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About the cover
Artist Felicia Olin painted “Blushing Lincoln” as a whimsical take on the 16th president. Living in Springfield most of her life, she’s seen all sorts of Lincoln paintings and wanted to create an image of Lincoln that was storybook-like.

Welcome to Springfield
It’s been pretty exciting around our town in the last few years. In 2009 we celebrated Abe Lincoln’s 200th birthday, and the year before that we enjoyed worldwide acclaim as Barack Obama announced his candidacy for president from the steps of our Old State Capitol.

Abe’s hometown
Two centuries after his birth, Springfield’s best-known resident remains a revered icon, a leader who bore the weight of destiny to his untimely demise. Born in dire poverty and self-educated, Abraham Lincoln rose to lead our nation during its darkest time.

Illinois State Museum
People ages 1 to 101 will enjoy the Illinois State Museum in Springfield, just a few blocks west of downtown in the State Capitol complex. This free museum, which has been called “worldclass” and “a gem in its own right,” tells the story of the land, life, people and art of Illinois.

The capital city
Illinois State Capitol Construction began on the sixth and current Illinois Capitol in 1868 after officials determined that more space was needed for government business. The building took 20 years to complete and cost more than $4.5 million.

Besides Abe
A project in process since founder/director Job Conger began creating it in 1978, AeroKnow Museum moved from his home to Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport in 2010.

Springfield arts
Named after the family that nurtured Family Video stores to nationwide prominence, the venue houses 14 different arts organizations. With four performance sites, two art galleries and meeting space galore, organizations coordinate schedules so that the space is used to advantage.

Guide to galleries
Illinois State Museum Gift Shop Illinois Artisans Gallery.

Just for fun
You did the right thing, for sure. You brought them here to learn about history, Lincoln, the Civil War – yadda, yadda, yadda. But kids are kids. And it’s a fact: All Lincoln and no play make Jack and Jill dull youngsters! How’s about a wild ride down a water slide, a spin on a gokart or a whirl on a Ferris wheel?.

The outdoors
If you need a change of pace, why not check out one of Springfield’s more natural settings? The city offers great parks, nature spots, gardens and prairie wilderness. All Springfield parks are open dawn to dusk. Take time to relax, have a picnic and freshen up for the next historic site on your agenda.

Mother Road
As a main thoroughfare for dust bowl immigrants, Route 66 saw its heyday in the 1930s. It spans more than 2,450 miles between Chicago and Los Angeles. The route is still peppered today with diners, driveins and many other unbeatable roadside attractions.

Heart of Illinois
Traveling from New Salem to Springfield, Abraham Lincoln often stopped at Col. Matthew Rogers’ general store and post office. Here Lincoln and eight other Illinois lawmakers celebrated the move of the state capital from Vandalia to Springfield. Because the nine legislators averaged more than six feet in height, the group became known as the “Long Nine.

Bar & Club Directory
(391-5653) Dublin Pub at Vinegar Hill.

Restaurant Directory
Where to go in Springfield when it’s time to eat.

Springfield calendar
A list of noteworthy events in the capital city during the year.

Living here
Springfield and Sangamon County aren’t just great places to visit; they’re also great places to live. The capital city and the nearly two dozen smaller communities around it offer many attractive reasons for you to make the Land of Lincoln your home..

Visitor Guide ad directory
Entertainment Brewhaus................................................................. 43 Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum...... 13 Illinois State Museum............................................... 25 Incredible Pizza Company......................................... 23 Knight’s Action Park ................................................. 19 National Museum of Surveying................................. 27 Par A Dice Casino..................................................... 62 Pizza Machine Company, LLC................................... 64 Riverside Stables.