Candlelight Walk in Lincoln’s New Salem

Visitors will have three opportunities to experience Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site by candlelight this October as the annual Candlelight Walk returns for three weekends.

The event will take place Oct. 16-18 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. each evening. More than 200 candle lanterns will illuminate pathways throughout the historic village, while the interiors of buildings will also be lit by candlelight.

Site staff and volunteer interpreters dressed in period clothing will be stationed inside many of the village’s log homes and shops. Visitors will be able to learn about daily life in the original New Salem village and Illinois during the 19th century.

“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.”

Admission and parking are free, although donations to support the historic site are accepted. Food and beverages will be available for purchase from Railsplitter Gifts and Eatery, and free hot chocolate will be available while supplies last.

Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site is located at 15588 History Lane in Petersburg and is one of 56 state historic sites managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

The site was built during the 1930s and 1940s as a Civilian Conservation Corps project. Its reconstructed historic village includes 23 furnished buildings, including homes, stores, tradesmen’s shops, a tavern, school, wool carding mill, sawmill and gristmill. Log barns and other outbuildings are also located throughout the village.

The surrounding 700-acre park includes hiking trails, a campground, picnic areas and playground equipment.

Additional information and updates about the Candlelight Walk are available on the Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site Facebook page.