Welcome to Princeton, Illinois! Whether you’re here for business or pleasure you’re sure to find something to do in this charming small town. From outdoor activities to cultural attractions, Princeton has something for everyone.
In this article, we’ll be exploring some of the best things to do in Princeton. From outdoor adventures to local eateries, you’ll find plenty of ways to fill your day in Princeton. So, let’s get started and explore all the things to do in Princeton!
Brief History
The small town of Princeton, Illinois, is located in Bureau County, about 100 miles west of Chicago. It was first settled in 1836 by Henry Hale and his family, who were among the first to settle in the area. In 1837, the town was officially established by the Illinois State Legislature and named Princeton in honor of Princeton University.
The town soon became a trading center, with the first businesses opening in 1864. The first newspaper, the Princeton Republican, was founded in 1872 and is still in publication. The first railroad came to Princeton in 1872 as well, connecting the town with Peoria and Chicago.
Princeton quickly grew and prospered, becoming a hub of agriculture, industry, and commerce. The town’s main industry was the manufacture of farm equipment and tools, but it also had a number of other industries. There were sawmills, flour mills, and a woolen mill, as well as a variety of other businesses, including a tannery, furniture factories, and wagon works. By the early 20th century, the town was home to several banks, a hospital, a hotel, and an opera house.
Today, Princeton is still a small town, but it is a vibrant community. The town is home to several parks, schools, and a variety of shops and restaurants. It is also home to the Bureau County Fair, which has been held every year since 1875. Princeton’s historic downtown area is a popular destination for visitors, who come to explore its historic buildings and take in the beauty of its small-town atmosphere.
Things to Do
- Princeton Park District
The Princeton Park District is a local government agency in Princeton, Illinois, that is responsible for providing recreational opportunities, programs, and services for the people of the community. The park district is governed by a five-member board of commissioners, who are elected by the residents of the district. The district manages and maintains over 600 acres of parks, trails, open space, and facilities, including an aquatic center, a historic theater, a skate park, and a number of sports fields. The district also offers a variety of programs and activities, such as sports leagues, fitness classes, special events, and nature education.
They offer a variety of recreational activities and programs for residents of all ages. Activities include sports leagues and tournaments, aquatics, fitness classes, special events, and nature education. The park district also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including music concerts, festivals, and movies.
The Princeton Park District is located at 715 S. Main Street Princeton, IL 61356. The park district’s website can be found at www.princetonparkdistrict.com/.
- Soldiers and Sailors Park and Monument
The Soldiers and Sailors Park and Monument in Princeton, Illinois is a memorial park created to honor the veterans of Bureau County who served in the Civil War, Spanish-American War, World War I, and World War II. The monument was dedicated in 1906 and features a life-size bronze statue of a Civil War soldier. The park is located in the heart of the city and features a variety of monuments and plaques honoring veterans of all branches of the military.
It offers a variety of activities for visitors, including walking and biking paths, a playground, picnic areas, and a gazebo. The park also offers a scenic view of the Illinois River and its surrounding bluffs. Visitors are able to explore the grounds and read the many memorial plaques and monuments that honor veterans of all branches of the American military. The park also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, patriotic celebrations, and memorial services.
The address of Soldiers and Sailors Park and Monument in Princeton, Illinois is 500 S Main St, Princeton, IL 61356.
- The Bridges of Bureau County
The Bridges of Bureau County is a collection of five covered bridges in Bureau County, Illinois. The bridges are located near Princeton, Illinois, and span the Green River, Bureau Creek, and Indiantown Creek. The bridges are Emmert’s Bridge, English Bridge, Hall’s Bridge, Stewart’s Bridge, and Tiskilwa’s Bridge.
The Bridges of Bureau County are popular spots to visit, take photos, and enjoy the scenery. Visitors can also hike, bike, fish, and canoe in the area. Additionally, the Bureau County Historical Society offers guided walking tours of the bridges and their surrounding areas. Its exact address is 826 N. Main Street, Princeton, IL 61356.
- Lovejoy Homestead
The Lovejoy Homestead is a historic home located in Princeton, Illinois. It was built in 1845 and is one of the oldest homes in the city. The house was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1996. The Lovejoy Homestead is now open for tours and serves as a museum dedicated to the history of the Lovejoy family.
Visitors to the Lovejoy Homestead can take a guided tour of the house and grounds and view the family’s artifacts and furnishings. The homestead offers a variety of educational programs throughout the year, including living history events, school tours, and summer camps. The grounds also feature a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking and bird watching.
Find the homestead at 520 W. Peru Street, Princeton, IL 61356, or through their website: www.lovejoyhomestead.org/.
- Beetz Me!
At Beetz Me Princeton IL, you can enjoy a variety of American-style comfort food. The restaurant offers burgers, sandwiches, salads, and pizza, as well as specials like BBQ ribs and fried chicken. The restaurant also offers catering services for special events. They are situated on an outdoor patio with a fire pit, so guests can enjoy their meals in a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere.
Beetz Me is located at 122 S Main St, Princeton, IL 61356.
- Hornbaker Gardens
Hornbaker Bardens Princeton IL is a family-owned and operated business that provides a wide range of services to the Princeton, Illinois area, including landscaping, lawn maintenance, tree services, snow removal, and more. They are dedicated to providing quality services to their customers and are committed to making sure that their services are of the highest standard.
Hornbaker Bardens Princeton IL offers a variety of services for residential and commercial customers. These services include lawn care and maintenance, tree services, snow removal, landscaping, and more. All of their services are completed with high-quality materials and expert workmanship. They also offer a variety of products and services to help keep your yard looking its best, from fertilizers and weed control to irrigation systems and outdoor lighting. Find them at hornbakerbardens.com.
- Pin Splitter Lanes
Pin Splitter Lanes is a bowling alley located in Princeton, Illinois. The bowling alley features 12 lanes of traditional bowling, as well as a snack bar and video games arcade. Pin Splitter also offers birthday party packages and leagues for bowlers of all ages and skill levels.
At Pin Splitter Lanes, visitors can enjoy a game of traditional bowling, as well as play video games in the arcade. The snack bar offers food and drinks, and visitors can also enjoy special events such as birthday parties and leagues.
The cost of bowling at Pin Splitter Lanes varies depending on the time and day. The cost typically ranges from $3.50 to $4.50 per game, and shoe rental costs $2.50 per person. For birthday packages and league play, prices vary depending on the package and the number of participants. They are located at 100 W. Broadway St., Princeton, IL 61356.
- Chapel Hill Gold Course and Events Center
The Chapel Hill Gold Course and Events Center in Princeton is an 18-hole championship golf course located on 120 acres of rolling hills and woods in the Illinois Valley. The golf course features a driving range, practice green, and a full-service clubhouse with banquet facilities. The facility also offers a variety of golf tournaments and events throughout the year, including leagues and scrambles.
Here, visitors can enjoy a round of golf on an 18-hole championship golf course, practice on the driving range, or participate in a variety of tournaments and events. The clubhouse also offers a full-service restaurant, a pro shop, and banquet facilities for special events. Visit their website at www.chapelhillgolfcourse.com to learn more about their offerings.
Plan your trip to Princeton, IL!
Princeton, Illinois is a great place for anyone looking for a unique and exciting experience. Whether you are looking for a cultural experience, a nature adventure, or a relaxing getaway, Princeton has something to offer for everyone.
With its rich history, beautiful parks, and many other attractions, Princeton is a great destination for a day trip or a weekend getaway. So come and explore the city of Princeton and experience all its charm and beauty!
