New Philadelphia National Historic Site
Illinois
To a casual observer, New Philadelphia looked like a typical Illinois pioneer town. But a closer look revealed a unique and racially diverse community. New Philadelphia was the first US town platted and registered by an African American. A formerly enslaved man, Free Frank McWorter, founded New Philadelphia in 1836 and purchased freedom for himself and 15 family members.
About New Philadelphia National Historic Site
New Philadelphia National Historic Site is a national historic site located in Illinois. Temperatures at our site can range from 0°F (-18°C) in the winter to 95°F (35°C) or warmer in the summer. Summers can be very humid, with intense sun, rainstorms, thunderstorms possible. Snow and occasional blizzard conditions are possible in the winter. Please dress appropriately for potential weather conditions and plan ahead.
New Philadelphia National Historic Site is in rural western Illinois between the Mississippi and Illinois rivers near Interstate 72. The site can be reached by turning onto 306th Lane from County Highway 2. An informational kiosk is immediately on the left after turning onto 306th Lane. The small city of Barry lies two miles west and has the nearest services. Hannibal, Missouri, is 27 miles west. Springfield, Illinois, is 76 miles east. St. Louis lies about 115 miles south.
💰 Entrance Fees & Passes
Entry to New Philadelphia is completely free. There are no general entrance fees or vehicle passes required to access this park unit.
🥾 Things to Do
New Philadelphia National Historic Site offers visitors a diverse selection of outdoor experiences. You can participate in a wide array of activities, most notably Guided Tours, depending on the season and weather conditions. Path options exist for both casual strollers and expert backcountry adventurers.
📦 Recommended Gear & Packing Checklist
Custom items selected for activities at New Philadelphia
📋 Visitor Planning Tips for New Philadelphia
- →Beat the Crowds: Arrive at the main gates or trailheads of New Philadelphia before 8:00 AM. Parking spaces at popular locations fill up extremely fast, especially during warm peak season weekends.
- →Verify Conditions: Weather and trail accessibility inside New Philadelphia can change rapidly. Always verify the latest road conditions and local weather advisories before starting your trek.
- →Leave No Trace: Help protect the delicate ecosystems of New Philadelphia. Stay on marked trails, pack out all of your waste, and keep a respectful distance from wildlife.
To a casual observer, New Philadelphia looked like a typical Illinois pioneer town. But a closer look revealed a unique and racially diverse community. New Philadelphia was the first US town platted and registered by an African American. A formerly enslaved man, Free Frank McWorter, founded New Philadelphia in 1836 and purchased freedom for himself and 15 family members.
Frequently Asked Questions about New Philadelphia
About the Author
James R. Mitchell
Founder & Lead Writer — National Park Data
James has visited all 63 designated US national parks and has been writing about outdoor travel for over 12 years. He spent 8 years as a wilderness guide in the Rocky Mountains before founding National Park Data to help visitors plan better, safer, and more enjoyable park trips.
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