Discover Springfield, Illinois - Land of Lincoln's Legacy

Day 1: Stepping into Lincoln’s Public Life

• Morning (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM) Begin your Lincoln journey at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (ALPLM) (212 N 6th St, Springfield, IL 62701). This immersive museum offers a comprehensive overview of Lincoln’s life and presidency through engaging exhibits, special effects, and historical artifacts. Plan for 3-4 hours to fully experience both the museum and library exhibits.
  • Practical Tips: Purchase tickets online in advance to save time (approximately $18 per adult, total ~$36 for two). Parking available in nearby garages or street meters. The museum is highly interactive and can be crowded, especially on weekends.
  • Distance: All sites today are within walking distance or a very short drive downtown.
• Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:30 PM) Enjoy lunch at Obed & Isaac’s Microbrewery & Eatery (500 S 6th St, Springfield, IL 62701), just a few blocks south of ALPLM, known for its craft beers and pub fare in a historic setting (estimated cost: $30-50 for two). After lunch, walk two blocks north to the Old State Capitol State Historic Site (1 Old State Capitol Plaza, Springfield, IL 62701). This beautifully restored building served as Illinois’ statehouse from 1839 to 1876 and is where Lincoln delivered his famous “House Divided” speech. Guided tours are available (free admission, donations welcome; allow 1-1.5 hours). Next, drive or walk roughly 0.7 miles (15-20 min walk) southeast to the Lincoln Home National Historic Site (413 S 8th St, Springfield, IL 62701). This preserved neighborhood includes Lincoln’s only owned home. Ranger-led tours of the home are free but require timed tickets, picked up at the visitor center (allow 1-1.5 hours for the tour and exploring the historic neighborhood).
• Evening For dinner, experience a piece of Springfield’s culinary history at Maldaner’s Restaurant (222 S 6th St, Springfield, IL 62701), one of Illinois’ oldest continuously operating restaurants, serving classic American cuisine since 1884 (estimated cost: $70-100 for two). Afterward, take a leisurely stroll around the illuminated Old State Capitol Plaza.

Day 2: Lincoln’s Roots and Final Rest

• Morning (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM) Start your day with breakfast at Cafe Moxo (411 E Adams St, Springfield, IL 62701), a local favorite known for its coffee, pastries, and breakfast sandwiches (estimated cost: $25-35 for two). Drive approximately 2 miles north to Oak Ridge Cemetery (1441 Monument Ave, Springfield, IL 62702) to visit Lincoln’s Tomb State Historic Site. This impressive monument is the final resting place of Abraham Lincoln, his wife Mary, and three of their four sons. You can rub the nose of the bronze bust of Lincoln outside for good luck. (Free admission, donations welcome; allow 1 hour). Return downtown (approx. 2 miles south) to the Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices State Historic Site (209 S 6th St, Springfield, IL 62701). Located above the Tinsley Dry Goods Store, this is where Lincoln practiced law from 1843-1852. Explore the preserved office space and imagine Lincoln at work (Free admission, donations welcome; allow 45 minutes).
• Afternoon (1:00 PM - 3:00 PM) For a unique Springfield lunch experience, head to Maid-Rite Sandwich Shop (118 N Pasfield St, Springfield, IL 62702), famous for its “loose meat” sandwiches, a local staple since 1921 (estimated cost: $20-30 for two). Before departing, if time allows, make a quick stop at the Lincoln Depot (Great Western Depot) (10th St & Monroe St, Springfield, IL 62703). This is where Lincoln delivered his farewell address to the citizens of Springfield before departing for Washington D.C. to assume the presidency. While currently undergoing renovation (check status for interior access), the exterior provides a powerful historical photo opportunity (free; allow 15-30 minutes).
• Evening Depart from Springfield, carrying the profound legacy of Abraham Lincoln with you.

Day 1: Lincoln’s Footsteps & Statecraft

• Morning (9:00 AM - 12:30 PM) Start your deep dive into history at the Old State Capitol State Historic Site (1 Old State Capitol Plaza), where Abraham Lincoln served his last term in the legislature and delivered his famous “House Divided” speech. Allow 1.5 hours to explore the beautifully restored chambers. Cost: Free. Afterward, walk across the street (less than 5 minutes) to the Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices State Historic Site (209 S 6th St). Explore the historic rooms where Lincoln practiced law for 17 years. Allow 1 hour. Cost: Free. Practical Tips: Street parking or nearby parking garages are available. Start early to enjoy a quieter experience.
• Afternoon (12:30 PM - 5:00 PM) Lunch: Grab a casual lunch at Maverick Coffee + Kitchen (108 S 4th St), offering sandwiches, salads, and coffee in a modern setting. Budget: $25 for two. Head to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (ALPLM) (212 N 6th St), a world-class institution. Plan for 3-4 hours to fully immerse yourselves in the exhibits, which blend historical artifacts with immersive theatrical presentations. Distance: A 5-10 minute walk from your morning sites. Cost: Approximately $15 per person = $30 for two. Practical Tips: Check their website for showtimes for the “Ghosts of the Library” and “Lincoln’s Eyes” presentations, which are highly recommended.
• Evening Dinner: Enjoy a classic American meal at D’Arcy’s Pint (661 W Iles Ave), famous for its “Horseshoes” – a Springfield culinary invention. Budget: $40-60 for two. Optional Activity: If you have energy, drive (5-10 minutes from ALPLM) to the Lincoln Home National Historic Site (413 S 8th St). Even if tours are over, you can stroll the surrounding historic neighborhood and see the exterior of Lincoln’s only owned home. Cost: Free. Practical Tips: D’Arcy’s is about a 10-15 minute drive from downtown. Reservations are typically not needed but it can get busy.

Day 2: From Humble Beginnings to Iconic Routes

• Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM) Start your day at Lincoln’s Tomb State Historic Site (1500 Monument Ave, Oak Ridge Cemetery). Pay your respects at Lincoln’s final resting place, which also inters his wife Mary and three of their four sons. Allow 1-1.5 hours. Cost: Free. While in Oak Ridge Cemetery, visit the adjacent Illinois Korean War Memorial and Illinois Vietnam Veterans Memorial for solemn reflection. Distance: Oak Ridge Cemetery is about a 10-15 minute drive northwest from downtown. Practical Tips: Parking is ample. Don’t forget to rub Lincoln’s nose on the bust outside for good luck!
• Afternoon (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM) Lunch: Embark on your Route 66 adventure with lunch at the iconic Cozy Dog Drive In (2935 S 6th St). Savor their legendary “Cozy Dog” (a corn dog on a stick) invented right here! Budget: $20-30 for two. Immerse yourselves in Route 66 nostalgia at Shea’s Gas Station Museum (2075 Peoria Rd). Explore Bill Shea’s incredible collection of memorabilia from the Mother Road. Allow 1 hour. Cost: Free, but donations are greatly appreciated. Don’t miss a photo op with the Muffler Man/Lauterbach Giant (1720 Peoria Rd), a classic Route 66 roadside attraction, just a short drive from Shea’s. Distance: Cozy Dog is about a 10-15 minute drive south from Oak Ridge. Shea’s and the Muffler Man are another 10-15 minute drive north from Cozy Dog. Practical Tips: Shea’s is run by a dedicated enthusiast; hours can be variable, so consider calling ahead or just stopping by.
• Evening Dinner: Experience another local favorite. Consider Engrained Brewing Company (1120 W Iles Ave) for craft beers and elevated pub fare. Budget: $40-60 for two. Optional Activity: If it’s a pleasant evening, enjoy a leisurely stroll through the beautiful Washington Park Botanical Garden (1800 S Grand Ave W), a free public park. Distance: Engrained is about a 10-15 minute drive from the Shea’s/Muffler Man area. Washington Park is centrally located.

Day 3: Architectural Marvels & Route 66 Wrap-up

• Morning (9:30 AM - 12:30 PM) Begin your day with an exploration of architectural genius at the Dana-Thomas House State Historic Site (301 E Lawrence Ave). This is one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s most impressive Prairie School designs. A guided tour typically lasts 1 hour. Cost: Approximately $10 per person = $20 for two. Afterward, drive a short section of historic Route 66. Head south on S 6th Street (which is Historic Route 66) and stop for photos at the distinctive Historic Route 66 Bricks section near the Capital City Railroad Museum (100 E Washington St). Distance: Dana-Thomas House is a 5-10 minute drive/walk from downtown. The brick section is very close to downtown. Practical Tips: Check the Dana-Thomas House website for tour times and availability, as they can vary seasonally. Booking in advance is recommended.
• Afternoon (12:30 PM - 3:00 PM) Lunch: Indulge in a unique Springfield culinary tradition at Joe Rogers’ Original Recipe Chili Parlor (820 S 9th St). Choose your chili, beans, and toppings for a true local experience. Budget: $20-30 for two. If time permits and interests align, visit the Illinois State Museum (502 S Spring St). It offers fascinating exhibits on Illinois’ natural history, art, and anthropology. Allow 1-1.5 hours. Cost: Free. Distance: Joe Rogers’ is a short drive from Dana-Thomas House/downtown. The Illinois State Museum is about a 5-minute drive from the Chili Parlor. Practical Tips: Joe Rogers’ is a no-frills, cash-preferred establishment, known for its authentic local flavor.
• Evening Departure: Enjoy one last coffee or snack for the road. Optional Last Stop: If your departure allows, visit the Vachel Lindsay Home State Historic Site (603 S 5th St), the preserved home of the famous American poet. Check their limited hours of operation beforehand. Cost: Free.