Springfield, Illinois

The capital of Illinois and the family home of Abraham Lincoln. These two facts are what likely comes to mind when you think of Springfield, IL. In addition to the home of Lincoln, Springfield is where the 16th President is buried and it’s where you can find his Presidential Museum and Library. We took a road trip through America’s Heartland and made this historic center one of our stops.

Lincoln Residence

Our first stop in Springfield was to visit the family residence of this well-known president. The National Park Service maintains the historic home and the other residences in the four blocks surrounding the area. Lincoln and his family lived on South 8th Street in Downtown Springfield from 1844 to 1861. Lincoln then moved to Washington, D.C. following his inauguration.

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To see the inside of the home, you have to be on a tour. Arrive at the visitor’s center early to snag a free, timed-tour ticket. We were waiting outside the Visitor’s Center when it opened. Tour groups are small, just 15 people, so arrived early if you are on a schedule. The tour is short, just 20-25 minutes but covers the entire home and offers great insight into Lincoln’s family life.

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Lincoln Presidential Museum

After visiting the Lincoln residence, our next stop was Lincoln’s Presidential Museum. The museum is a beautiful tribute to Lincoln’s life and very kid-friendly. Done in rotunda-style the museum traces Lincoln’s meager beginnings in Kentucky, through his time in the White House and ultimately his assassination. Also included in the museum are well-done exhibits on slavery and the Civil War.

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A recreation of Lincoln’s boyhood home in Kentucky showed what life as a youngster might have been like for Lincoln. Below are pictures of the museum’s exhibit titled, Lincoln’s White House Years. Our boys enjoyed searching for clues throughout the exhibits to earn their Junior Ranger badges.

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Lincoln Tomb

Our last stop in Springfield was the tomb of the Lincoln family at Oak Ridge Cemetery. The tomb is the final resting place of President Lincoln, Mary Todd Lincoln and three of the four Lincoln children. Robert Lincoln is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

Before leaving the burial site, you should rub the nose of the bronze statue outside the monument. It’s said to bring good luck. Our short stop in Springfield brought the pages of United States history textbooks to life.

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Must Try

Finally, if you’re looking to eat like a local in Springfield, try a horseshoe. The entree is described as an open-faced sandwich and is said to have originated in Springfield. Underneath piles of fries and a creamy, cheesy sauce is a slice of Texas toast and a layer of pulled pork. The meat often varies and can include shredded chicken or a beef patty. We sampled our horseshoe sandwiches at Engrained Brewing and Restaurant. Try it!

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To read more about our Heartland of America Road Trip, see posts on stops at Mammoth Cave National Park, Cedar Point Amusement Park, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Indiana Dunes National Parks, Gateway Arch National Park and Hocking Hills, OH.

Happy Adventuring, Rochelle