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Tank Trip: What to do in Springfield, Illinois

With the White House as a backdrop, lifelike figures of the Lincoln family greet guests at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Photo courtesy Illinois Office of Tourism

llinois, known as the Land of Lincoln, is home to many locations where you can walk in Abraham Lincoln’s footsteps, but Springfield has more of them than anywhere else. Situated in the state’s vast central plains, Springfield’s legendary presidential locales are joined by other attractions, including Route 66 sites, boutiques, fine restaurants, and an architectural treasure.

What to do

Lincoln Home National Historic Site

Guided tours of the Lincoln Home National Historic Site offer a look at the family during the 17 years they lived there. Photo by Heather/stock.adobe.com

Springfield loves to showcase its most famous resident, and the best place to start is the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, where thousands of documents and historical objects tell his life story. Adults, $15. Tour the Lincoln Home National Historic Site to glimpse Abe as a family man, as well as the Old State Capitol, where he delivered his famous “House Divided” speech. Find the 16th president’s final resting place at Oak Ridge Cemetery.

Dana-Thomas House

Discover a fine example of architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s Prairie style in the Dana-Thomas House, his first “blank check” commission. Photo by Joni/stock.adobe.com

Architect Frank Lloyd Wright left his mark in Springfield in the early 1900s with the Dana-Thomas House. Take a free guided tour of the sprawling 35-room home that embodies his Prairie style.

Families needn’t worry about finding fun for young ones because the Kidzeum of Health and Science gives children ages 2 to 10 plenty of hands-on activities. Admission, $10 for visitors ages 2 and up.

Explore more history on Walk, Hike, Bike, and History tours offered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. During these free outdoor experiences that include stops at museums and monuments, you’ll delve into topics like the Springfield Race Riot of 1908. Online reservations required.

Motor Museum

Vintage signs, memorabilia, and classic cars celebrate the Mother Road at the Motor Museum at the Route 66 Motorheads Bar & Grill. Photo courtesy Visit Springfield

The Mother Road runs through Springfield, so visiting a couple of places honoring the Main Street of America is practically mandatory. The Motor Museum at the Route 66 Motorheads Bar & Grill features vintage gas station signs, memorabilia, and classic cars.

Cooks in the kitchen at Cozy Dog Drive-In

Once located on Route 66, Cozy Dog Drive In was one of the earliest purveyors of corn dogs. Photo courtesy Illinois Office of Tourism

At Route History, learn about the painful history and resilience of Black people, Black-owned businesses, and more along the road during the Jim Crow era. Step back in time for a movie under the stars at the Route 66 Drive-In, and order the famous corn dog on a stick at the Cozy Dog Drive In, an early Mother Road eatery.

Experience the great outdoors in the heart of town at Adams Wildlife Sanctuary—40 acres of native habitat including woodlands, prairies, and wetlands. At Washington Park Botanical Garden, stroll among more than 1,200 species of plants in 10 garden areas and in a glass-dome conservatory.

You may also like: These Midwestern presidential homes and museums celebrate some of our nation’s greatest leaders

Where to shop

Wares for sale at Studio on 6th

Studio on 6th specializes in locally produced products, including women’s clothing, home decor, and hand-crafted jewelry. Photo by Jeffrey Isaac Greenberg 9+/Alamy.com

Sangamon Reclaimed features furniture and decor crafted from reclaimed Midwestern barn wood. Peruse one-of-a-kind works from jewelry to artsy home accents at Studio on 6th. And check out the new and vintage clothing, candles, jewelry, and glassware at The Roost.

Where to eat

D’Arcy’s Pint serves Irish fare and American classics in a neighborhood-style tavern. Try The Horseshoe—your choice of meat served over Texas toast and covered with fries and house-made cheese sauce. Enjoy the artisanal beers and farm-to-table fare at Engrained Brewing Company, and don’t miss Maid-Rite for a loose-meat sandwich and root beer float.

You may also like: Uncork fall fun at these wineries and wine trails

Where to stay

Inn at 835

Originally built as a luxury apartment in 1909, the Inn at 835 features 13 rooms and suites that are rich in character. Photo by Lauren Stead/Conn’s Hospitality Group

Each room has its own name at the Inn at 835 boutique hotel located downtown. Built as a luxury apartment building in 1909, the property exudes a historic ambience. Rates start at $108. Also downtown, the modern President Abraham Lincoln Springfield hotel is within walking distance of many attractions. Rates start at $99.

You may also like: Things to do in Casey, Illinois

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