Land of Lincoln: Your Visit to Historic Springfield, Illinois

By Bill Malcolm*

The central Illinois town of Springfield is not only the state capitol, but also the home of Abraham Lincoln, one of America's greatest presidents. Lincoln's legacy is everywhere including the National Park Service run village just south of downtown. The downtown area is very walkable and full of signs describing details about the history and role the 16th President played in the city.

WHAT TO DO

Mr. Lincoln's neighborhood (aka Lincoln Home National Historic Site) is a National Park Service run tribute to the late President. The pedestrian only area highlights the famous homes of Mr. Lincoln and others. NPS also runs a film on the history of President Lincoln. You will find it at 426 S. 7th Avenue. There is no admission charge. Try and schedule a free tour if you can. Some fun facts about Lincoln and the Lincoln Home in Springfield from the National Park Service brochure:

Abraham Lincoln was born February 12, 1809. He died April 15, 1865.
Abraham Lincoln was 6 feet, 4 inches tall.
The first time Abraham Lincoln ran for public office, he lost. He finished eighth of thirteen candidates.
Before becoming president, Abraham Lincoln held the following political offices: Seat in the Illinois State House of Representatives (1834, 1836, 1838, and 1840) and Seat in the U.S. House of Representatives (1846)
Lincoln was to participate in a duel with James Shields on September 22, 1842, until it was called off at the last minute by friends on both sides.
Lincoln did not receive the nickname "Rail Splitter" until the Illinois Republican Convention held in Decatur on May 9-10, 1860.

The Lincoln Home

The Lincoln Home was built in 1839 for Reverend Charles Dresser, who later married Abraham and Mary Lincoln, then a few years later, sold them the house. It was a one-and-a-half cottage at the time. The Lincolns paid $1500 for the house. Other details:

The Lincoln Home has almost burned down two times since its construction in 1839. The first fire occurred over the Christmas holiday of 1854/1855. This fire may have encouraged the Lincolns to add the full second floor. The second fire was the result of a lightning strike, which burned the roof near the north chimney.
The first telephone was installed in the Lincoln Home between 1878 and 1879.
Electricity was first used to light the home in 1899.

Other things to do:

Tour the beautiful Illinois State Capitol.
Visit the Lincoln Presidential Museum and the Lincoln grave site known as Lincoln's Tomb.
Enjoy the wildflowers and trails just south of downtown along Lake Springfield.
The Illinois State Museum (502 S. Spring Street) is free and showcase's the state.

NIGHTLIFE

The Clique Bar downtown is your LGBTQ+ bar. They have a great happy hour and a friendly crowd of locals. Check their Facebook page for events. You will find them at 411 East Washington right downtown.

PRIDEFEST IS MAY 18

Mark your calendars. Springfield's Pridefest will be May 18. It features the 11th Annual Club LaCage Drag Show as well as Drag Queen Bingo. Details at springfieldpridefest.com.

GETTING THERE

Springfield is served by rail from both Chicago and St. Louis as well as a train that goes south to Texas on the Texas Eagle which features a dome car. The trains in Illinois now operate at 100 mph + and service is frequent. The station is right downtown. Book your trip at www.amtrak.com.

Springfield is just 2-3 hours south of Chicago and just ninety miles north of St. Louis.

Flying is an option right into Springfield or you can fly to St. Louis and drive up.

WHERE TO STAY

I stayed at the Carpenter Street Hotel (525 N. 6th Street) Inn just north of downtown. It's basic and affordable and walkable to the attractions. They even offered me a lower rate than the one I booked at when I checked in - unheard of in the industry. It's near a nice locally owned grocery store, County Market (210 E. Carpenter), which has food to go and a great salad bar. Work out at the nearby new YMCA that sells day passes until 4 p.m. Check your bill, though. They charged me 3 nights instead of 2 and also charged the incorrect rate the second night. (Yes, I got it corrected.) Also, they charge the full amount at check in (not at check out like most hotels).

Other options are available but check the Trip Advisor reviews of them before booking. Especially the Wyndham (the white circular high rise downtown) as well as the property across the street which both get dubious reviews. The only other hotel I recommend downtown is the State House Inn. There are other hotels east of downtown along the freeway. I have stayed at the Crowne Point but get a room not facing the freeway (I-55).

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Illinois Times (Illinoistimes.com) is your weekly with local events and happenings. VisitSpringfieldillionis.com and capitalcityvisitor.com have details on all of the above attractions.

Springfield is rich in history and has a fun gay bar. It is worth a visit.

*Bill Malcolm is an award winning LGBTQ+ syndicated travel columnist whose column is carried by publications around North America. He recently finished second in the Excellence in Journalism Awards in the Florida Press Association for travel writing for his Chicago and Milan columns published by Embrace Magazine of Ocala. He is a native of Peoria, Illinois and his family is from Morton and Pekin.