Visting Princeton, Illinois
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 Historical Society 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.bureaucountymuseum.com.
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:
Wild Ginger: Comfort food with a twist! Open for brunch Saturday and Sunday, Open for Dinner Wednesday-Saturday. Check hours and more on Facebook.
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/