As well as the famous highway that is so much a part of the American consciousness, Springfield Illinois is the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln. A weekend in this town is a journey back in time, to the beginnings of the United States as well as a short step back into the days of Kerouac, journeying down the road of 60s America.
Things to See and Do
As the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln, no visit to Springfield is really rounded out without a look at the monuments to the life of the Big-Hatted former president. The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum (112 North 6th St ) is the best collection of artifacts from his life and the extraordinary times he lived in, and contributed to. Although he is famous, it is difficult to appreciate the extent of his forward thinking and the huge obstacles he needed to overcome to reshape the mentality of the American people during his presidency. Here, these issues are lovingly presented, in a set of buildings that are attractions in their own right.
Although Lincoln's tomb is in Springfield, it is not an unmissable attraction. A better, and slightly more cheerful, choice is the Lincoln Memorial Gardens: sweeping lawns, meandering paths and the odd lake or two, all dotted around the hundred acres dedicated to Lincoln and his love of the local area. Hikers will be well pleased with the five trails, although none of them present any great level of difficulty. Abraham Lincoln's New Salem State Park is a reconstruction of a turn-of-the-century village (the kind that Lincoln was raised in). Complete with actors in period costume, the State Park is a great chance to take a peek at a working blacksmith, and typical stores and other activities that characterized the times.
A cheesy, and highly recommended, way to spend an afternoon is to hire a soft-top and take a cruise along Route 66. Although the original highway has been broken up into a scattered set of part-roads across the country, the Springfield section is intact and well-used. There are some pretty authentic diner-style spots to stop along the way, and the Route 66 Drive-In rounds out the day with a double-feature and greasy food, all for less than $6. (1700 Recreation Drive).
Kids Activities
There's good family fun to be had in Springfield. Knight's Action Park (same location as the drive-in) is full of mini-golf and other ways to kill and afternoon, while the Kicks Family Entertainment Center (2744 S. 6th Street) uses more energy and offers more spills with go-karting, laser tag and bumper cars. A more sedate – and cheaper – family day out is at the 'The Beach.' Technically a lake (Lake Springfield, Long Bay Drive), this area is popular in the summer months and the lack of tide makes swimming safe even for the littlest members of the family.
Events
If you're visiting Springfield on the weekend of September 11 and 12, 2010, make sure to catch the New Salem Traditional Music Festival. There will be more than a hundred performers belting out folk, bluegrass and traditional music, as well as the requisite street performers, stalls and rides for the kids. This open-air event is well worth visiting, not only for a taste of the cultural roots of Springfield, but also for the surprising amount of talent that is hiding in and around this relatively small city.
Hotels
Accommodation in Springfield is as inexpensive as the famous Horseshoe sandwich that is characteristic of the city. A suite (well, room) in an historic hotel with modern refurbishing will cost around $100 per night, while a couple can stay in one of the many Bed and Breakfasts in the region for as little as $40 per night, depending on the time of year.
Use the Hotelsio Rate Finder on the left to find cheap hotels in Springfield, Illinois.
(Photo:©iStockphoto.com/benkrut)
