Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site
Location: IL 97, 2 miles south of Petersburg (Entrances to East & West sides 39.975609, -89.841523)
What to do: Hiking, bird watching, historic village, Theater in the Park, canoe/kayak Sangamon River access, playgrounds, picnicing, campground
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Wayside Park
Location: IL 97 & IL 123 (39.944873, -89.845868)
What to do: Visit Council Circle, enjoy Pollinator Wayside (coming spring 2020) and historic Wayside Hawthorn, volunteering
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Riverside Nature Park
Location: IL 97 south edge of Petersburg (40.004680, -89.845446)
What to do: Hiking, bird watching, fishing, canoe/kayak Sangamon River access
Hurie Park
Location: 600-698 E Sangamon St, Petersburg (40.011847, -89.842441)
What to do: Walking, bird watching, Sangamon River views, playground, ball fields
Sangamon Valley Trail – Cantrall Access
Location: 2900 Cantrall Creek Rd, Cantrall, Sangamon County, IL (39.894785, -89.709335)
What to do: Walking, bicycling, bird watching, Sangamon River views
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J. Edgar Panther Creek State Fish & Wildlife Area
Location: In Cass County, west of Petersburg (39.996262, -90.069577)
What to do: Hiking, bicycling, camping, canoeing/kayaking on lakes, bird watching
Sangamon River – Lincoln Heritage Water Trail
From its headwaters in McLean County Illinois the Sangamon River winds its way 240 miles through the relatively flat landscape of central Illinois to its confluence with the Illinois River at Beardstown. The stretch between Springfield and Petersburg, part of the Lincoln Heritage Water Trail, is of particular interest to MCTG.
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Starhill Forest Arboretum
Located on 50 acres in southern Menard County, IL, Starhill Forest is a private arboretum owned and operated by Guy and Edie Sternberg since 1976. Visitors are welcome by appointment. Whether you would like to wander the peaceful woodland trails on your own or schedule a guided tour, contact the Arboretum at 217-632-3685 or via email to plan your visit. Read more…
Biking Menard County
Bicycling Menard County backroads can be fun and rewarding. You can take in pleasant rural scenery, pass sites of historic and prehistoric significance, and often spot some interesting wildlife. Read more…