Visting Princeton, Illinois
A Different Kind of Day Trip: Princeton, Illinois from Chicago
Some day trips are about packing as much as possible into a single day. Others are about spending time somewhere that invites you to slow down and simply enjoy where you are. Princeton, Illinois offers that second kind of experience — with a visit to Hornbaker Gardens at the heart of the day.
8:00-8:30 am: Leave Chicago
Princeton is about a two-hour drive from the city, making it an easy, comfortable day trip. The drive itself helps ease you out of city mode and into a quieter frame of mind.
10:30 am: Arrive in downtown Princeton + coffee
Begin downtown with a relaxed walk through historic streets, local shops, and cafés.
This is a good time to grab coffee and settle in before exploring.
A few popular spots to start the morning:
- The Library Café, a cozy local favorite for coffee and a light bite
- Miss Betsy’s, perfect if you’re craving a donut or something sweet alongside
your coffee
Afterward, take your time strolling Main Street. Princeton’s downtown is compact and
walkable, making it easy to explore without rushing.
Late morning: Shops and local stops
Spend some time browsing Princeton’s locally owned stores. A visit to True Leaves Bookshop is a must for book lovers, with shelves of books, gifts, and thoughtful finds. Nearby boutiques, antique shops, and specialty stores make it easy to wander, browse, and discover something unexpected.
11:30 am: A bit of local history
Spend late morning learning about Princeton’s past with a visit to the Owen Lovejoy House or a short walk through Soldiers and Sailors Park. These stops are close together and easy to enjoy at a relaxed pace.
1:00 pm: Lunch in Princeton
Before heading out to Hornbaker Gardens, enjoy lunch at one of Princeton’s local favorites. A few good options depending on your mood:
- Niel & Shorty’s BBQ Company for smoked meats and hearty sandwiches
- Monical’s Pizza for a classic Illinois pizza lunch
- Café Grace for a lighter, café-style lunch and relaxed atmosphere
- Paisano’s Ristorante for a more leisurely sit-down meal
Each offers a welcoming atmosphere that fits perfectly into a low-key day.
2:15 pm: Hornbaker Gardens
The afternoon is dedicated to Hornbaker Gardens, just outside of town. This is where the day truly opens up. Wander through the display gardens at your own pace, let kids explore the children’s play gardens, and make time for quieter moments as well. The hosta ravine provides a cool, shaded walk, while the small pond and nearby stream offer peaceful places to sit and enjoy the sounds of water and nature. It’s a place designed for lingering — whether
that means walking, sitting, or simply taking it all in. Plan to spend more time here than anywhere else on your trip. Hornbaker Gardens isn’t about rushing from one feature to the next; it’s about being present.
4:00 pm: Sisler’s Ice Cream
On your way back through town, stop at Sisler’s Ice Cream, a Princeton classic. A cone or sundae here is the perfect way to end an afternoon spent outdoors.
4:30–5:00 pm: Head back to Chicago
Leave Princeton in the late afternoon and arrive home by early evening — relaxed, refreshed, and glad you chose a day trip that didn’t try to do too much. What makes this a different kind of day trip is the way it unfolds. With time for coffee, books, local shops, Hornbaker Gardens, and a final stop for ice cream, the day feels full without ever feeling busy — proof that a simple plan can still make for a memorable escape.
Additional Attractions
Hornbaker Gardens is a waypoint on the Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway | www.illinoisriverroad.org
Princeton Chamber of Commerce | www.princetonchamber-il.com
Parks in Princeton | www.princetonparkdistrict.org
Festival 56… Illinois’ largest summer stock theater in Princeton | www.festival56.com
The Bureau County History Center operates two museum buildings and a research library. The museum consists of two buildings that are next door to each other: the Clark-Norris Home, a handsome Prairie Square mansion built in 1900, and the Newell-Bryant House, a stately Greek Revival house dating back to 1853. The library includes: birth, wedding, anniversary files, family histories, military history, local history books, and the H.W. Immke Photography Collection. History buffs will enjoy visiting the Museum located at 109 Park Ave. West, just west of the courthouse in Princeton. It has been acknowledged as one of the very best of its kind in the country. For more, see the website: www.bureauhistory.org.
The Lovejoy Homestead is a National Historic Landmark and was the home of Rev. Owen Lovejoy. Rev. Lovejoy was Prominent in the abolition movement and the Underground Railroad, a founder of the Illinois and national Republican Party, and a congressional leader. The Owen Lovejoy Home now belongs to the City of Princeton and was opened as a museum in 1972. The home was a stop on the Underground Railroad and you can see where slaves hid on their journey to freedom. For more information, call 815-879-9151.
Where To Eat
Click here for our area dining guide for a coffee, snack, or meal.
Here are a few of our favorites:
Cafe Grace: An American restaurant and bar. Open every day for lunch and supper. Breakfast served Friday through Sunday. cafegraceil.com
Pizza Cellar: The local favorite for homemade pizza & Italian beef! Closed Mondays. 402 S. Main St. facebook.com/pizza.cellar
Los Ranchitos: Outstanding Mexican food. Open every day. los-ranchitos.edan.io
Sisler’s Ice Cream: Made fresh and local and you are going to love the amazing selection. Located at 421 South Main Street. Check them out on Facebook.
Shopping
Princeton shopping is unique and interesting. There are a number of antique stores, the North End Art District, and many interesting boutiques/stores up and down our Main Street. View the Princeton Tourism Guide that includes a map and listings of local businesses and points of interest. Here are a few highlights:
Hoffman’s Patterns of the Past: This incredible shop, located at 513 S. Main, carries nearly every china pattern known to man. If you want to replace a couple of pieces from your grandmother’s china, Hoffman’s probably has them. In addition, it is one of nicest gift shops you will ever encounter. Their many gift collections include Swarovski Silver Crystal, the Heartwood Creek/Jim Shore collection, and Willow Tree figurines. Check out their website at www.patternsofthepast.com.
Meadows on Main: Located at 501 S. Main, Meadows offers seasonal decor, custom florals, antiques/primitives, and so much more. Check out their website at www.meadowshomedecor.com.
Beetz Me: An 1860’s hardware store turned eclectic boutique. From handsome home decor to delectable gourmet foods, from glistening adornments to exquisite wines, from indulgent soaps to individualized gifts; Beetz Me! will help you put together a fantastic gift that will leave a lasting impression. 952 N. Main Street. www.beetzme.com
True Leaves Bookshop: Bureau County’s independent bookshop, located on the second floor of Princeton’s Historic Matson Library Building at 15 Park Avenue West. More than just a store, True Leaves passionately upholds the values of hospitality, creativity, collaboration, and play. True Leaves has created a space where everyone feels at home while exploring the world of reading. Offering a curated collection of new and used books, spanning a wide range of genres- True Leaves used book trade program provides fresh inventory. They also stock cards, journals, stickers, candles, and gift items from indie creators and artists. Their store also showcases beautiful creations from local artists. www.trueleavesbookshop.com
Need a Place To Stay?
Airbnb listings are popping up in Princeton and the surrounding area. Our newest neighbor, The Wildflower, is a boutique retreat that offers a cultivated space where time slows, nature whispers, and memories bloom. Here, you’re invited to unwind and find your peace amidst the beauty of nature. Nestled in the heart of nature is a tranquil retreat offering a harmonious blend of luxury and wilderness. The Wildflower is dedicated to providing guests with a rejuvenating escape from their daily lives. Their newly built A Frame Cabins offer more than a place to stay- located just down the hill from Hornbaker Gardens and The Barn at Hornbaker Gardens. www.https://www.thewildfloweril.com/