On to Abe Lincoln in Illinois

Then it’s off the Illinois the self proclaimed and heavily promoted “Land of Lincoln. Right now my touring stops here are going to be in Springfield (http://www.visit-springfieldillinois.com/Lincoln/bicentennial.asp) and New Salem (http://www.lincolnsnewsalem.com).

But who knows I may get sidetracked and pull off in some interesting towns or city along the way.

Springfield has the largest concentration of Lincoln related sites in Illinois and is in a central location which makes it a natural for a 3 or 4 day hub. As the state capital, Springfield also has a number of sites that relate to state Government as well as a world renowned Frank Lloyd Wright House. On a self guided walking tour I plan on viewing over 30 outdoor interpretive exhibits placed throughout the downtown area to experience Springfield as Abraham Lincoln knew it. Other sites on my list include Lincoln’s tomb, law office, presidential library and home that he owned with Mary Todd.

Located about 20 miles northwest of Springfield in the town of New Salem offers a reconstruction of the village where Abraham Lincoln spent his early adulthood. It appears that I’ll need a couple of hours to stroll the sites here than it’s time to head towards the Windy City and a weekend of daytime baseball.