All About Abe - Central

Do you know why Honest Abe always wore a stovepipe hat? You'll find the answer in Springfield, where Abraham Lincoln lived before getting elected to the White House. See the biggest presidential museum in the nation, tour where Honest Abe lived and go on a scary nighttime ghost walk that visits haunted sites. Ride the Ferris wheel and eat cotton candy at the annual state fair and visit a theme park overflowing with wet and wild fun.

Day One

Hunt for ghosts at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, then put on a stovepipe hat, dress up like Abe and build a house with Lincoln logs in Mrs. Lincoln's Attic. Take a tour of where Lincoln slept, where the future president lived with his family for many years, and hear tales of their life in Springfield. Don’t miss Professor Farquar's Great American Medicine Show on July 11 and 13 at the Lincoln Museum and July 12 at the Lincoln Home. This 19th century-style show features magic tricks, games and some pretty cool tunes. Try a horseshoe at D'Arcy's Pint (Texas toast stacked with meat or veggies and piled high with cheese fries) or a yummy slice from The Pizza Machine.

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Day Two

Tour the Old State Capitol, a replica of the original statehouse where Honest Abe turned bills into law and served as a legislator. This year, special activities are planned at the Capitol to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Lincoln's inspirational House Divided speech from June 14-16. Rub the nose of the Lincoln bust for luck before entering the Lincoln Tomb. You could be specially chosen to receive the flag during the Civil War Flag Retreat Ceremony held Tuesday evenings from June-August at the tomb. What an honor! Also, join Lincoln's Ghost Walk and hear eerie tales as you tour Springfield at night. Make sure you stop for a homemade lunch at the Feed Store. For dinner, try the Caribbean-flavored food at Café Brio.

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Day Three

In nearby Petersburg, meet the pioneers at Lincoln's New Salem, a replica timber village where a young Abe once lived and worked. On weekends, see a cool play at Theater in the Park, an outdoor theatre featuring musicals all summer long. Later, get wild and crazy at Knight's Action Park & Caribbean Water Adventure, where you can ride go-karts and get carried away, splashing around in a giant wave pool. Take a spin on the carnival rides, munch on funnel cake and see the hilarious Weird Al Yankovic sing live at the Illinois State Fair, held August 8-17. Taste the original and delicious corn dog at Cozy Dog Drive-In on historic Route 66 and cool off with frozen treats from Krekel's.

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