Overview
Petersburg is a city of 2,200 people (2018) in Central Illinois.
3 sights · 1 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Petersburg
Lincoln's New Salem State Park
This park, with its log cabin village, is two miles south of Petersburg. This is where Abraham Lincoln lived from 1831 to 1837. Along with the rebuilt cabins, the park also boasts a historical center and an outdoor theat…
Starhill Forest Arboretum
The arboretum's primary scientific collection is a quercetum (oak collection).
Edgar Lee Masters Home
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Apr–Oct. Summer highs reach about 86°F; winter lows dip to about 18°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: May and Apr. (climate data from nearby Peoria)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- SPI Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport, Springfield — 15 mi away. Directions
- PIA General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport, Peoria — 46 mi away. Directions
- STL St. Louis Lambert International Airport, St Louis — 92 mi away (major hub). Directions
It is 2 miles north of New Salem, and 20 miles to the northwest of Springfield.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Lincoln's New Salem State Park, Starhill Forest Arboretum
- Afternoon Edgar Lee Masters Home
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Understand
The economy of the area is still derived primarily from agriculture, particularly in corn production. The town has become a bedroom community for the state capital of Springfield.
Get in
It is 2 miles north of New Salem, and 20 miles to the northwest of Springfield.
See
See Lincoln's New Salem State Park
This park, with its log cabin village, is two miles south of Petersburg. This is where Abraham Lincoln lived from 1831 to 1837. Along with the rebuilt cabins, the park also boasts a historical center and an outdoor theater. It now has more than one-half million visitors each year. Camping is available on site.
See Edgar Lee Masters Home
Sleep
- Camping is available at Lincoln's New Salem State Park, listed above.
Nearby
Sherman
City / town · 6 listings · 15 mi away
Williamsville
City / town · 5 listings · 16 mi away
Springfield
City / town · 58 listings · 18 mi away
Lincoln
City / town · 18 listings · 27 mi away
Jacksonville
City / town · 3 listings · 28 mi away
Arenzville
City / town · 1 listings · 29 mi away
Atlanta
City / town · 18 listings · 37 mi away
McLean
City / town · 42 mi away
My experience
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