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Present Day Amenities Princeton Offers
The City of Princeton offers up-to-date conveniences while rooted in old-time, small town charm. It features a vibrant, traditional Main Street lined with buildings from the 19th century housing many unique shops. In fact, Princeton is known for "two downtowns". As the Bureau County seat, the southerly downtown on Main Street grew near the heart of the new government in the early 1840's. Buildings of daily commerce started reaching north, along with a stretch of victorian homes and four-squares. When the Chicago, Burlington, and Quincy railroad was built in the later 1840's at the north end of Main Street, buildings sprouted there as well. Today, these buildings stand in different stages of restoration, but still offer unique and boutique shopping and dining to satisfy anyone. The North and South business districts were placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2018!
Daily rail transportation offers easy travel to the heart of Chicago, or to 65 cities between Princeton and San Francisco or Los Angeles. It all begins at our original Prairie Style, 1911 Depot. For those who love to drive, Princeton sits on Exit 56 along Interstate 80, the most traveled coast-to-coast highway in America. Don't forget that Princeton is only 9 miles from the big and wide Illinois River. Boaters and fishers alike have something to love about a day on the river. Or, many choose to stay closer to home by playing or relaxing in any of the lovely parks in the 200 acres of parkland managed by the Princeton Park District. Take in live theater during the 10-week long Festival 56, home to the largest live theater productions in Illinois. You know there is something big happening when Main Street gets blocked off in the summertime during one of six live music concerts and street dances, from rock n' roll to Bavarian Polka. Take in brass and woodwinds with the incredibly talented Princeton Community Band. We have choruses. We even have Barbershoppers every Tuesday evening. We invite you to an experience, not just a visit.
You may also continue to learn more about Princeton, and what it has to offer by visiting Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce & Main Street.
Amtrak Station
Princeton's Amtrak Train Depot, located at 105 Bicentennial Drive, offers residents access to both regional and national daily rail service. The depot was built in 1911 and retains its historic character. The lobby is open from 8 am to 8 pm, 7 days a week; and staffed by an attendant for all Amtrak trains. The depot is leased from BNSF and maintained by the City.
Lovejoy Home
Owen Lovejoy (1811-1864), an influential abolitionist, lived in this house, a National Historic Landmark, which was used as a depot on the Underground Railroad. The home has been thoroughly restored and is available for tours (Fri-Sun) from May through September. The property also features a log cabin and a one room schoolhouse.
Learn More at www.owenlovejoyhomestead.com.
Princeton Public Library
Princeton Public Library has been in its current location at 698 E Peru Street since 2007. The 27,000 square foot building contains over 60,000 books. The library also provides audio books, e-books, research databases, microfilm, CDs, DVDs, archived local resources, and an on-site café. The library hosts a variety of educational adult programs on a weekly basis.
Learn More at www.princetonpl.org.
City/County Park
City/County Park is located on Princeton's far north side, within City limits. The 61 Acre park is jointly owned and maintained by the City of Princeton, Bureau County, and the Princeton Park District. The park offers several amenities including picnic areas, shelters, playground, horseshoes, trails, volleyball, and baseball. The park's location, on the bluff above Big Bureau Creek, and its old growth oaks make it a scenic and serene recreation area.
Learn More at www.princetonparkdistrict.org.
Historic Downtown
Princeton features two distinct historic downtowns built up on Main Street around the Bureau County Courthouse on the south end and near the railroad on the north end. Both of these districts are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The architecture of the buildings tends to be more ornate on the south side; with some buildings including terra cotta elements. Both districts offer a variety of salons, restaurants, entertainment, shopping, and other services.
Perry Memorial Hospital
Perry Memorial Hospital is a City owned facility and one of the largest employers in Princeton. The hospital provides outstanding fa¬cilities including a 24-hour emergency service department with newly remodeled trauma rooms, a new walk-in clinic and women's healthcare unit, a state-of-the-art endoscopy suite, cardiac rehabilitation, physical/occupational therapy departments, intensive care unit, a respiratory care department, and the temporary living center (TLC Skilled Nursing Center).
Learn More at www.perrymemorial.org.