We recently spent a week near the town of Springfield, Illinois, at Double J Campground in Chatham, Illinois. This campground is along Route 66, and close to shopping and Springfield to the north.

Illinois State Fair

As luck out have it, we were there during the Illinois State Fair. It was toward the end of the fair, so some of the animal barns were empty because those events were over, but there was still plenty to see and do. And who doesn’t want to see a life-size cow made entirely of buttter!

The Land of Lincoln

Springfield is home to President Lincoln’s home and museum and definitely something you should put on your travel list when visiting the state.

Lincoln Home National Historic Site

This National Historic Site has been preserved with President Lincoln’s home where he and Mary lived and raised their children and the home he was intending to return to after his presidency. You can tour the home and several surrounding homes that have been turned into small museums dedicated to Lincoln’s time in Springfield. The small desk in the corner is Lincoln’s actual writing desk! Imagine someone over six feet tall working at such a small desk.

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum is a short walk from his home and tells all about his life growing up in Illinois to his life in Springfield and through his time as President.

On your way to the Museum, stop by Obed and Isaac’s Microbrewery & Eatery We enjoyed pulled pork BBQ and fish & chips.

After lunch, while you’re walking to the Museum, you’ll pass by the original statehouse, the new statehouse, and Lincoln’s law office.

The Lincoln Tomb

Located about 2 miles from the museum in Oak Ridge Cemetery, The Lincoln Tomb is the resting place for President Lincoln, Mary, and three of their children.

Conclusion

We were very glad we took the time and made the trip to Springfield, Illinois, to learn about President Lincoln’s life before he became president. He was a humble man and wanted to help his fellow man throughout his life.