Springfield, Illinois

Illinois' capital and Lincoln's hometown, with his home, presidential museum and tomb all in one city, plus a Frank Lloyd Wright Prairie-style house and classic Route 66 eateries.

Springfield is the capital of Illinois, set on the prairie in the center of the state, about 320 km south of Chicago and 160 km northeast of St. Louis, with a population of about 110,000. Abraham Lincoln spent 24 years of his adult life here: he practiced law, started a family and entered politics in Springfield, left from here in 1861 to become president, and was laid to rest here after his assassination, which is why it is called the "Land of Lincoln." The highlights are tightly clustered: within a few downtown blocks you'll find the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, the Old State Capitol, the Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices and the Lincoln Depot, all easily linked on foot. Lincoln's Tomb is on the north side of town, and Lincoln's New Salem, the village where he spent his young adulthood, is about 32 km northwest. Beyond Lincoln, the city has the Dana-Thomas House, a showpiece of Frank Lloyd Wright's Prairie style, the soaring dome of the current Illinois State Capitol and the Illinois State Museum. Route 66 runs through town, and classic spots like the Cozy Dog Drive In draw road-trippers; the Mother Road Route 66 festival is held every June and the Illinois State Fair in August. The climate is continental, with hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters; Apr–Oct is the best time to visit, and fall has the most settled weather. Getting there: Amtrak's Lincoln Service takes about 3.5 hours from Chicago and about 1.5 hours from St. Louis; the city has a small airport, and drivers take Interstate 55. Plan on 1–2 days. Most historic sites are free, but tour tickets for the Lincoln Home and opening days at some state sites are limited, so check ahead.

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