Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site

Step back in time and explore historic New Salem just as Lincoln knew it. This meticulously reconstructed 1830s village is where Lincoln lived as a young adult, studied law and began politics. Everything from the people to the blacksmith’s workshop gives visitors a glimpse into what pioneer life was really like when young, burly Abe was throwing down his axe.

CITY: Petersburg

World's Largest Covered Wagon

The Railsplitter Covered Wagon, recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest covered wagon in the world, is located on the front lawn of the Best Western Lincoln Inn, near historic Route 66. A statue of Abe Lincoln reading a law book sits in the huge wooden wagon, which stands 24 feet tall.

CITY: Lincoln

The Palms Grill Café

The Palms Grill Cafe was a well-known restaurant during the heyday of Route 66. Recently the cafe was revitalized and reopened, and is serving up delicious nostalgia from the fabled Route 66 era. Conveniently located right across the street is the towering Bunyon’s Statue, another one of Route 66’s famous Muffler Man Statues.

CITY: Atlanta

Paul Bunyon Hotdog Statue

Standing 19 feet tall and clutching a giant hot dog, this Paul Bunyon statue, purposely spelled with an “o”, is one of Route 66’s mythic Muffler Man Statues. A few of these giants still proudly grace the roadsides of historic Route 66. This one is located in Atlanta, Illinois, just across the street from the Palms Grill Café, which features fine fare from The Mother Road’s golden age.

CITY: Atlanta

Stier Trolley Express

Climb aboard the Trolley, sit back and relax as we bring the history of historic Petersburg Illinois and the surrounding area to you. We will take you past several points of interest along your journey back in history. Petersburg is rich in Victorian Homes, most of which were built in the 1860's and 1870's. During your journey into history, you will be entertained by points of interest along the way. We will stop for a short while in downtown Petersburg. At this time, you may choose to disembark and enjoy the downtown area on foot. There are a variety of shops and eateries to wander through. Don't worry, the trolley will return to pick you up. Your ticket includes a round trip back to Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site. The Trolley runs on an hourly schedule. Consult with your conductor as to the return pick up times as well as the time of the last trolley of the day. Charter Available.

CITY: Petersburg

Historic Petersburg

Surveyed by Abraham Lincoln in 1836, the Petersburg Historic District is included on the National Register of Historic Places and has many outstanding examples of architectural styles.

CITY: Petersburg

Route 66 Park & Tourism Center

This small park is right on Route 66, and it's a great place to check out the town of Atlanta. It is a great park, including flat area to run and playground for the kids to climb and run on, you and your family are sure to enjoy.

CITY: Atlanta

Route 66 Log Chapel

This hand-built chapel in Lincoln is open for prayer and meditation 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

CITY: Lincoln

Lincoln Christening Site/Watermelon Statue

A life-size statue of a watermelon commemorates the day the City of Lincoln was christened by Abraham Lincoln on August 27, 1853. The town's founders, John D. Gillett, Virgil HIckox and Robert B. Latham, were all personal friends of Lincoln.

CITY: Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln Long Nine Museum

Has electronic audio narrated dioramas that depict Abe the railsplitter, the self-taught scholar, the story teller, the lawyer and the politician.

CITY: Athens

Elkhart Cemetery/John D. Gillette Memorial Arch

The cemetery is the final resting place of several notable figures, including Illinois Governor Richard Oglesby and John D. Gillette (Cattle King of the World). The Memorial Arch replaced the wooden bridge over which Robert Todd Lincoln walked during the Oglesby funeral procession in 1915.

CITY: Elkhart

Edgar Lee Masters Memorial Museum

This museum honors American poet Edgar Lee Masters, author of "The Spoon River Anthology." Memorabilia of his life and works are displayed in the house where he lived as a young boy.

CITY: Petersburg

Postville Courthouse State Historic Site

Reproduction of the first Logan County courthouse used from 1840-1847, which was one of the places where Abraham Lincoln practiced law. It features a period courtroom, offices and exhibits. It was the original seat of County Government in Logan County.

CITY: Lincoln

Samuel Park's Office

A friend of Abraham Lincoln, Samuel Parks shared a law office with the future president and served on the Eighth Judicial Circuit with him.

CITY: Lincoln

Lincoln Heritage Museum

The museum houses many rare Abraham Lincoln artifacts, including an 1860 campaign poster, a lock of his hair, Mary Lincoln's jewelry and Tad Lincoln's rocking chair. Also includes 9/11exhibit and other presidential artifacts.

CITY: Lincoln

Lincoln House Hotel Marker

The Lincoln House Hotel, one of the grandest hotels between St. Louis and Chicago, stood in Lincoln from 1854-1870. Political luminaries who crossed its threshold included Abraham Lincoln, Stephen Douglas, David Davis and Richard Oglesby.

CITY: Lincoln

Lincoln Lot Site

The site marker describes how Abraham Lincoln once owned this lot, after it was deeded to him in recompense for a large debt.

CITY: Lincoln

Menard County Historical Museum

Housed in an 1890 Victorian building, the Menard County Museum contains documents, records, clothing and artifacts related to Menard County.

CITY: Petersburg

Atlanta's Abraham Lincoln Interpretation Site

The site of an early political rally during Abraham Lincoln's campaign for President, now showcasing an interpretive sign explaining the historic significance.

CITY: Atlanta

Rustic Inn Marker

This private residence was once a historic inn where a group of counterfeiters met to hatch a plot to steal Abraham Lincoln's body from his tomb in Springfield. Walk up to view the marker only.

CITY: Lincoln

Atlanta Heritage Waysides

Located at the Atlanta Museum, these three exhibits and 20 other prints depict a variety of Lincoln and Logan County events. It is located at the site of an early political rally during Abraham Lincoln's campaign for President.

CITY: Atlanta

Atlanta Public Library & Museum

Built in 1908, this octagon-shaped building is one of the few of its kind in the state. The museum in the basement of the library houses pieces of local history. The library and museum are both on the National Register of Historic Places.

CITY: Atlanta

Route 66 Murals

These murals bring back the memories of the heyday of Route 66 in Atlanta, Illinois.

CITY: Atlanta

Logan County Genealogical & Historical Society

The genealogical and historical society encourages the preservation of Logan County's history and maintains a research center that treasures and collects Logan County family histories. They're the only research center that includes ALL of Logan County. Their research resources include historical books, maps, obituaries, cemetery records, marriages, births, family surname genealogy and more! Stop by for a visit to see the artifacts, old photographs, museum pieces, veteran's exhibit, as well as the new "Abraham Lincoln Room."

CITY: Lincoln

The Mill

Built in 1929, The Mill Restaurant was a highlight of Route 66 in Lincoln. The building sat empty and was in danger of destruction, but is now on the way to recovery. Come see The Mill, a famous landmark related to Route 66. As this landmark is currently being renovated it is not open to the public; however, special tours will be given upon request and appointment.

CITY: Lincoln

Old Jail and Old School House

See the local Historical Society's authentic preservation of an 1800s school and town jail. Tours by appointment.

CITY: Manito

8th Judicial Circuit Marker

One of the last remaining markers erected in 1922 marks the 8th Judicial Circuit on which Abraham Lincoln practiced law.

CITY: San Jose

J.H. Hawes Elevator

This restored grain elevator is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Free tours are offered Sundays in June, July and August.

CITY: Atlanta

Wall Dogs Mural

Eleven different, beautifully painted murals. Main Street Lincoln was instrumental in bringing these murals to our community.

CITY: Lincoln

Heritage In Flight Museum

The Heritage in Flight Museum is dedicated to the preservation of aviation history. The museum displays memorabilia and artifacts from all the military conflicts dating back to WWI. These mementos have been donated by both veterans and their families. The museum also offers tours and hosts flying events at the airport.

CITY: Lincoln

Atlanta Inn

Atlanta Inn is the only hotel located in Atlanta, Illinois. You can explore the historic town of Atlanta in central Illinois with the last great frontier of the modern world through exit No 140 off I-55 and save the memories for life. Pass through Logan County and see the rise of Abraham Lincoln from surveyor to legendary lawyer by traveling through historic Route 66 which crosses 8 states and 3 time zones.

CITY: Atlanta

Deskin's Tavern & Postville Well

Abe Lincoln often stayed at Deskin's Tavern when he traveled to Postville. A well where he is said to have quenched his thirst is also located on this site.

CITY: Lincoln

Logan County Courthouse

This 1905 Neo-Classical building features a stained glass dome, the longest-serving courtroom in Illinois, a mosaic of the state seal, a statue of Abraham Lincoln and murals of Logan County.

CITY: Lincoln

Mackinaw Depot

Visit our enchanting store and each time you visit you will discover a whole new array of gifts and home accessories. We not only specialize in unique gift ware, but we also create custom floral arrangements and can come to your home to help accessorize.

CITY: Mackinaw

Lincoln Public Library

A Carnegie library, built in 1902, the Lincoln Public Library is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

CITY: Lincoln

Emden Heritage Wayside

Located at the Emden Community Building, this sign interprets Logan County's proximity to Abraham Lincoln and his travels along the 8th Judicial Circuit

CITY: Emden

Illinois Central College

Offers a variety of speakers specializing in a diverse field of topics for nonprofit organizations. Campus tours available. Professional Development Institute offers seminars and workshops in the areas of computers, health, management and special interests (can be customized).

CITY: East Peoria

Bethel One Room Schoolhouse

An icon of days past, this one-room schoolhouse has been restored by the Emden Historical Society.

CITY: Emden