ASHLAND
Crazy Horse Campground
2117 Crazy Horse Rd
A55-acre, family oriented place with rolling hills, hiking trails and two large ponds for fishing, boating and a swimming beach. They offer primitive lots, full hook-ups and a lodge. Special event weekends including a Bluegrass Festival.
217-886-2089
ATHENS
Abe Lincoln Long Nine Museum
200 S. Main Street,
This building was built in 1832 by Colonel Matthew Rogers, and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Abraham Lincoln visited this building on many occasions during his travels between New Salem and Springfield. Now a museum, it houses audio narrated diorama about Lincoln’s connection to Athens, so viewers bring history to life with the touch of a button! Call before visiting.
217-636-8755
BEARDSTOWN
Lincoln Courthouse
101 West Third Street
Built in 1844 is where Abraham Lincoln argued many cases. The museum features an extensive collection of antique firearms and Indian arrowheads.
217-323-3271
Grand Opera House National Landmark
123 South State Street
Originally built in 1872 and restored after being almost totally destroyed by a tornado.
CHANDLERVILLE
Ghost Hollow Ranch
12216 Gabbys Rd.
Nestled in the bluffs above the Sangamon River, the ranch offers miles of bike trails, horse trails and hiking.
217-458-2674
Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Park
101409 County Hwy 11
A 26-square tract located in the gentle rolling countryside. Activities include, hunting, fishing, boating, canoeing, hiking, biking, horseback riding, camping and more.
217-452-7741
Sanganois Conservation Area
3594 CR 200 N
A junction of the Sangamon and Illinois rivers. Site includes bottomland environment comprised of sloughs, backwater lakes, timbered ponds and bottomland timber making it an ultimate public duck hunting area accessed primarily by boat.
309-546-2628
CHATHAM
Sugar Creek Covered Bridge
Covered Bridge Road southeast of Chatham, this beautiful red bridge was built in 1880 and was designed to accommodate horse-drawn wagons full of hay. A quaint park adjacent to the bridge and creek is an ideal place for a picnic.
217-483-2451
GREENVIEW
Historic Marbold Farmstead
located on Illinois Route 29
Approximately one mile south of Greenview and 20 miles north of Springfield, is a treasured jewel in Menard County. The original house was built in 1850. Check back for special events!
JACKSONVILLE
Abraham Lincoln Voices of Jacksonville Audio Tour
Downtown and other historic sites, follow in the steps of Abraham Lincoln through historic Jacksonville. See the actual places and hear the real stories of Lincoln as his friends and associates knew him while Looking For Lincoln in Jacksonville. These creative history stories are professionally recorded and interesting for visitors of all ages.
Walldog Murals
Downtown, painters from all over the U.S. and as far away as Ireland and Australia worked on these 10 historical murals. They are located in various areas of downtown Jacksonville.
217-245-6884
Underground Railroad Driving Tour
Various Jacksonville locations, Jacksonville was one of the many stations along the Underground Railroad and one of the busiest during the mid-1800s. Prominent abolitionists like Edward Beecher, first president of Illinois College and brother to Harriet Beecher Stowe, author of Uncle Tom’s Cabin, Jonathan B. Turner and Benjamin Henderson, a former slave, were among the many that were relentless in the pursuit of freedom for all. Jacksonville has at least nine documented sites which were important to this endeavor during the years before the Civil War. Although most are private residences, many of the homes used in the Underground Railroad can still be seen in Jacksonville.
217-243-3755
Woodlawn Farm
East of Jacksonville
Follow Morton Avenue east over Route 72, and follow the signs, the showcase homestead of Jacksonville’s extensive Underground Railroad network. Former slaves were ushered through this home on their way to freedom.
217-243-3755
Governor Joseph Duncan Mansion
Located in Duncan Park, this restored mansion was used for State business during the term of Governor Joseph Duncan from 1834-1838. The three-story, 17-room mansion was built in 1834. The mansion is owned and operated by the Rev. James Caldwell Chapter NSDAR. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971, and houses many of the original Duncan family furnishings.
Illinois School for the Deaf Alumni Association
125 Webster Avenue, Building 11
Thomas Officer Hall, the museum has 2 floors of displays.
Morgan County Courthouse
West State Street
Built in 1868, the Morgan County Courthouse is the center of government for the county.
Jacksonville Theatre Guild
210 West College Avenue
Live theater productions, performed at the Sophie Leschin Auditorium, The JTG Studio Theatre, and various locations.
217-245-1402
Jacksonville Symphony Society
One of the top orchestras in the state, the JSS is on stage for five concerts each year. Auditioned performers work with featured guest performers, including members of the St. Louis Symphony. Programs include classical, holiday, and pop offerings.
217- 245-1181 or 888-310-6781
Strawn Art Gallery
331 West College Ave
Visit this beautiful, historic structure, featuring monthly changing art exhibits and permanent collections which include displays of early Mississippian Native American pottery and the Miriam Cowgur Allen doll collection.
217-243-9390
www.strawnartgallery.org
PETERSBURG
Edgar Lee Masters Memorial Museum
8th and Jackson Streets
Poet and author of The Spoon River Anthology, spent his early childhood in Petersburg, before moving on to spend his adult life in Chicago. In his honor, the memorabilia of his life and works are displayed in the house where he lived as a young boy.
217-632-7363
The Farm
21648 Old Farm Avenue
Take a break in the country, down a small road to the bluffs overlooking the Sangamon River. You’re sure to be pleased with what you find here. With over 20 theme gardens; a rustic barn shop featuring dried flowers, herbs and gifts; a greenhouse in the spring; group tours, picnics, bonfires and hayrides; beautiful Clydesdales; and garden weddings, this is quite a place to visit!
217-632-2888
Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site
15588 History Lane
This wonderful historic site is a reconstruction of the village where Abraham Lincoln spent his early adulthood. Lincoln’s time in New Salem formed a turning point in his career. He was a store clerk, rail splitter, postmaster, surveyor, and businessman. He also enlisted in the Black Hawk War during his time at New Salem, and was elected to the Illinois General Assembly in 1834 and 1836. Come and see for yourself, or take a virtual tour at our website!
217-632-4000
Lincoln’s New Salem Canoe Rental, Inc.
Petersburg, IL
Discover the natural settings of Lincoln’s New Salem, historic Petersburg and surrounding Menard County by canoe or kayak! You can travel the waters that Lincoln traveled as you take in the views of soaring wildlife around every bend.
217-494-3957
Oakland Cemetery
Oakland Avenue
This old cemetery which dates back to the 1800’s, is the resting place of Lincoln’s first sweetheart, Ann Rutledge, along with many former New Salem residents. Rutledge’s tombstone bears an inscription written by Edgar Lee Masters, who is also buried nearby.
217-632-7363
Stier Trolley Express
Enjoy a historical tour around Petersburg on the Stier Trolley Express! Tours leave from the Visitors Center at New Salem State Historic Site. Tickets can be purchased at the Lincoln League Bookstore, just east of the Visitors Center. Please call for tour dates and times.
217-632-7876
Starhill Forest Arboretum
12000 Boy Scout Trail
Located on 48 acres in southern Menard County. Old trees in the forested areas date to about 1850. Guided tours are offered by appointment.
www.starhillforest.com
The Theatre in the Park, Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site
15588 History Lane
A 475-seat outdoor amphitheater designed for your comfort, with auditorium style seating, concessions, and a multi-level stage. Performances are held Friday through Sunday, from mid June until late August. Call or visit our website for more information.
800-710-9290
PLEASANT PLAINS
Clayville Historic Site
12828 State Route 125
The centerpiece of Clayville is the Broadwell Inn, the oldest brick building in Sangamon County, built in 1824 by the Broadwell family as a stage coach stop between Springfield and Beardstown. The Inn is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is surrounded by numerous other historic buildings from Central Illinois moved to Clayville in the 1960’s to recreate an early frontier pioneer village. Come see a unique piece of Illinois history.
217-481-4430
SPRINGFIELD
Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau
109 North 7th Street, Springfield, IL 62701
217-789-2360 or 800 -545-7300
www.visit-springfieldillinois.com
Abe Lincoln National Museum of Surveying
521 E Washington Street
The first and only museum dedicated to preserving and interpreting the nation’s history of mapping and surveying, including a permanent collection of more than 2,000 pieces and featured exhibits about Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln and Lewis and Clark in addition to its most notable feature Science On A Sphere.
217-523-3130
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library (IL Historical Research Library & Lincoln Collection)
112 North 6th Street,
the premier repository for materials relating to the history of Illinois.
800-610-2094
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum
212 North 6th Street
Enabling visitors to experience the entire Lincoln story for themselves, under one roof- in a modern television control room on Election Night, 1860, the Blue Room of the White House; an Indiana log cabin; Ford’s Theatre; and twin special effects theatres featuring multi-screen, state-of-the-art projection technology that uses twenty-first century advancements to immerse visitors in the nineteenth century.
800-610-2094
Camp Butler National Cemetery
5063 Camp Butler Road, Route 36 East
Once the site of a Union Civil War training camp and Confederate prison, now a cemetery for veterans and their dependents.
217-492-4070
Cozy Dog Drive In
2935 S. 6th St.
This traditional Route 66 diner is a part of the history of Springfield when inventor Ed Waldmire introduced the Cozy Dog “famous hot dog on a stick” at the Lake Springfield Beach House and at the Illinois State Fair in 1946.
217-525-1992
Dana-Thomas House State Historic Site
301 East Lawrence
Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, the house was built in 1902. It is the most perfectly preserved example of early Wright achitecture, art glass and furniture in the country.
217-782-6776
The Executive Mansion
410 E. Jackson Street
One of three continuously occupied governor’s mansion in the nation. The 16 rooms open
to the public include the state dining room, a magnificent library and the Lincoln bedroom.
217-782-6450
Henson Robinson Zoo
1100 East Lake Drive
Home to animals native to Australia, Africa, Asia and North & South America. Over 90 species of native and exotic animals are housed here among naturalistic exhibits. Special events are held throughout the year and provide many hands-on experiences for children and adults alike. Also, take a ZooperEdventure with the zoo’s education programs for children ages 2 to 17. Facilities include a gift shop, concessions and petting area.
217-753-6217,
Historic Sites Bus
Downtown Springfield
The Springfield Mass Transit District offers a bus to take you around to some of Springfield’s most visited sites from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, Lincoln’s Tomb, Lincoln’s Home, and many other sites. Runs every half hour, one price for the whole day.
217-522-5531
Illinois Korean War Memorial
Oak Ridge Cemetery,
the names of 1,752 Illinois veterans killed in action are engraved on the granite walls as well as quotes from all of the branches of the Armed Forces.
217-782-2717
Illinois State Capitol
301 S Second Street (2nd & Capitol Streets)
The center of state government, the new Capitol building is the home of the Illinois General Assembly.
217-782-2099
Illinois State Military Museum
1301 North MacArthur Blvd. (Camp Lincoln)
The museum is committed to collecting, preserving, interpreting and exhibiting the military heritage of the State of Illinois.
217-761-3910
Illinois State Museum
502 S Spring St (Spring and Edwards Streets)
Come see us at the Illinois State Museum. Discover 500 million years of changing Illinois environments, marvel at the creations of renowned artists, explore past and present lifeways, and much more – all for FREE!
217-782-7386
Illinois Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Oak Ridge Cemetery
This memorial pays tribute to Illinoisans’ who served in Vietnam. Names of KIA’s, POW’s and MIA’s are listed on the striking black and gray granite walls.
217-782-2717
Knight’s Action Park & Caribbean Water Adventure
1700 Recreation Drive
This park is family owned. Family entertainment center has go karts, mini-golf, ferris wheel, batting cages & driving range. Water park offers activity pools, a wave pool, waterslides, thrill rides, bumper and pedal boats and an action river.
217-546-8881
Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices State Historical Site
6th and Adams
This building built in 1840, is the only surviving structure in which Abraham Lincoln maintained a law office.
217-785-7960
Lincoln Home National Historic Site
8th & Jackson
The only home Abraham Lincoln ever owned. It is now the center of a restored four block area, which includes a visitor’s center.
217-492-4241, ext. 221
Lincoln Memorial Garden and Nature Center
2301 East Lake Drive
A“living memorial” to Abraham Lincoln, composed of plants native to Illinois, Indiana and Kentucky. It is on the shores of Lake Springfield. Call for hours.
217-529-1111
Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site
Oak Ridge Cemetery
Abraham Lincoln, his wife Mary Todd and three of their four sons rest here. The statuary inside the tomb shows Lincoln at different periods in his career.
217-782-2717
Lost Bridge Trail
Springfield to Rochester
Rollerblade, bike or hike on this five-mile scenic paved trail.
217-544-1751
Route 66 Twin Drive Inn
1700 Recreation Drive
This resurrected drive-in shows double features nightly on each screen.
217-546-8881 or movie line 217-698-0066
Shea’s Gas Station Museum
2075 Peoria Rd.
A favorite photo stop for Route 66 travelers from around the world. View charming and eclectic collection of more than half a century of gas station memorabilia.
217-522-0475
Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon
Washington Park, Fayette Street and Chatham Road
The 5th largest carillon in the world and one of the few open to the public, is surrounded by gardens.
217-753-6219
Vachel Lindsay Home
603 South 5th Street
Birthplace of the native Springfield poet/artist in 1879, it remained his only residence until his death there in 1931.
217-524-0901
Washington Park Botanical Gardens
1740 W. Fayette
One of central Illinois’ major horticultural attractions. A domed conservatory filled with lush tropical foliage year-round.
217-753-6228
World War II Illinois Veterans Memorial
Oak Ridge Cemetery
A globe of the world symbolizing the conflict that involved more than 200 nations. More than 70 stainless steel buttons on the globe signify the major battles and events of World War II. Two black granite walls extend out from the globe approximately 100 feet and are engraved with the major battles and events of World War II.
217-782-2717
