All About Abe - Central

Central Illinois is the heart of Lincoln country, with sights that include everything from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum (the largest presidential museum in the country!) to the actual Springfield home that the Lincoln family lived in before heading off to the White House. You’ll also discover other delights, including zoos that are open all year round, fun children’s museums and a ranch that’s home to a friendly herd of reindeers.

FUN THINGS TO DO

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum
Follow Abraham Lincoln’s path from pioneer to president at this cool museum. Dress up like Abe and play with Lincoln logs in Mrs. Lincoln’s Attic, see historic ghosts in two special effects theaters and be amazed by the lifelike exhibits. Celebrate President Lincoln’s birthday in February with fun family activities.

Lincoln Home
Pay a visit to the Lincoln Home, where the future president lived with his family for 17 years, and hear tales of their life in Springfield. From Dec. 3-Jan. 7 learn how the family celebrated the holidays during Christmas With the Lincolns.

Old State Capitol
Tour the Old State Capitol, an exact replica of the original statehouse where Abraham Lincoln practiced law. Visit at night and enjoy live music during Holiday Walks and Old State Capitol Unplugged, held Dec. 2-3, 9, 16 & 23.

Illinois State Museum
View vivid dioramas and artifacts that bring the Land of Lincoln’s history to life. At the new Play Museum, kids ages 3-10 can explore Illinois by playing scientist and excavating a Mastodon skeleton, crawling through a cave and identifying native animals.

Henson Robinson Zoo
More than 300 animals from Australia, Africa, Asia and beyond call this little zoo home. During Holiday Lights at the Zoo, held Dec. 4-6, 11-13, 17-23 & 26-27, admire the glittering lights displays and stop for a cup of hot chocolate in the gift shop.

Children’s Discovery Museum
Get busy at this kids’ museum where you can shimmy up the two-story suspended Luckey Climber that’s full of tricky twists and turns, play surgeon in a medical center, milk cows in the agriculture exhibit and shop for healthy foods in a market.

Miller Park Zoo
See exotic animals that include tigers, sun bears and sea lions, along with exhibits such as the Tropical Rainforest and Animals of Asia, at this year-round zoo. Get the scoop on Santa’s little helpers during Can Reindeer Fly?, held on Dec. 6.

Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch
Make friends with a herd of furry Alaskan reindeers with names like Klondike and Mistletoe, snack on cookies and fudge and cut down your own Christmas tree at this festive ranch.

GOOD EATS

The Pizza Machine
At this wacky restaurant you can see giant five-foot-long pies hoisted by a remote-controlled pizza crane, and watch a magician perform slick tricks.

Joe Rogers’ Original Recipe Chili Parlor
Order your chili with or without beans, and as spicy as you can handle, at this award-winning chili joint.

Cozy Dog Drive In
Try the original corn dog-on-a-stick with a side of fresh-cut fries and a frosty root beer at this landmark eatery on Historic Route 66.

Emack & Bolio’s
Grab an ice cream cone or fruit smoothie at this sweet shop that’s located right by the Children’s Discovery Museum.

Meat Heads Burger & Fries
Try a single-patty Lil’ Meathead burger and the chili-cheese fries at this family-friendly spot.

Flesor’s Candy Kitchen
This turn-of-the-century soda fountain features an antique marble counter where you can order a sundae or chocolate Coke. There’s also a dining room serving sandwiches and salads. Pick up some hand-dipped chocolates to eat on the road.

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