8 Abe’s hometown

Meet Springfield’s best-known resident and revered icon

14 What the locals do for fun

Get off the tourist track and relax

18 Historical Edwards Place

Visit the oldest house in Springfield

20 The capital city

Take in the sights and sounds of the seat of Illinois government

22 Besides Abe

Springfield’s museums and historic sites

28 Performing arts

Where to find theater, dance and other cultural outlets

30 Guide to galleries

Where to browse and buy

32 Maps 34 The outdoors

Parks, nature and prairie wilderness

36 Mother Road

Come get your kicks on Route 66

38 Heart of Illinois

Historical day-tripping in the Land of Lincoln

44 The nightlife

Where to find live entertainment

46 Bars and clubs

Food, drink and live music

48 Restaurant directory

Where to go in Springfield when it’s time to eat

64 This year’s big events

Noteworthy happenings in and around the capital city

74 Living here

Moving to the land of Lincoln