If you are a history buff, you need to visit Springfield, Illinois. This small Midwestern town is the birthplace, home, and final resting place of one of America’s greatest presidents, Abraham Lincoln. You can take a tour of Lincoln’s Springfield, where you will have a chance to explore historic sites, museums, and landmarks related to the life and legacy of the man who saved the Union and abolished slavery.
Begin at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
The best place to start your tour of Lincoln’s Springfield is the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. The museum is a popular destination for history enthusiasts from around the world. It showcases a wealth of artifacts, exhibits, and interactive displays that offer a glimpse into the life and times of Abraham Lincoln.
The museum features a wide range of exhibits, including a replica of the log cabin where Lincoln was born, a life-size diorama of the White House during the Civil War, and a collection of rare photos, letters, and documents.
Visit Lincoln’s Home
Next, head to the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, where you can step back in time and experience life as it was for Lincoln and his family during the 17 years they lived in Springfield. The site includes Lincoln’s home, a visitor center, and several other historic buildings, including the Edwards Place Historic Home and the Dana-Thomas House.
At the visitor center, you can watch a short film about Lincoln’s life and take a guided tour of his home. The tour gives visitors a chance to see the 12-room house, furnished with many of the original family belongings, and learn about the Lincolns’ daily routines and family life.
Explore the Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site
The final resting place of Abraham Lincoln, his wife Mary Todd Lincoln, and three of their four children, is the Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site. The tomb is located in Oak Ridge Cemetery and is a sacred memorial to the Lincoln family. The site includes the Tomb Visitor Center, where you can see a collection of original Lincoln artifacts, including the saddle Lincoln rode on during the Civil War.
At the tomb, you can pay your respects to the Lincolns and observe the simple and tasteful design of the burial site. Visitors can also take a tour of the Lincoln Tomb and learn about the history of the monument and the events that followed Lincoln’s assassination.
Attend the Old State Capitol
The Old State Capitol is where Lincoln gave his famous "House Divided" speech in 1858. The building, which served as the seat of the Illinois government from 1839 to 1876, has been restored to its 1861 appearance. Visitors can take a guided tour of the building and learn about the Civil War era and Lincoln’s role in navigating the political and social landscape of the time.
Check Out the Lincoln Memorial Garden and Nature Center
If you want to see nature as Lincoln saw it, visit the Lincoln Memorial Garden and Nature Center. The 100-acre garden is a nature preserve designed to honor the memory of Lincoln and his love of the outdoors. Visitors can explore nature trails, gardens, and exhibits that showcase the natural beauty of the Illinois prairie.
Final Thoughts
Springfield, Illinois, is a special place for history lovers. A visit to Lincoln’s Springfield is a journey through time that gives visitors a chance to experience the life and legacy of one of America’s greatest presidents. From the presidential library to the family home, to the final resting place of the Lincoln family, there is no shortage of historic sites to explore and discover.