Abraham Lincoln was born in Kentucky in 1809.  His family moved to Indiana in 1816 and then to Illinois in 1830.  While all three states lay a claim to Lincoln, the City of Springfield is the home to the Lincoln Presidential Museum and Library, as well his tomb at Oak Ridge Cemetery.  Springfield is also the Illinois State capital.

My plan called for one full day to check out Springfield.  I found that a person could easily spend three or more days to gather all the sites.  Downtown Springfield is not real bicycle friendly, so I parked in a lot near the Presidential Museum and then walked about from there.

First stop was the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum.  This a top notch operation and one could spend a full day here.   I highly recommend a visit!!!!  On my journeys, people have often told me – you need to go to here or there.  Once, I remember asking “why?’ and was told, just go.  That recommendation led to a very special experience. So, versus laying out all the reasons why, let me say, just go.

Some pics from the Museum:

The downtown area is within a reasonable walking distance.  Some pics:

Old Train station:

Capital Building:

Old Capital Building:

Other downtown building, including Governors Mansion:

My next stop was Lincoln’s home.  He was sitting in this house when he received a visitor telling him that he won the presidency.

A very nice home for the time, as evidenced by the three “seater” in the back yard.

By the time I circled back toward the parking area, the Presidential Library was closing in 10 minutes.  A short visit!  The Library is across the road from the Presidential Museum.

The reason I was a little late for the Library is that a very nice brewery is situated close to the Lincoln home.  Silly me.  However, a few beers did taste well after walking all day.

Next stop Ohio, for a family wedding.