All About Abe - Central

Central Illinois is all about Abe Lincoln, and here you can learn the history behind one of our nation’s greatest leaders at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, plus celebrate his Bicentennial birthday (that’s 200 years) at really cool sites across the region.

FUN THINGS TO DO

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
Dress up like Abe and play with Lincoln logs in Mrs. Lincoln’s Attic, see historic ghosts, and feel the cannon rumblings of a Civil War battlefield at this cool museum that celebrates Abraham Lincoln’s 200th birthday in 2009 with special exhibits and events.

Lincoln Home
Check out the Lincoln Home, where the future president lived with his family more than 150 years ago, and hear tales of their life in Springfield. From Feb. 11-15, the Lincoln Home will offer several “Living History” programs in honor of the Lincoln Bicentennial, including a family storytelling hour with Abe himself and a performance of Abraham Lincoln: A Biography in Words and Music.

Old State Capitol
Tour an exact replica of the original statehouse where Abraham Lincoln spent time as a legislator.

Children’s Discovery Museum
Get busy at this kids’ museum where you can play surgeon in a medical center, milk cows in the agriculture exhibit and learn about recycling in a lifelike landfill.

Miller Park Zoo
See tigers, sun bears, sea lions and the Tropical Rainforest exhibit at this Bloomington zoo. Pose with your family and friendly reindeer for a holiday picture.

Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch
Meet a herd of 19 friendly Alaskan reindeers, snack on cookies and fudge, and cut down your own Christmas tree at this festive ranch.

GOOD EATS

The Pizza Machine
See giant pies hoisted by a crane and watch a magician perform slick tricks at this fun pizza place.

Cozy Dog Drive In
Try the original corn dog-on-a-stick and a frosty root beer at this Route 66 landmark.

Krekel’s Custard & Hamburgers
Snack on a single, double or triple crispy-thin cheeseburger with fries and fresh-made lemon custard (with sprinkles) at this popular spot.

Medici
Try the "garbage" burger or a specialty pizza (with a handmade crust) at this Italian hot spot.

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

AWESOME EVENTS

Holiday Lights at the Zoo
Check out more than 300 animals from around the world and cool exhibits created by thousands of tiny lights at Springfield’s Henson Robinson Zoo, open weekends in December.

Holiday Walk at Old State Capitol
Enjoy music and puppet shows during the Holiday Walk, held at the Old State Capitol Dec. 10 and 17.

Franklin’s Family Christmas
Get in the holiday spirit with Franklin the turtle and his friends during this Christmas show at the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts, Dec. 12.

Abraham Lincoln’s 200th Birthday Celebration
That's a lot of candles! Celebrate Lincoln’s 200th birthday on Feb. 12 at the Lincoln Log Cabin by joining in typical daily activities that Abe would have done as a boy.

Lincoln’s In Town!
In honor of the Lincoln Bicentennial, this lively play tells the story of Abraham Lincoln and the days spent in his "second hometown" of Bloomington, Feb. 13-15.

Maple Syrup Time
Help tap delicious sap from maple trees and watch as it's cooked into sugary sweet maple syrup that you get to taste and take home at the Lincoln Memorial Garden, Feb. 14-Mar. 8.