Springfield Illinois April 29 – May 13, 2021
You cannot talk about Springfield Illinois without talking about Abraham Lincoln. Indeed, you cannot walk around the city without seeing his face or name on signs, banners and sculptures spread throughout the city. Our first stop on the Lincoln pilgrimage was the Springfield visitors center which is housed in the old law office of Lincoln. (Lincoln Herndon Law Offices)
We spent a great morning in the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum. The museum did a great job talking about Lincoln’s life and accomplishments. We watched several movies and viewed Lincoln artifacts (these rotate all the time).
We walked through the four block section of Springfield that contained the remaining houses in the neighborhood where Lincoln lived. His home is normally open for tours, but closed at this time for COVID.
We drove to New Salem (approximately 15 miles from Springfield). New Salem was on the Sangamen River that was only viable for about 6 years. Lincoln lived here, was elected as a state representative, and worked various jobs (shop worker, barge driver, shop owner) before he moved to Springfield. The village featured twenty three historically furnished buildings with interpreters dressed in authentic clothing who provided information about Lincoln and the village.
Our Lincoln visit culminated in a trip to Lincoln’s Tomb. The obelisk was surrounded by sculptures that paid homage to the four different military services. We toured the inside which is square. Each corner contained a bronze sculpture of Lincoln at various times in his life. He is buried here with his wife Marry Todd Lincoln. The Oak Hill Cemetery was a beautiful place for one of the most exalted presidents to be buried.
We walked Lincoln’s memorial garden most days we were in Springfield. This is a 100 acre Prairie Garden managed by the city of Springfield. The park contained walking paths and a Visitors Center. Along the paths are benches inscribed with famous lines by Abraham Lincoln. We walked the park several times during our stay.
We had lunch at Route 66 Motorhead Bar, Grill and Museum. The food was OK, the museum aspect was pretty small, but we did view the largest Route 66 sign (according the Motorhead advertisement). We could not leave Springfield without tasting the local delicacy – the horseshoe. The famed horseshoe ( and its smaller version – the pony shoe – no – I am not kidding) starts with texas toast and then is covered with meat of your choice, french fries and melted cheese. We went to D’Arcy’s where supposedly you can eat the best shoe in town. I was a little underwhelmed, but believe that everyone should try a shoe at least once in your life.
No trip would be complete without a taste of the local brews. We went to Obed and Isaac’s, Anvil and Forge, and Engrained. Our favorite brewery was located in Auburn (yes – named the same as my favorite city of all time) which is located about 8 miles south of Springfield. Slaughterhouse Brewing made a Belgium beer aged in a Four Roses bourbon barrel with an alcohol content of 10.4. It was delicious. Most of the beer was great and the brewery made a lot of high gravity beer. We went twice and once on Saturday Night we were fortunate to see live music by the Tangents.
We spent two weeks in Springfield and thoroughly enjoyed our time. We did complete some home chores (washing waxing the camper, cleaning the fresh and hot water tanks, deep cleaning the inside, replacing a broken mirror, cleaning the windows – you get the picture).
Next up Iowa City
“Call to Muster and Battle Cry of Freedom” by John Williams
This song was modified by John Williams and included in the soundtrack for the movie “Lincoln” . In keeping with the spirit, we watched the movie one night while in Springfield.