About the cover artist
Jane works as a freelance illustrator and has had work commissioned by many Illinois historic entities: Lincoln Tomb & War Memorials, Lincoln Monument Association, Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices, Jubilee College State Historic Site and others. Her work is also featured in Acrylic Works 2, where she talks about her painting technique.

Contents
Springfield city and downtown maps p40.

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.

Looking for Lincoln Story Trail
To learn more about people and places with connections to Abraham Lincoln, keep your eyes open for the Looking for Lincoln storyboard signs. These attractive wayside exhibits tell stories that reveal interesting facts about Lincoln, individuals with whom he interacted, and the surroundings Lincoln would have experienced.

Springfield’s museums and historic sites
A visit to Springfield is not complete without touring the magnificent Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Dana-Thomas House, now an Illinois State Historic Site. The home contains the largest collection of site-specific, original Wright art glass and furniture and was Wright’s first “blank check” commission.

The capital city
In addition to watching Illinois politicians from the balcony-level seating area, visitors can view the awe-inspiring artwork, statues and paintings inside the limestone Italian Renaissance Revival building. Murals, a variety of marbles and a unique architectural design add to the elegance and grace of Illinois’ center of government.

Springfield Art Association
The Springfield Art Association is at the heart of Springfield’s thriving arts and culture scene. Boasting two art galleries, an art school, a Lincoln-era historic house museum and a calendar packed with family-friendly events, there is always something to see or do at the SAA.

Visual and performing arts
The Hoogland Center for the Arts is a magnet for both practitioners and supporters of the arts, housing 18 different arts organizations with four performance sites, two art galleries and meeting space galore. The Hoogland Center is also home to the Springfield Area Arts Council, a nexus of information for artists of all stripes.

2020 Visit Springfield Highlights
Kidzeum is a central feature in downtown. Perfect for ages 2 to 8, Kidzeum promotes a healthy earth, healthy body and healthy community with three floors of engaging exhibits that will provide the whole family hours of learning and discovery through play.

HISTORY COMES ALIVE
Where can you go to see Abraham Lincoln deliver his famous “Farewell Address” and join him with his wife, Mary Todd Lincoln, at an ice cream social at a beautiful Italianate mansion? Or, imagine learning about amazing women scientists while you build your own telescope.

EXPERIENCE HISTORY COMES ALIVE
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum Lincoln Home National Historic Site Old State Capitol Lincoln Depot Lincoln Tomb Edwards Place Elijah Iles House Kidzeum Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon Illinois State Military Museum Springfield and Central Illinois African American Museum Springfield Visitors Center Springfield Walks.

ROUTE 66
People from around the world are drawn to the aura of Route 66, dreaming to harness the 2448 miles of open road from Chicago to Santa Monica in their classic car, on a Harley Davidson or in an RV.

ROUTE 66 LIVING LEGENDS
Springfield’s new Living Legends program introduces you to our iconic Route 66 local business owners. Pick up your Explorer Passport at the Springfield Visitors Center, meet the legends face-toface, snap a pic, get an autograph, and create your own Route 66 story.

LODGING & ACCOMMODATIONS
701 E. Adams St. 217-544-8800 866-788-1860 PresidentAbraham LincolnSpringfield. DoubleTree.com.

VISITOR INFORMATION
The Springfield Visitors Center is located on the first floor of the Lincoln-Herndon Law Office across from the Old State Capitol. Stop by and find all the information you need to help create your legendary experience in Springfield. One of our travel experts is available to help you with any of your questions.

TRAVEL TOOLS
Public buses are available to most areas of the city, including a route around the downtown historic sites. Buses run Monday through Saturday from 6 am — 6pm, except holidays. For bus schedules and maps go to smtd.org..

CONVENTIONS & MEETING
Springfield serves as host to hundreds of gatherings each year of all sizes and interests. Add your group’s event to the list! Our award-winning hotels boast nearly 4,000 rooms and state-of-the-art facilities to ensure your attendees are comfortable.

What the locals do for fun
Just south of town near Lake Springfield, Henson Robinson Zoo features more than 90 species of animals from Africa, Asia, Australia and North and South America. Parking is free, and food is available for purchase or you can bring your own and have a picnic in the pavilion.

The outdoors
The paved trail extends three miles along Springfield’s southwest side, beginning at Robbins Road and continuing all the way to Park Street. Great for rollerblading, hiking and biking. Also connects to the Interurban Trail via a connecting sidewalk..

The nightlife
The nightlife of Springfield and surrounding communities is diverse and robust. Blues, folk, jazz, rock, country, hip-hop, dance music, open mic events and karaoke nights are well represented on any given night in central Illinois and the capital city.

Food and drinks
Where to go in Springfield when it’s time to eat.

Drink up
Obed and Isaac’s opened in 2012 and proved that brewpubs could be as popular here as anywhere else. Housed in an historic mansion nestled against a sizeable outdoor beer garden to accommodate summertime crowds, Obed’s is a comfortable walk from Lincoln’s Home and other downtown historic sites.

Shopping/Retail
Where to go in Springfield when it’s time to shop.

This year’s big events
Through April 25. Part of the Liturgical Sacred Art Festival. The juried exhibit includes ceramics, fiber, glass, jewelry, metal, mixed media, painting, photography and sculpture. It offers a unique opportunity to purchase original liturgical art. Admission is free.

ONGOING DAILY EVENTS
Super Saturdays at the Illinois State Museum.