Things To Do Near Lincoln Home National Historic Site
At the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, you can take a guided tour of the Lincoln home. Admission is free, and you can get tickets in the visitor center. You can also see exhibits about Lincoln in the Dean House and the Arnold House. There are several other historic houses in the park, such as the Jameson Jenkins lot, which was a stop on the Underground Railroad. In addition, the site offers living history demonstrations and other events from time to time.
Hiking Trails
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Lick Creek Wildlife Preserve Trail
The Lick Creek Wildlife Preserve trail is an out-and-back trail that features a lake. Wildflowers can be seen in season, and the trail is good for viewing wildlife. Dogs are allowed if kept on a leash.
Location
Old Chatham Road south of Springfield, IL
Length
4.8 miles
Intensity
Easy
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Carpenter Park Trail
The Carpenter Park trail is a loop trail near the Sangamon River. It is best used from April through October. The trail is popular with bird watchers. Dogs are allowed on a leash.
Location
Cabin Smoke Trail north of Springfield, IL
Length
11.3 miles
Intensity
Moderate
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Lewis Memorial Acres Outer Loop
The Lewis Memorial Acres Outer Loop is a great forested trail that is used for nature trips, hiking, and mountain biking. There are bridges over the many creek beds in the park.
Location
399 S. Koke Mill Road, Springfield, IL
Length
1.8 miles
Intensity
Moderate
Sightseeing
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Frank Lloyd Wright's Dana-Thomas House
The Dana Thomas House was built by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1902. It is one of the first prairie-style houses he built, and it is 12,000 square feet in size. Tours are available, and it is recommended that you call ahead to make sure you can get the tour you want.
Location
301 East Lawrence Avenue, Springfield, IL
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Old State Capitol
The Old State Capitol was used by the Illinois government from 1839 to 1876. It is now on the National Register of Historic Places. Abraham Lincoln served as a state legislator here. Guided tours are available, or you can tour the building on your own.
Location
526 East Adams Street, Springfield, IL
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Washington Park Botanical Garden
The Washington Park Botanical Garden is a great place to visit any time of year. Outdoor attractions in the garden include a large rose garden with 5,000 plants, cactus gardens, a scent and texture garden, and an iris garden. Indoors, you can visit the Conservatory, a large glass dome with a 9,000 square-foot greenhouse area containing plants from all over the world. Admission is free.
Location
1740 West Fayette Avenue, Springfield, IL
Museums
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Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library
The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library houses many documents, books, photographs, and maps from Lincoln's time and the Civil War. The museum is across the street, connected to the library by a skywalk. Inside the museum, you can see a replica of the Ford Theater where Lincoln was assassinated as well as other exhibits about Lincoln's life.
Location
112 North Sixth Street, Springfield, IL
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Illinois State Museum
The Illinois State Museum offers exhibits on art, natural history, anthropology, Native American culture, and Illinois history. There is also a play museum with interactive activities for children.
Location
502 South Spring Street, Springfield, IL
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Illinois State Military Museum
The Illinois State Military Museum covers all the wars that soldiers from Illinois were involved in, from the War of 1812 through the War on Terror. If you are interested in military history, you will love this museum. Admission is free.
Location
1301 North MacArthur Blvd, Springfield, IL
Nearby Shops and Restaurants
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Mr. Lincoln's Souvenirs and Gifts
Mr. Lincoln's is a souvenir and gift shop specializing in Lincoln memorabilia, Springfield items, postcards, T-shirts, sweatshirts, and more. You are sure to find many gifts for your friends and family here.
Location
603 South 7th Street, Springfield, IL
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Rock Candy
Rock Candy is not a candy store: It sells rocks, minerals, fossils, and handmade jewelry. At times, there are tarot readers available to give readings to customers.
Location
1818 Adlai Stevenson Drive, Springfield, IL
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Indigo Restaurant
Indigo Restaurant specializes in the cuisines of France, Asia, and the United States with a contemporary twist. Seafood and sushi are prominent on the menu. The menu offers great desserts, including cheesecake made on the premises.
Location
3013 Lindbergh Blvd., Springfield, IL
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Bella Milano
Bella Milano is a casual, family-friendly restaurant serving pizza, sandwiches, and Italian entrees. It is open for lunch and dinner.
Location
4525 Wabash Avenue, Springfield, IL
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Engrained Brewery and Restaurant
Engrained Brewery and Restaurant is a microbrewery with an excellent restaurant serving burgers, flatbreads, steaks, and more. There's a nice kids' menu, too.
Location
1120 West Lincolnshire Blvd., Springfield, IL