Historical Trolley Tours 

Hop on board Menard County’s newest attraction, Stier Trolley Express at Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site.  While leisurely viewing Menard County’s historic sites, listen to a narrative by Menard County resident & professional newscaster, Ben Kinningham, describing what life was like during Lincoln’s time while he lived and worked at New Salem. Hear why the village of New Salem vanished shortly after Lincoln moved to Springfield and where many of its famous village residents re-located.

Learn about Lincoln’s flat boat ride on the Sangamon River. Enjoy the trolley ride past the Sangamon River Valley while viewing the site of one of the nation’s largest and best-attended Chautauquas.  Find out about Oakland Cemetery where Lincoln’s close friend, Ann Rutledge and famous author Edgar Lee Masters are buried.

Nearby, in the historic town of Petersburg, take a look at lovely Victorian homes, including the Hamilton home, the Caleb Barrett Laning home; “Edgewood”, home of Thompson Ware McNeely; the boyhood home of Edgar Lee Masters, and many more.

Hear about how the town of Petersburg got its name by playing a game of “Old Sledge” or “Seven Up” and how the Menard County racing quarter horse Peter McCue set a speed record that has never been broken, this, despite suffering an injury while young.

While hearing about the many attractions in Menard County and looking at the attractions through the windows of the trolley, visitors can also view an on-board slide presentation that features many of the other attractions and businesses in and around Menard County.

You may choose to disembark the trolley at the Historic Menard County Courthouse Square to eat at a fine restaurant and shop at the many gift and antique shops.  While there, tour the Historic Menard County Courthouse and enjoy the Looking for Lincoln storyboard which describing Lincoln’s job as Land Surveyor.  Don’t worry, the trolley will return to pick you up.

Join us.  Trolley back in time to experience the nostalgia of historic Menard County during Lincoln’s time and later. 

Menard County
Discover its History, Experience its Charm