The capital of Illinois, Springfield is a small city situated in the middle of the state that is best-known for its links to Abraham Lincoln, former president of the US and a resident of the city for 17 years - hence the city’s motto, ‘Home of President Abraham Lincoln.’ Visitors can get a glimpse into the life of one of America’s best-loved figures at his former residence, now a museum. Aside from historical ties, the city is also a favorite among food-lovers thanks to its specialty, the horseshoe sandwich.
The undisputed tourist highlight of the city is the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, an area which contains the renovated house of the former president along with his presidential library, also a museum, as well as numerous other sites including Lincoln|Lincoln’s tomb. This is the final resting place of Lincoln and many of his family members, which makes it one of the most-visited cemeteries in North America.
Despite its strong affiliation with Abraham Lincoln, Springfield is not just about the former president; this is also a major food-loving town. Known as the ‘chili capital of the civilized world,’ Springfield is famous for miss-spelling its excellent chili and as the home of the first drive-thru restaurant, Maid-Rite Sandwich Shop, which still serves its famous horseshoe sandwich today.
Highlights
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum: an extraordinarily complete set of Lincoln artifacts housed in his former library that help build a thorough history.
Lincoln Home National Historic Site: former residence of Springfield’s most famous resident, dating back to when he lived here in the middle of the 19th century.
Lincoln Tomb: final resting place of Lincoln and many members of his family within Oak Ridge Cemetery.
Maid-Rite Sandwich Shop: a dose of classic Americana still serving excellent sandwiches at the first drive-thru window in the US.