Follow in the footsteps of Abraham Lincoln, cruise Route 66 or experience the Amish way of life.

Click on any of the highlighted

destinations to find the Top Spots in

Central Illinois.

ABRAHAM LINCOLN PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is the largest presidential museum in the nation. The state-of-the-art complex includes the Union Theater, a special effect experience that recounts Lincoln history with the help of holographic historic “ghosts” and the realistic sights and sounds of a Civil War battleground. Exhibits include a display of the Lincoln family’s personal items and Mrs. Lincoln’s Attic, just for kids!

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LOOKING FOR LINCOLN

The Looking for Lincoln Heritage area encompasses numerous communities in central Illinois, and includes a remarkable array of places where Lincoln actually spent time. The area is rich in Lincoln history and stories. From the village of New Salem, where Lincoln spent his early adulthood, to his home and final resting place in Springfield, you'll be left with no doubt about why Illinois is known as the Land of Lincoln.

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ROUTE 66

The subject of countless legends and lore, Route 66 in Illinois is a 20th-century heritage trail that takes the traveler through the heart of the cities and towns that define the "real America." Road-trippers can create their own experiences along what was once America's main thoroughfare – meeting people and visiting unique places along the way that still embody the spirit of 66.

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AMISH VILLAGES

Learn about the history and culture of Illinois' Old Order Amish community at the Illinois Amish Interpretive Center. Here you can see exhibits that give a glimpse into the Amish way of life, as well as sign up for a variety of tours that include enjoying a family-style meal at an actual Amish home and a visit to a working Amish farm.

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HARDY'S REINDEER RANCH

You don't have to wait for Santa to see a real reindeer. At Hardy's Reindeer Ranch you'll meet a herd of friendly Alaskan reindeers with names like Klondike and Jingles. Besides the furry friends, Hardy's also features the 10-acre Cornfusion Corn Maze, a general store, pumpkins and Christmas trees for the picking, hayrack rides, a realistic Indian tepee and straw fort for the kids to play in, plus a new Grand Prix-style pedal racetrack.

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DANA-THOMAS HOUSE

The Dana-Thomas House was designed by legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright in 1902 for Susan Lawrence Dana, a forward-thinking Springfield socialite. The home contains the largest collection of site-specific, original Wright art glass and furniture. The Dana-Thomas House is considered to be the best-preserved example of Wright's early Prairie homes.

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STATE CAPITOL / OLD STATE CAPITOL

The growth of the state of Illinois during Lincoln's presidency in the 1800s demanded more office space than the Old State Capitol allowed. Today, the current Capitol Building (opened in 1877) is the center of state government and houses the offices of the Governor and state officers, as well as the House of Representatives and Senate Chambers. Visitors can watch Illinois politics in action when the legislature is in session. Both the old and current State Capitols are open to the public.

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UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

Champaign County is home to the University of Illinois (U of I) and its many landmarks. Stop by the U of I Campus Visitors Center to join a guided tour of the campus and pick up useful information about the University. Catch a Fighting Illini basketball game at Assembly Hall, or a rousing football game at historic Memorial Stadium.

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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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SCOVILL ZOO

Spend the afternoon at the 10-acre Scovill Zoo, located on a bluff overlooking Lake Decatur. See the more than 400 animals and ride a train around the zoo. Then set out to explore the rest of the Scovill Park complex, which includes Oriental gardens, the Children's Museum of Illinois and a fun playground for the kids.

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