Ways to Discovery!

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
Read more…..

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
Read more….

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
Read more…..

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.
Read more…

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…