Printable View
For a family of 3 (2 adults, on 4-1/2 year old), is there enough in Springfield, IL to keep us busy, or will we be sitting around twiddling our fingers most of the day?
Obviously the Lincoln home is something we want to see/do. But other than that, I am completely uneducated on the goings-on in Springfield.
Thanks!
Andy
I never have that problem in new places, and I wasn't sure if this was a stop on your previous road trip plan or not -- but here is the link to the other segments if it is.Quote:
Originally Posted by Spicy McHaggis
Andy,Quote:
Obviously the Lincoln home is something we want to see/do. But other than that, I am completely uneducated on the goings-on in Springfield
It has been a while for me but the first thing that pops out of my brain -- Springfield is a vintage Route 66 town and I would check out the Shea's Gas Station Museum and also check out the original Cozy Dog for a corn dog and then walk across the street to the 1930s Route 66 Roadhouse called the Curve Inn. RoadDog is the RTA resident expert on this part of the world. In fact, you have got to read his post about the other places for fine dining in Springfield!!!! Krekel's Custard is another most-stop-and-slurp-experience! Here is some more info to get you started.
On the 30th floor of the Hilton is the Central Jazz Station -- with a great view of the entire area. There is also a Frank Lloyd Wright house open for touring
Thanks for the reply.
Definitely looks like a can't miss stop for us. The Route 66 stuff really intrigues me, I didn't realize, however, that Springfield was such a hot-bed for the stuff!
We hadn't included it in the thread that you linked to (my original trip request for help) because we didn't need to ship our car from St. Louis - now we are, that's why we are adding that portion of the country.
I think we've got the trip all figured out - at least the route portion. You can expect to see that posted here shortly...again asking for other "can't miss" places to stop!
Thanks a ton.
Andy
So, were there two cars, or are you now flying or?Quote:
Originally Posted by Spicy McHaggis
Mark
Clearly you aren't going to have a problem filling up your time in Springfield with all the advice you've already been given. Just let me add, I don't think I could be bored just spending a full day going through all the Lincoln related activities.
My last trip there only involved spending an afternoon there. Visiting Lincoln's tomb and then going through the fabulous Museum and Library took up all of our time. We didn't even get a chance to spend time around Lincoln's home or the old state capitol.
Here's a good article detailing the Lincoln sites in and around Springfield.
Michael, that was a great link. As long as we are mentioning Lincoln -- as Andy and the family head west -- they could stop at the Lincoln Monument (in Wyoming!) -- nice views from there!Quote:
Originally Posted by Midwest Michael
Mark
I just passed through Springfield on Monday on a quick Illinois Route 66 trip.
Ate at the Cozy Dog. I don't know if I like the fries even better than the corndogs.
I always like to walk around the old state capitol and you can tour it as well. The ill-fated Donner party left from this area.
Even kids will enjoy te Lincoln Museum.
Bill Shea's, near the state fairgrounds, is a trip into gasoline history.
If you go in September, you can go to the Route 66 Festival.
The first trip we were considering driving both vehicles from Michigan to B.C.Quote:
Originally Posted by Editor
However, we decided we'd rather not be split up in 2 separate vehicles for 3000+ miles, and opted to ship our vehicle to Juneau. Closest place to do that from (to Michigan) is St. Louis.
That's why the plans changed so radically.
Thanks for all the advice! Sounds like it's gonna be a great trip!
I forgot to mention, that out by the interstate on the south side of Springfield, there is Knight Adventure (or Action Park, I can't remember). They have lots of rides for children and you can take in an outdoor drive-in. How's that for a retro thing.
Also, a great place to stay would be at the Route 66 Hotel and Conference Center. This is an actual old Route 66 Hotel, having formerly been a Holiday Inn. As you can imagine, it's all things to do with the road. They have an outdoor pool which is great for relaxing, and what kid doesn't like a swimming pool?
Make sure to try a horseshoe meal while in town. It is a central Illinois tradition.
Keep on Down that Two Lane Highway. --RoadDog
RoadDog -- thanks for the great local intel!Quote:
Originally Posted by RoadDog
Mark
Hi Andy.
Not sure if you've been updated, but Springfield just completed the Abraham Lincoln Museum and Library. While I haven't been yet, (I guess it's just too close) I haven't heard one negative thing yet. The place is suppose to be spectacular. I've heard "Disney has nothing on that museum" amongst other things. All of the Lincoln related stuff should keep you busy for a while. The entire museum area has been upgraded and is pretty neat. The kids should like this also.They just completed a refurbished train station, (union station) across the street a few weeks ago. In the same area is the old state capitol where Lincoln gave a famous speech or two. Also Lincoln's home, Lincoln's tomb...well you get the picture.
The route 66 stuff doesn't do much for me, but I guess it de pends on what your interests are.
Any other questions, email me! John C.
Okay Andy,
I've got my thinking cap on...
The museum area will be the highlight of the day. When you're done there, there's a home made candy store a block away called Pease's. After Pease's continue south by foot to the old state capitol, to the left is a Cold Stone Creamery, and to the south, next to the Lincoln Herndon law office is "The Feed Store". Great soups and sandwiches. On the food topic, if you want a bigger meal, there's a great italian place called Saputo's within a mile or so. Definitely recommended! (Strongly recommended is the italian breaded filet with garlic butter sauce and the house salad.) Another excellent place for the famous Springfield horseshoe or anything else on the menu, is D'Arcy's Pint. (You'll have to drive from the museum area) (about an hour wait, no reservations, but worth it!)
Some other downtown eateries worth mentioning are (lunch)Sammy's Sports Bar, (horseshoes again.) Lunch: Kind of gourmet Bentoh's, Care Brio, and (subs)Head West.
Close to the museum, you might want to check out "Recycled Records". Used LP's, 45's, 78's, lava lamps, and all kinds of old stuff.
Dinner: Maldaner's, Saputo's.
Great ideas, thanks for sharing!Quote:
Originally Posted by Johnc IL
Mark
Wow...THANK YOU!!! Definitely doing Springfield! Thanks.Quote:
Originally Posted by Johnc IL
Just wanted to update this thread on local Springfield Il stuff. I did the Lincoln Museum with my family during the Christmas break.
The Lincoln Museum was excellent. If someone is into the civil war and Lincoln history, you definitely want to set aside a minimum of half day to take this in. It is extremely well done. Do NOT miss the two shows while you are there.
The entire downtown area around the library and museum is fun to shop and visit. If you time it right, there's an outdoor art show in the spring, and often other activities like car shows through the summer.
As it turns out, I will be in Springfield, IL on the 16th of February to speak at a media event. So, thanks for this info.
Mark