structures like log barns are scattered throughout. The entrance houses a visitor center with museum exhibits and a 250-seat auditorium; nearby is a 500-seat outdoor theater. The site also includes a 700-acre park with hiking trails, campground facilities, picnic areas, and playground equipment.
