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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Abraham Lincoln Memorial Garden ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Activities
Abraham Lincoln Memorial Garden
© Courtesy of Stas - Fotolia.com

2. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Kids & Family
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
© Courtesy of Henryk Sadura - Fotolia.com

3. Old State Capitol

Old State Capitol
© Courtesy of rruntsch - Fotolia.com

4. Springfield and Central Illinois African-American History Museum

Category: Museums & Culture
Springfield and Central Illinois African-American History Museum
© Springfield and Central Illinois African-American History Museum

5. Lincoln's New Salem

6. Vachel Lindsay Home

7. Washington Park Botanical Garden

Category: Activities
Washington Park Botanical Garden
© Courtesy of licvin - Fotolia.com

8. Adams’ Wildlife Sanctuary

Category: Activities
Adams’ Wildlife Sanctuary
© Courtesy of olga - Fotolia.com

9. Cozy Dog Drive In

10. Dana-Thomas House

11. Daughters Of Union Veterans Civil War Museum

Category: Museums & Culture
Daughters Of Union Veterans Civil War Museum
© Courtesy of Kenneth Keifer - Fotolia.com

12. Edwards Place Historic Home

Category: Attractions

13. Engrained Brewery & Restaurant

Category: Food & Drink
Engrained Brewery & Restaurant
© Engrained Brewery & Restaurant

14. Executive Mansion

Category: Museums & Culture
Executive Mansion
© Courtesy of majorosl66 - Fotolia.com

15. Southwind Park

Category: Activities
Southwind Park
© mdyn/stock.adobe.com

16. Great Western Depot

Great Western Depot
© Courtesy of rruntsch - Fotolia.com

17. Henson Robinson Zoo

Category: Kids & Family
Henson Robinson Zoo
© Courtesy of Adam - Fotolia.com

18. Illinois State Capitol

Illinois State Capitol
© Courtesy of Brian Scantlebury - Fotolia.com

19. Illinois State Museum

Category: Museums & Culture

20. Lincoln Herndon Law Offices

Lincoln Herndon Law Offices
© Courtesy of robynmac - Fotolia.com

21. Lincoln Home National Historic Site

Category: Attractions
Lincoln Home National Historic Site
© Courtesy of rruntsch - Fotolia.com

22. Lincoln Tomb

Lincoln Tomb
© Courtesy of Henryk Sadura - Fotolia.com

23. Kidzeum of Health and Science

Category: Kids & Family
Kidzeum of Health and Science
© Kidzeum of Health and Science

Summary and Frequenly Asked Questions:

Springfield might be best known for its most famous resident, President Abraham Lincoln. The city is where Lincoln chose to move to pursue a career in law, where he met his wife, and where he lived while holding a position in the House of Representatives. It wasn’t until he was elected president that he left Springfield, and upon his departure many of the residents saw him off. Modern day Springfield is a destination filled with rich Civil War history, museums, and monuments dedicated not only to Abraham Lincoln, but also to the work he considered of the utmost importance.

Weekend drive from Chicago to Springfield, Illinois is 3 hr 45 min (218.6 miles via I-57 S and I-72 W).


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