Lincoln Museum in Springfield (Chicago, Salem: house, live in, restaurants)

[Cabe09]

Has anyone been to the new Lincoln Museum in Springfield? I have been to their site on the internet, it looks very nice. I'd like to go there this summer. How long does it take to go through? Are there any days that are better to visit than others? Any other info appreciated, also any other things to see in Springfield. I know about Lincoln's home and his burial place. Thanks!

[linicx]

I do not live in Springfield. Everyone I talked to loves the museum. I imagine early week day would be better than weekend. Some of the things to see are New Salem, Lincoln's home in Springfield, Frank Lloyd Wright home, Old train depot, 13 musems. You can also follow Route 66 to Chicago or St.Louis.

I am retired. I know enough about Central Illinois, that, if you are interested, I can help you plan a visit where you can experience the best the area has to offer from museums to a river cruise. All I need is a starting point and an idea of what you would like to do/see, There is a lot of it waiting for you.

[Maintainschaos]

The museum takes a few hours to go through. The best exhibit is the "Ghosts of the Library" exhibit, which is a must see if you go. All of the exhibits are really nice. Unfortunately, the current economic condition has taken its toll on the restaurants and shops in the immediate area. The recession has caused cutbacks in hours and days of operation, so if you're looking to make a nice evening of it and have lunch, library/museum, and dinner I'd suggest a weekday. On the weekend, it can be hit or miss to find a place downtown that's open that doesn't just serve coffee and scones. There are also a lot of other interesting sites to see in the fairly immediate area as well.

Oh, also:

If you decide to go during October instead of the summer, they have these fun, kitschy ghost walks in the downtown area: http://www.springfieldwalks.com/

[AnimalLover]

I would recommend you see The Dana-Thomas house (a Frank Lloyd Wright home). It's closed at the moment- but our new (yeah!) governor is working on getting it reopened asap.

[Probender]

If you are really interested in the history surrounding Lincoln plan on spending more than a couple hours at the museum. There is so much to see there beyond imagination.
Plus, the Lincoln Library is across the street from the museum and again, if you're really interested in exploring Lincoln, it's a must.

[Prairie]

We toured the museum last summer and loved it! Springfield is an interesting place filled with history. Bring your walking shoes and enjoy!

[Cabe09]

Thank you all for your replies. I did not realize there were all those attractions in Springfield. I like to hear from people who have been there. I am really looking forward to my visit!

[AnimalLover]

I also recommend a stop by Dels Popcorn Shop. It's on N 6th street - just south of the Lincoln Museum. There are several small shops in the area. It's easy to spend an afternoon wandering around downtown.

You might want to check out the Illinois State Museum - Welcome to the Illinois State Museum--Illinois State Museum
and a tour of the governors mansion Executive Mansion Tours

I hope you enjoy your visit.