Illinois – From a Drifter to a President

Lincoln spent 30 years of his life in Illinois. The state is rich with historic sites that take Lincoln from a homeless partially self-drifter to a successful lawyer and political leader to president-elect. The Lincoln Presidential Museum in Springfield can provide an overview of his life, but the many historic sites scattered throughout central Illinois offer a sense of the real places where Lincoln traveled and lived.

DAY ONE

I-64 Lincoln City 2 hrs Mt. Vernon (60)

The Illinois journey begins
As a young man Lincoln and his family came to Illinois in 1831 from Indiana. Your tour of Illinois begins just south of the spot where they entered the state. As you wind your way north in Illinois, your first stop will in Mt. Vernon for an early lunch and tour of the Illinois Artisans Shop featuring fine crafts of over 800 juried Illinois artisans.

Mt. Vernon 1:05 Vandalia (45)

Vandalia – A young legislator
Lincoln was elected a legislator and served in the Vandalia State House State Historic Site which was the state Capitol of Illinois until 1839. This elegant Federal-style building is totally restored and a will provide a sense of the rough and tumble early years of Illinois politics that shaped Lincoln’s political skills.

Vandalia 1:15 Charleston (2 hrs)

Charleston – It’s debatable
The Lincoln Douglas Debate Museum was built on the site of the fourth debate, but the exhibits retrace all of the debates and describe the significance of the issues and how they shaped opinions in the entire country

Charleston – A hard life
Lincoln’s father and step-mother finally settled just outside of Charleston where they both lived until they died. They are both buried nearby. Never successful financially, Thomas Lincoln’s life as a farmer was tough and his relationship with his son seemed to be a distant one. The Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site is a subsistence farm where Lincoln’s parents lived. The farm has been recreated and offers is a first person interpretive experience. The site also includes a second farmstead, a new museum, a gift shop and an orientation theatre.

First Day: Travel Time 4 hours 15 minutes Tour Time 3 hours 45 minutes

Overnight in Charleston

DAY TWO

On the road to Springfield
The drive to Springfield from Charleston goes through an area of Illinois that is populated by Amish Farmers and several places that might provide an interesting side trip.

Charleston 2 hrs Springfield (5:30)

Springfield – the heart of Lincoln Country

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum – A Journey
The first stop in Springfield should be the state-of-the-art Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum which provides visitors with an emotional, evocative and immersive journey through Lincoln’s life plus two Multi-media theatres, special changing exhibits and the Treasures Gallery.

The museum is within a very easy walk of the Old State Capitol State Historic Site. This majestic structure dominated by imposing porticoes allows visitors to believe that they have stepped to Lincoln’s years in Springfield. Lincoln’s Law Offices State Historic Site are a quick walk across the square. All of these sites are surrounded by shops and restaurants. It would be easy to spend the good part of a day at these three sites.

Lincoln’s Home National Historic Site is within about 3 blocks of the downtown area. Until recently, this was believed to be the only home that he ever owned. Lincoln, Mary and their children lived here from 1844 until he left for Washington. The house and the neighborhood around it provide glimpse of Lincoln the father, husband and neighbor.

Lincoln, Mary and 3 of their 4 children are buried in Oak Ridge Cemetery. This imposing structure stands on a slight rise and provides a dramatic image as visitors enter the cemetery. People from all over the world come to the Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site to pay respects to Lincoln. Next to Arlington Cemetery it is the second most visited cemetery in the country.

Second Day: Travel Time: 2 hours Tour Time: 5 hours 30 minutes

Overnight in Springfield

THIRD DAY

Springfield 40 New Salem ( 2 hours)

New Salem – Laborer to lawyer

New Salem State Historic Site is a 23-building reconstructed pioneer village. Lincoln spent 7 years in New Salem. He served as a legislator, studied law, owned a store and became a surveyor. A trip to New Salem reveals the hard prairie life of Illinois and traces Lincoln’s growth from a self-educated drifter to young lawyer with significant potential.

New Salem 55 Mt. Pulaski (30)

Mt. Pulaski – Walk in his Footseps
The drive from Lincoln to Mt. Pulaski takes you through some of the richest farmland in the state. The Mt. Pulaski Courthouse where Lincoln tried many cases is in the center of the town square. This is a chance to walk the floors that Lincoln walked and learn about the many cases he tried and the friends he made in this small community

Mt. Pulaski 20 Lincoln (60)

Lincoln Illinois – The Namesake City
Lincoln christened the city that was named after him with the juice of a watermelon. You can visit the The Postville Courthouse State Historic Site which is a perfect reproduction of the county courthouse where Lincoln and his fellow attorneys stopped along the 8th Judicial Circuit. If time permits Lincoln is also home to the Lincoln College Museum which contains a significant collection of Lincoln-related artifacts. Lincoln is a good place for a lunch break.

Lincoln 50 Bloomington (60)

Bloomington – Life on the fast track
The David Davis Mansion State Historic Site in Bloomington is a elegantly restored 19thcentury mansion that tells the story of Lincoln and David Davis – two self-made men from very different back-grounds. Davis was a powerful political figure and judge who was responsible, in part, for Lincoln’s success in obtaining the Republic nomination.

Overnight in Bloomington or Springfield.

Third Day: Travel time: 2 hours and 45 minutes Tour Time: 4 hours and 30 minutes

Nighttime Entertainment
This itinerary does not include activities for evening entertainment since many events are seasonal. There are numerous possibilities including the outdoor theatre at New Salem, ghost walks in the evening, a flag ceremony at Lincoln’s Tomb, special Victorian entertainment at the Davis Mansion or Shakespeare under the stars. In addition, we can provide suggestions for numerous programs that can be held at restaurants or hotels