Illinois is the Land of Lincoln. Yet, when thinking about Illinois family road trip, most people concentrate their attention on and around Chicago. Only few venture 3 hours South to Springfield – and those are the ones who don’t miss out on fantastic attractions and an outstanding educational opportunity. Learning about the past is very important so that we do not repeat the same mistakes in the future. History lessons can be exciting and kids friendly if done right. Good people in Springfield, IL have a perfect recipe for that. There are several great attraction in Illinois’ capital that transport you to the times of Abraham Lincoln, help you re-live and understand the history and even meet the 16th President of the United States (sort of 😉 ). It makes for a perfect family weekend getaway..
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
This beautiful modern complex, which is a crown jewel of all Lincoln related attractions, opened in 2005. Being so new it provides truly state of the art experiences. There are 4 main experiences and several supporting ones. The big four are:
Two galleries dedicated to factual history: Lincoln pre-Presidential years and his sojourn in the White house.
Ghosts of the Library – Holavision Theater. Basically, with the help of advanced technologies Holavision brings Lincoln to life. It is a totally different experience from Historic Moments with Mr. Lincoln designed by Walt Disney (you may read about it in my Disneyland family itinerary) because a different technology is being used. Both experience are fantastic and it is hard to say which we loved more. I strongly suggest you see both.
The Union Theater – presents a historic movie about President Lincoln and the Civil War with special effects. If you can make history appealing this is definitely the way to do it. I don’t want to give any spoilers, let’s just say it is totally cool!
Out of the supporting exhibitions our favorite was Mrs. Lincoln’s Attic where kids can play with various toys and games and even dress-up in period costumes.
The added bonus – you can find the Lincoln’s family right there in the museum in period costumes (accompanied by Mr. President himself) and you are welcome to take photos with them.
Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Park
This State Park is located 20 miles Northwest of Springfield. It is a reconstruction of the village where Abraham Lincoln spent his early adulthood, 6 years of it to be precise. It has about two dozens of historic building, some of which have exhibits inside.
You can see, for instance, a blacksmith’s shop, a doctor’s clinic, a store, etc. You can learn a lot about people’s lives in early 19th century. You basically walk outside through the village stopping at various points of interest. It is a very peaceful and picturesque place.
If you travel during the winter holiday season both of the attractions above will have holiday decorations (the later will only have them in the Visitor’s Center). In Salem they use handmade period decorations, which is really neat.
Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Park
Lincoln Home National Historic Site
This is the only home that President Lincoln ever owned and he spent 17 years in it with his wife Mary and kids. There are ranger-led tours during which you will be able to see most of the rooms in the house: bedrooms, parlor, sitting room, dining room, kitchen, etc. as well as backyard and outbuildings. Everything in the house is well preserved and authentic, it almost feels like Lincoln family still lives there.
We had a great weekend visiting Springfield. I honestly learnt more during this Illinois family road trip itinerary than I had ever learnt from history books. It was the best possible and affordable Time Travel experience without the actual time machine (image how much that one would have cost!)
WHERE TO STAY:
Hampton Inn and Suites, part of Hilton family of hotels, ( 2300 Chuckwagon Dr, Springfield, IL 62711) is always your best bet with great quality free hot breakfasts, fridge and microwave in the room, pool and hot tub. And of you book in advance you can get up to 15% off their standard rate. Join Hilton rewards for free to get points for each stay. Points accumulate and can be redeemed for free nights on future stays. Click on the banner below to learn about current promotions.
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USEFUL RESOURCES FOR THIS TRIP (all images below are clickable links)
