Historic Springfield Sites
and Other Historic
and Entertainment Attractions

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum
and Library
(above)
It's more than a museum!
Disneyesque fun as history comes to life, an interactive, inspiring and educational event.

Lincoln Tomb and Monument
Oak Ridge Cemetary

Lincoln Home
National Historic Site
A restored neighborhood and the home where Mary and Abe lived, worked, entertained and raised their family before leaving for Washington, D.C.

The Lincoln Depot ...
Great Western Railroad Train Depot historic site of Lincoln's famous Farewell Address
to Springfield friends before departing for The White House

Lincoln Herndon Law Office State Historic Site of Lincoln's Springfield law practice

Old State Capitol
State Historic Site
Lincoln served here as a lawyer and legislator. Delivered the famous “House Divided” here
in 1858.

 

 


abe ... elvis ... giants ... cozy dogs ... chili-chilli ... Maid-Rites and home-made root beer ... "Route beer" and the Route 66 festival ... roadside architecture, diners and pit stops ... the "horseshoe" sandwich ... drive-in movies ... Pease's candy ... Dell's popcorn ... Hoogland, the Muni and more ...

From legendary Lincoln sites to Elvis sightings at the annual Midwest Tribute to the King to classic cars on "the Mother Road" en route to the Route 66 Festival ... Springfield is worth a detour or a destination-visit.

Dignitaries and casual travelers come here for Abe, Elvis, classic cars on parade or fun festivals, historic sites and timeless exhibits on display.

Springfield is worth a day-trip next time you're in Chicago, Indy or St. Louis. You'll see historic venues and some photogenic and certifiably kitschy roadside architecture in Springfield. You'll get to know more about the man, the life, the personality and the politics of one of America's most inspirational leaders.

Ma & Pop diners and elegant restaurants serve up food you won't find at chainstore restaurants. Sample local variations of Springfield's own horseshoe sandwich (warning: it's not for dieters!), Joe's Chili (and other nationally noted fare), the historic Route 66 Cozy Dog Inn and the Route 66 Drive-In movie theater.

Springfield is America's capital city. Lincoln lived here from 1837 until 1861. You can walk where he walked and learn more about the family man and legendary leader.

Visit historic sites where Abe chopped logs, navigated flatboats, practiced as a lawyer, debated as a candidate, lead as a statesman, read Shakespeare, legal briefs and the bible, wrote and delivered inspiring speeches, raised a family, entertained guests with his wife Mary whose elegant "strawberry parties" were the talk of the town. Lincoln and gave his emotional and eloquent Farewell Address before boarding a train from the Great Western Depot to Washington, D.C. to serve as America's16th President during a time of national crisis.

The Old State Capitol, Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices and the Lincoln Depot, visitors will begin to understand how this man grew from a fledgling lawyer to a President. From the Lincoln home to New Salem village, Springfield provides insights into Lincoln’s personal life as well as his political career.

Another attraction, Route 66 winds through Springfield and attracts visitors from around the world. There are other attractions for kids of all ages, including the popular summer attraction, Knights Action Park, located next to the Route 66 Drive-In Theater.

LINKS

Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site
The Lincoln Home National Historic Site
Lincoln Tomb National Historic Landmark
Lincoln Depot
Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices

Illinois State Fire Museum

Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau
1-800-545-7300
Old State Capitol

Dana-Thomas House
The Dana-Thomas House was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, who was designated the "greatest American architect of all time" by the American Institute of Architects in 1991. It exemplifies the Prairie School architectural style and includes furnishings, windows and glass artwork designed by Wright.

The Inn at 835
The historic Inn was designed around the turn of the century by architect George Helmle for Bell Miller, a highly successful turn-of-the-century local businesswoman and florist. The home’s Classical Revival design showcases a luxurious, elegant and refined style. It is a popular site for individual and business guests, weddings and special events. The Inn is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

See more on the LINKS page.

copyright 2009 Michleen Collins, www.Michleen-Collins.com