ABRAHAM LINCOLN PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM

The largest and most-visited presidential museum in the nation includes two special effects theaters featuring historic “ghosts,” a display of the Lincoln family’s personal items and Mrs. Lincoln’s Attic, just for kids.

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ROUTE 66 NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY

The subject of countless legends and lore, Route 66 in Illinois takes travelers through small towns that keep the spirit of the Mother Road alive with attractions that include the Gemini Giant, Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum, and the Cozy Dog Drive In.

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AMISH COMMUNITIES

Learn about the history and culture of Illinois' Old Order Amish community at the Illinois Amish Interpretive Center in Arcola, where you can view exhibits that give a glimpse of the Amish way of life and sign up for a tour of the surrounding Amish area.

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KNIGHT’S ACTION PARK & CARIBBEAN WATER ADVENTURE / ROUTE 66 TWIN DRIVE-IN THEATRE

The theme park side offers miniature golf, go-karts, batting cages, carnival rides and an arcade, while the water park features a wave pool, bumper boats, water slides, paddle boats and a lazy river. Catch a movie at the old-fashioned drive-in, adjacent to Knight’s.

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STATE CAPITOL / OLD STATE CAPITOL

The current State Capitol Building is the center of state government, where visitors can watch Illinois politics in action when the legislature is in session. Step back in time at the Old State Capitol, where Lincoln worked and gave his famed House Divided speech.

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CHILDREN’S DISCOVERY MUSEUM

Kids will keep busy at this fun three-floor museum in Normal, where they can play surgeon in a medical center, milk cows in the agriculture exhibit and learn about recycling in a lifelike landfill.

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LAKE SHELBYVILLE

Beautiful Lake Shelbyville offers 172 miles of sparkling shoreline and 11,000 acres of water for boating, fishing, swimming, or simply sunning on the sandy beach. Off-the-water activities include golfing, hiking and hunting.

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ALLERTON PARK & RETREAT CENTER

This former private estate, now owned by the University of Illinois, is surrounded by woodlands, formal gardens and more than 100 sculptures. The park is open to the public for hiking, picnicking, cross-country skiing and leisurely garden strolls.

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LINCOLN’S NEW SALEM STATE HISTORIC SITE

This village of 23 replica timber shops and homes recreates the town where a young Lincoln lived and worked at various jobs, including store clerk and postmaster. Interpreters dressed in frontier garb portray pioneers going about their daily chores.

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LINCOLN HOME / LINCOLN TOMB

In Springfield, tour the home where Abraham Lincoln and his family lived for 17 years before heading to the White House. Pay your respects at the family’s tomb and be sure to rub the nose of the bronze Lincoln bust at the entrance, which is said to bring good luck.

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