Visit & Live in Princeton

V i s i t V i s i t a n d a n d L iv e i n P r P ri nc et o n

Our quaint i t little littl town t is i the th kind ki d of f place where everyone knows just about everyone else and visitors are made to feel like they are a long-lost member of our community! Whether you are visiting for a day, a week, or a lifetime, all of us in Princeton welcome you. But Princeton is much more than just friendly: we’ve got a flair for the arts; an interesting and quirky history dating back to 1831; year-round festivals and exciting events; nature trails, and parks; and a unique Main Street that offers fun, food, and affordable shopping treasures. Relax and enjoy! Spend some time in a cozy downtown café with a book or a newspaper and a cup of hot coffee. Find out why Bureau County was ranked the 5th best place to live in the Midwest and the 21st best rural county to live in the whole United States.

In fact, PureWow just ranked Princeton #3 most charming small town in the entire state of Illinois, trailing only Galena and Woodstock.

“What’s more picturesque than a covered bridge? Two covered bridges, which sit just a smidgen outside of Princeton’s city limits. The historical preservation around Princeton doesn’t stop there: In addition to a classic, old-timey main street, the town is also home to the Lovejoy Homestead, a stop on the Underground Railroad that will reopen for tours after the pandemic is officially over. Until then, you can still roam its grounds while reading more about the homestead’s history.” You might end up wanting to do more than visit! Get off the Highway where the four Flags of Freedom wave and feel your life slow down just a notch and although the pace may be slow, don’t worry; we have high speed wireless hotspots for you to stay connected!

Located in the heart of Bureau County, Princeton is an easy drive from Peoria, Quad Cities, Rockford, and Chicago. Conveniently located in the center, we often hear our visitors say that Princeton is an easy place for friends and family to “meet in the middle”. Amtrak makes several stops at Princeton’s faithfully restored depot throughout the day and is a designated stop on the Carl Sandberg train.