Best things to do in Springfield

Lincoln's Home

The pretty two-storey home of Abraham and Mary Lincoln in Springfield was the only home the lawyer and president ever owned. He and his wife lived in the house between 1844 and 1861, when he was elected President. The home has been restored and stands as it was in 1860 in the midst of a four-block historic neighbourhood, which the National Park Service is restoring. The neighbourhood, like the house, will also soon appear much as Lincoln would have remembered it. The house can only be explored on a guided tour and a time slot is assigned with each ticket; there is no admission cost.

Website www.nps.gov/liho

Oak Ridge Cemetery

Abraham Lincoln was buried in Springfield's Oak Ridge Cemetery after his assassination in 1865. Today it's the second most visited cemetery in the United States, being the resting place not only of Lincoln but several other notable historic figures, including famous poet Vachel Lindsay. Lincoln's tomb monument was designed by Larkin Mead and is one of the highlights of the Historic Monument Tour. The cemetery is surrounded by rolling prairie landscapes and thousands of old trees.

Website www.oakridgecemetery.org

Lincoln Library and Museum

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library opened in October 2004, with the Museum opening the following year. They are part of a $115 million complex dedicated to the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln and form the largest presidential library complex in the nation. The library houses the world's largest collection of Lincoln material, with more than 46,000 items. Included in this collection are nearly 1,500 documents written or signed by Lincoln, including handwritten copies of the Gettysburg Address and the Second Inaugural Address. The collection also contains important family documents and artefacts, such as the Lincoln's marriage license, a tablecloth from their wedding reception, the nameplate from their front door, and Mr Lincoln's shaving mirror. The museum has been designed to be an immersive experience, using creative exhibits that take visitors through phases of the president's life from his boyhood cabin in Indiana to his funeral in Springfield.

Website www.presidentlincoln.illinois.gov

Knights Action Park

Knights Action Park is a family entertainment centre outside of Springfield. Featuring an arcade, driving range, batting cages, go-karts, mini golf, kiddie rides, and a Ferris wheel, the park is a great place to let children run around after touring historic Springfield. The water park is where the whole family can enjoy bumper boats, water slides, a wave pool, pedal boats, and a lazy river. Added attractions at Knights Action Park are the Route 66 Twin Drive-In Theater, offering nightly double features, and Trade Winds Pub & Eatery. All these can be visited in one day and the variety of activities and amusements ensures people of all ages will find something to enjoy. Visitors should note, however, that opening times and days vary for different attractions.

Website www.knightsactionpark.com

Springfield

Things to do in Springfield

Lincoln's Home

Oak Ridge Cemetery

Lincoln Library and Museum

Knights Action Park

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Lincoln's Home

Oak Ridge Cemetery

Lincoln Library and Museum

Knights Action Park