Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
   The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library is located in downtown Springfield. The library houses the largest collection of Lincoln papers and memorabilia in existence, and attracts Lincoln scholars and researchers from all over the world.  The museum and interpretive center has theatres, displays, and interactive exhibits, including a high-tech Holovision Theatre.  One of five original copies of the Gettysburg Address, Lincoln’s stovepipe hat, and leather briefcase are on display here.  Visitors will be able to experience the life and work of Abraham Lincoln from his days in his log cabin to the White House.   Adult admission to the museum is $10.00.  212 N. 6th St. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.  Closed New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.  For more information call (800) 610-2094 or (217) 782-5764  www.alplm.org

 

 

 Photo Courtesy of Springfield Visitors and Convention Bureau.

 

 

Lincoln’s Home -  Lincoln Home National Historic Site - 8th and Jackson
    This historic four-square block neighborhood is administered by the National Park Service.   It is where the Lincoln family resided for seventeen years from 1844 to 1861.   Tours of the only home Abraham Lincoln ever owned are conducted by park rangers.  Free tickets are required and may be obtained at the Lincoln Home Visitor Center on a daily first-come, first-served basis.  Hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.  The home is closed New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.  Call (217) 492-4241 ext. 221 for more information.

 

 

 

Photo Courtesy of Springfield Visitors and Convention Bureau.

 

 

Lincoln’s New Salem
     Located 20 miles northwest of Springfield on Route 97.  Abraham Lincoln grew to “a man of purpose and destiny” during the six years he lived in New Salem from 1831 to 1837.  While there, he was a clerk in the general store, enlisted in the Blackhawk War, served as postmaster and deputy surveyor, studied law and was elected to the state legislature. Step back in time 150 years to the reconstructed historic village of log cabins, shops, and stores where living history comes alive.  Costumed interpreters portray the people who lived and worked here and demonstrate pioneer life in the 1830’s.  Hours: March through October, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., November through February, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Closed on Mondays, Tuesdays and major holidays.  Suggested donation.  Call (217) 632-4000 for more information.

 

 

Photo Courtesy of Springfield Visitors and Convention Bureau.

 

 

 Lincoln’s Tomb
     Located at Oak Ridge Cemetery, (within walking distance from the Rippon-Kinsella House) this is the final resting place for Abraham Lincoln, Mary Todd Lincoln, and their sons Tad, Willie, and Eddie.  Their oldest son Robert is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.  There is a special flag-lowering ceremony held each Tuesday evening during the summer by Civil War reenactment soldiers of the 114th Illinois Regiment.  The flag is then given to one of the visitors.  Hours: March through October – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., November through February – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Closed major holidays.  No admission charge.  Call (217) 782-2717 for more information.

 

 

Photo Courtesy of Springfield Visitors and Convention Bureau.

 

 

Illinois State Capitol
    Located at 2nd and Capitol.  The first legislative session was held in the new state capitol in 1877.  View the statues of former governors, senators, and representatives, and view the magnificent stained glass in the dome of the rotunda. Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Closed major holidays.  No admission charge.  Call (217) 782-2099 for more information. 

 

Photo Courtesy of Springfield Visitors and Convention Bureau.

 

 

Old State Capitol    “…. A house divided against itself cannot stand.” 
      These immortal words were spoken by Abraham Lincoln in the House of Representatives in the historic State Capitol in the days before the Civil War.  This important building in Illinois history has been restored and decorated with period furniture in the House and Senate chambers, the Supreme Court and offices of Illinois officials.  Lincoln served as a legislator in this building from 1837 to 1838.  Hours: March through October  - 9 a.m.  to 5 p.m., November through February – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Closed Sundays, Mondays, and major holidays.  Suggested donation.                          Call (217) 785-7960 for more information.

 

 

Photo Courtesy of Springfield Visitors and Convention Bureau.

 

 

Dana-Thomas House
     Located at 4th and Lawrence.  It was 1902 in Springfield when local socialite and activist Susan Lawrence Dana hired a rising young architect from Chicago to remodel her family home.   He was only 33 years old and was told to spare no expense.  The result is one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s finest Prairie-Style homes, complete with original furniture, art glass doors, windows, and light fixtures.  The rich history and architectural significance of this meticulously restored residence will be an unforgettable part of your tour of historic Springfield.  Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Closed Mondays, Tuesdays, and major holidays.  Suggested donation.

 

 

Photo Courtesy of Springfield Visitors and Convention Bureau.

 

 

Executive Mansion
      Located at 4th and Jackson.  The Executive Mansion is the home of the Governor of Illinois and was home to seven U.S. presidents.  Three floors are open to the public.  Tours of the mansion include four formal parlors, the state dining room, the ballroom, four bedrooms including the Lincoln bedroom, and the library which has floor to ceiling beveled handcrafted wooden panels made from native American Black Walnut.  Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays– 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.  Free admission.  Call (217) 782-6450 for more information.

 

 

 

Photo Courtesy of Springfield Visitors and Convention Bureau.

 

 

Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices
      Located at 6th and Adams.  Abraham Lincoln practiced law in this office above Seth Tinsley’s Drygoods Store from 1843 to 1853.  It was an ideal location for the young lawyer’s growing practice, near the State Capitol and Springfield’s finest hotel, and just above the post office and Federal courtroom.  Stephen Logan was Lincoln’s partner from 1843 to 1844, and William Herndon was his partner from 1844 to 1865.  The building has been restored to its 1840’s appearance, complete with period furniture.  Hours: March through October – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., November through February – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Closed Sundays, Mondays, and major holidays.  Open Saturdays only, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., starting September 1, 2008.  Call (217)785-7289 for more information.

 

Photo Courtesy of Springfield Visitors and Convention Bureau.

 

 

Camp Butler National Cemetery
     Located on Camp Butler Road, I-72 East of Springfield.  Camp Butler was once the site of a Union Civil War training camp and Confederate prison.  It is now a national cemetery for veterans.  Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed major holidays.  Call (217) 492-4070 for more information.

 

 

 

Photo Courtesy of Springfield Visitors and Convention Bureau.

 

 

 

Visit the Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau for more information and maps of all the historic sites of Springfield. http://www.visit-springfieldillinois.com/