top of page

Parks & 

RECREATION 

EXPLORE

Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Park 


10149 County Hwy 11, Chandlerville 

217-452-7741 

JimEdgarStatePark

A 26 square mile tract of gently rolling countryside is home to this park and is one of the state’s largest public access areas at over 16,000 acres. It is a mixture of mature forest land (6,000 acres of timber), agricultural land (4,200 acres) and grassland. It is home to white-tailed deer, wild turkey, ring-necked pheasant and mourning dove. There are three lakes and several ponds, picnic areas, 24 miles of mountain bike trails, 26 mile equestrian trail, an archery range and a peaceful place to walk, kayak, fish or just relax. 

IMG_6306
imagestravel_01.16950.widea.0
fishing-1245979_1280
bonfire-1867275_1280
psotopcampquesting
archery-660632_1280
adventure-1867074_1280
WingshootingClinicJEPC2
IMG_6313
IMG_6384
IMG_5621
forest-2069529_1920
IMG_8532
IMG_8501
adventure-1867379_1280

New Salem Loop Hiking Trails 

15588 History Ln, Petersburg 

Explore the natural side of New Salem State Historic Site, a reconstructed historic village where Abraham Lincoln lived six formative years. Around New Salem, there are numerous hiking trails throughout the park, one which travels through forest along Rocky Branch before dipping to cross IL 97. You then climb steeply up Cardinal Ridge and meander back down to the shore of the Sangamon River. Travel through bottomland and along hills on a section of old Pritchettville Road. The hike crosses back over IL 97 and climbs to the trailhead, which is located at the entrance to the historic village. Look for trailheads in the New Salem State Park parking lot as well as across the highway to enjoy the various trails. 

bottom of page