An entire day in Springfield, IL?

[Spicy McHaggis]

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

[Mark Sedenquist]

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?

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.

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

Andy,

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

[Spicy McHaggis]

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

[Mark Sedenquist]

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.

So, were there two cars, or are you now flying or?

Mark

[Midwest Michael]

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.

[Mark Sedenquist]

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!

Mark

[RoadDog]

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.

[Spicy McHaggis]

So, were there two cars, or are you now flying or?

Mark

The first trip we were considering driving both vehicles from Michigan to B.C.

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!

[RoadDog]

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

[Mark Sedenquist]

Make sure to try a horseshoe meal while in town. It is a central Illinois tradition.

RoadDog -- thanks for the great local intel!

Mark