The Small-Town Harvest Festival In Illinois That Belongs On Your Autumn Bucket List

Fall is here in the Land of Lincoln, and the blazing foliage is just heating up. There's nothing I love more than driving through the countryside and seeing fields of golden corn stalks and bright red trees in the distance. It's the perfect time to throw on a sweater and knitted hat, grab a hot coffee, and head to a local fall festival for some autumnal fun. In fact, what many consider to be the best fall harvest in IL would probably make Lincoln himself proud.

Let me show you why!

Each year, Lincoln's New Salem State Historical Site in Petersburg hosts a fall festival that immerses visitors right into the 1830s. The historical village is an incredible recreation of a 19th-century community, complete with log cabins, furnished interiors, and expansive outdoor space filled with gorgeous woods.

The site is meant to emulate the Illinois village where Lincoln spent his early adulthood from 1831-37. It was here that the future president would live a relatively normal life as a postmaster, general store owner, boatman, rail splitter, surveyor, and soldier. During his time here, he also was elected to the Illinois General Assembly, beginning his historical trajectory into politics.

In 1972, the property was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Today, there are 23 buildings that showcase a glimpse into what life was like for early settlers. Annually, the site hosts its Fall Festival on the grounds, which offer breathtaking views of fall foliage.

Dressed in period clothing, volunteers perform a number of demonstrations that show everything from pioneer cooking and canning methods to building fires.

Watch as demonstrators practice the art of candle making by hand-dipping wicks into wax before hanging them to dry.

You'll also be able to see how clothing was made using natural dyes and hand-spun yarn made from wool.

Other daily tasks include blacksmithing, gardening, and soap making.

In 2023, the festival will be held on Saturday, October 28 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is free, so bring the whole family or friend group!

It's not the only fall event at the site in October, either. Earlier in the month, the site also holds a popular Candlelight Walk, which offers the only opportunity to see the village at night.

With such a unique and in-depth look into the state's rich history, it's easy to see why this is considered by many to be the best fall harvest in IL. Start planning your trip by checking out the Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site website and the Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site Facebook page. And while you're in town, why not make a weekend getaway out of it? This historic downtown loft is located just steps from Petersburg shops and dining and is just a 5-minute drive to Lincoln's New Salem site!