Central Illinois Information

It’s free to visit historic Abraham Lincoln sites in Springfield, including the Lincoln Home, Old State Capitol and Lincoln’s Tomb. Many area hotels offer packages that include tickets to the Abraham Lin- coln Presidential Museum. In Monticello, enjoy Allerton Park and Retreat Center’s formal gardens, 100 outdoor sculptures and 14 miles of hiking trails surrounding a historic mansion for free. Check for free days at Decatur’s Scovill Zoo and Chil- dren’s Museum of Illinois, as well as the Children’s Discovery Museum in Normal.

SEASONAL FAVES

The Old Capitol Art Fair in downtown Springfield kicks off spring every May. During summer, celebrate the Land of Lin- coln at the Illinois State Fair, splash around at Knight’s Action Park & Caribbean Water

Adventure and boat on Lake Shelbyville, one of the largest lakes in the state. In fall, get your kicks at Springfield’s Interna- tional Route 66 Mother Road Festival. Pick apples and pumpkins on a family farm, such as Curtis Orchard in Champaign or The Great Pumpkin Patch near Arthur. During winter, meet Santa’s little helpers and cut down your own Christmas tree at Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch.

CAN’T MISS

Follow in the footsteps of Abraham Lin- coln in Springfield, with stops at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, Lincoln Home and Old State Capitol. Also check out the Dana-Thomas House—a Frank Lloyd Wright architectural master- piece—and the Illinois State Museum. Cruise along Historic Route 66 and see roadside favorites, including the Route 66 Association Hall of Fame & Museum, Cozy Dog Drive In and Henry’s Rabbit Ranch & Route 66 Emporium. Take a trip to the Illinois Amish Interpretive Center in Arcola and sign up for a tour to visit a working farm and dine in the home of a real Amish family.

Produced in association with Illinois Travel Guide 2010