Springfield, Illinois

The garden officially began on Nov. 14, 1936, when Girl Scout and Boy Scout troops planted the first acorns that have since grown into towering oak trees. Since its inception, the Abraham Lincoln Memorial Garden has been primarily maintained by volunteers and members of the community, working hard to preserve the 100-acre site, which boasts 6 miles of peaceful walking trails interspersed with wooden benches, each inscribed with a different quote by Lincoln. The memorial garden is designed to represent the landscape that Abraham Lincoln would have been familiar with during his lifetime living in the Midwest, featuring and showcasing plants native to Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois.

2301 East Lake Shore Drive Springfield, Illinois 62712-8908, Phone: 217-529-1111

Although building the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum took almost four times as long as the Civil War, upon opening, the center quickly became the most popular presidential center in the nation. The museum primarily features exhibits on Lincoln’s life, including a rotating exhibit of many important artifacts from the museum’s Treasures Gallery. The museum was designed and researched by many top Abraham Lincoln scholars and the grand opening was visited by nearly 25,000 individuals, including President George W. Bush, and then future president Barack Obama. There are many rotating exhibits, and guests are encouraged to visit the website or call ahead of time to find out more information.

212 N. Sixth St., Springfield, IL 62701, Phone: 217-558-8844

As a modern recreation of the building that held heated political debates between Stephen A. Douglas and Abraham Lincoln, the Old State Capitol is a Greek revival-style construction that was erected in the 1960s. The original building that Old State Capitol is modeled after, the Fifth Illinois’ Statehouse, was visited by Lincoln often, both as a lawyer as well as a politician, and was the location for his famous speech in 1858, “House Divided.” The Fifth Statehouse was also the location where Lincoln’s campaign headquarters were located for the 1860 presidential campaign. Guests visiting the Old State Capital can follow a 30-minute interpreter-guided tour or view the rooms at their own leisure.

IDNR-One Natural Resources Way Springfield, IL 62702-1271, Phone: 217-782-4836

Unique Attractions

Founded in 2012 by Douglas King, the Springfield and Central Illinois African-American History Museum is dedicated to celebrating the African-American history of Central Illinois. The museum features exhibits, presentations, as well as a large collection of over 700 oral histories from Central Illinoisans. The museum is funded by the Springfield African American History Foundation and strives to be an important part of cultural life in Springfield by partnering with organizations that share similar goals and strategies. Admission to the museum is free and it has varying hours, so it is recommended to check the schedule ahead of time. Donations are accepted and encouraged, and the museum provides volunteering opportunities for those who are interested.

1440 Monument Avenue Springfield, Illinois 62702, Phone: 217-391-6323

Located just over 20 miles northeast of Springfield, Lincoln's New Salem is a recreation of the town where President Abraham Lincoln grew up and spent his first years as an adult. While living in the frontier village of New Salem between 1831 and 1837, Lincoln made a living working various jobs, including as a boatman, soldier, owner of a general store, postmaster, rail splitter, and surveyor. Lincoln’s New Salem provides visitors with a chance to see a completely reconstructed New Salem, complete with hands-on experiences, interactive exhibits, and a well-stocked country store with many handmade items created in time period appropriate fashions.

15588 History Lane, Petersburg, Illinois 62675, Phone: 217-632-4000

Longtime home and birthplace of famous poet Nicholas Vachel Lindsay, the Vachel Lindsay Home is located moments south of the Executive Mansion, and is a two-story home built before the Civil War. Lindsay, best known in the early 20th century for his peculiar poetry, accompanying artwork, and animated performances, had two works that stand out above the rest in popularity: The Congo, published in 1914, and Collected Poems, published in 1938. The home was bought by Lindsay’s father in 1878, and in 1972 the Vachel Lindsay Home was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

IDNR-One Natural Resources Way Springfield, IL 62702-1271, Phone: 217-782-4836

Recommended Activities for Families

Offering free admission all year round, the Washington Park Botanical Garden, located in Central Illinois, is one of the region’s primary horticultural attractions, featuring more than 1,800 species of plants spread among 20 acres of land. The gardens showcase a large variety of specialty exhibits, many of which are highlighted at different times of year. There are perennial and annual flower beds, a rose garden, many native evergreen tree varieties, as well as ample opportunities for exploration and learning. Guests have access to a Washington Park Botanical Garden guidebook to help guide them through the more than 1,200 species of plants. The gardens also feature a 9,000-square-foot indoor greenhouse, featuring a variety of warm climate plants.

1740 W Fayette Ave, Springfield, IL 62704, Phone: 217-544-1751

Miss Margery Adams, born in 1897, donated her estate and the surrounding woodlands to the Illinois Audubon Society upon her death. The Audubon Society is Illinois’ oldest non-profit independent conservation organization and works hard to maintain natural habitats and wildlife. Since receiving the Adams’ property in 1983, the Audubon Society has utilized the home and surrounding acreage to create an urban nature center and a system of trails. The trails at Margery Adams Wildlife Sanctuary are open to the public, free of charge, and are available from sunrise to sunset. For more information about the Audubon Society and other properties they maintain to preserve wildlife, please contact them via telephone or email, or visit their website.

Adams’ Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 E Clear Lake Ave, Springfield, IL 62703, Phone: 217-544-5781

The Cozy Dog Drive In is home to the original and unique “Cozy Dog,” a hot dog on a stick that is now found nationwide at numerous state and county fairs. The Cozy Dog Drive In uses a special recipe batter that was developed by Ed Waldmire, Jr. while he served in the military. After his honorable discharge, he went on to establish a business selling his “crusty curs,” as they were called at first. The name changed due to his wife’s distaste, and after much trial and error eventually ended up as “Cozy Dogs.” The current location on Route 66, which opened in 1996, is next door to the original 1949 location, and the business has been in the family since its inception.

2935 S 6th St, Springfield, IL 62703, Phone: 217-525-1992