WALK, HIKE AND BIKE HISTORY - PRESENTED BY ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
IDNR’s State Historic Sites in Springfield invite you to check out Walk, Hike and Bike History, a brand new way to explore Illinois’ capital city in 2021. Walk, Hike and Bike History is a series of inspiring outdoor experiences, taking place mid-April through mid-November, that connect you to “must see” museums and monuments in the capital city. Guided by history education interpreters from IDNR’s Office of Land Management, Walk, Hike and Bike History experiences range in duration from one to two hours. 2021 Walk, Hike and Bike History tours include:
Friends of Lincoln Hike History Bike Tour 1908 Race Riot Walking Tour
Military History Hike African American History Hike Dana-Thomas House Exterior Tour
http://historicspringfield.dnr.illinois.gov/
Dana-Thomas House – A Frank Lloyd Wright Design
The Dana-Thomas House is one of the most unique and lavish structures designed by Frank Lloyd Wright during his early Prairie period. The home was built for Springfield socialite Susan Lawrence Dana. She was known for her hospitality, unforgettable parties and concerts as well as community, social and political involvement. Perhaps the most complete of all early Wright dwellings, it was never significantly altered and has over 100 pieces of original Wright-designed oak furniture, 250 examples of art glass windows, light fixtures and lamps. Connecting the main living quarters to the gallery and library is a sixty-foot long pergola hallway beneath which is a bowling lane, billiard room and walk-in vault.
301 E. Lawrence Ave. 217-782-6776 http://historicspringfield.dnr.illinois.gov/
ROUTE 66 SHIELD at Motorheads
Introducing the new, World’s Largest Outdoor Route 66 Shield, installed in 2020! If you are a fan of vintage gas stations, Route 66 memorabilia, or classic cars, Route 66 Motorheads Bar, Grill & Museum is the place to visit! See signs and items from Springfield’s historic past, including several items from Shea’s Gas Station Museum, the iconic Sonrise Donut Sign, and motel signs of Springfield past. This is a must see for all Route 66 lovers!!
600 Toronto Road 217-679-7923 66motorheads.com
Photo Credit: @diybailey
African American History
Embark on a historic and emotion filled journey through Springfield with a self-guided walking tour exploring the occurrences that led to the Springfield 1908 Race Riots and the birth of the NAACP. View two of artist Preston Jackson’s pieces, inspired by the Race Riots: Acts of Intolerance sculpture on 6th and Madison Ave. in Union Station Park and the 1908 Race Riot mural inside HSHS St. John’s Hospital. The Springfield and Central Illinois African American History Museum, located on Monument Ave., tells the stories of African American life in central Illinois as well as hosts several temporary exhibits. Route History on Cook St. sheds light on local tragedy, resilience and the excellence of African Americans along Route 66 in Springfield.
Locations throughout Springfield visitspringfieldillinois.com/blogs
Abraham lincoln presidential museum presents: the STATE OF SOUND
From Muddy Waters to REO Speedwagon, Cheap Trick to Earth Wind and Fire and Chance the Rapper, the Land of Lincoln has produced some of the most highly celebrated music in rock history. Musicians, legendary radio stations, and musical gear have shaped the sonic history of Illinois and the world. This exhibit will showcase the achievements of Illinois’ finest in music. Written by award-winning author, documentary-producer and former Chicago Sun-Times Columnist and Critic, Dave Hoekstra.
April 30, 2021 - January 23, 2022 212 N. 6th St. 217-558-8844 presidentlincoln.illinois.gov
LOOKING FOR LINCOLN “HERE I HAVE LIVED” INTERPRETIVE SIGN TRAIL
Looking to visit and learn about our 16th President, but prefer to stay outside? The “Here I Have Lived” wayside exhibit trail was made just for you. Walk through historic downtown Springfield and beyond, taking in the exteriors of our Lincoln sites while navigating the nearly 50 wayside exhibits that chronicle Lincoln’s time in Springfield. Add an extra layer of fun for those younger Lincoln fans and bring your rubbing supplies. Each exhibit has bas relief (raised image), suitable for rubbing.
217-789-2360 Ext. 5520 lookingforlincoln.org
