Introduction to Princeton, Illinois
Princeton, Illinois, in Bureau county, is 47 miles N of Peoria, Illinois and 99 miles W of Chicago, Illinois.
This settlement began in the 1830s with the arrival of families from New England and the Mid-Atlantic. They came to the area in search of good farmland. The Hampshire Colony Congregational Church was later established and Owen Lovejoy, a well-known abolitionist, became its first pastor. Lovejoy was elected to the House of Representatives of Illinois in 1854. Princeton was an important destination for the Underground Railroad during the Civil War.
Princeton and nearby Attractions
- Green River State Wildlife Area
- Lyndon Historical Society and Museum
- Ronald Reagan's Birthplace
- Ellwood House Museum and Park
- Bickelhaupt Arboretum
Things To Do In Princeton
Local parks include the West Side Ball Park, Alexander Park, the City Hall Park and Zearing Park. The Red Covered Bridge, the Bureau County Historical Museum, the Mautino State Fish and Wildlife Area, and the Bureau County Soldiers and Sailors Winged Monument are all nearby as well. Ronald Reagan's birthplace is also located nearby. The area celebrates the Bureau County Fair every August.
Princeton Transportation
Air transportation is available from Greater Peoria Regional Airport.
Princeton Higher Education
Nearby colleges include Illinois Valley Community College, Bradley University and Rock Valley College.
