Lincoln IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Lincoln, Illinois.
1. Lincoln Heritage Museum
PRESIDENTIAL HISTORY COMES ALIVE
The Lincoln Heritage Museum offers visitors a deeply immersive experience into the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln. Visitors can explore artifacts and interactive exhibits that chronicle Lincoln's journey from his humble beginnings to the presidency. This small but impactful museum serves as an excellent complement to the Lincoln Museum in Springfield, providing unique insights into the 16th president's life.
2. Railsplitter Covered Wagon
WORLD'S LARGEST COVERED WAGON
The Railsplitter Covered Wagon is an eye-catching roadside attraction featuring Abraham Lincoln guiding a massive covered wagon. This unique landmark holds the Guinness World Record for the world's largest covered wagon and has become an iconic photo opportunity for travelers along Route 66. Visitors can climb up to see the seated Lincoln figure and take memorable pictures with this quirky monument.
3. The Mill Museum on Route 66
HISTORIC ROUTE 66 LANDMARK
The Mill Museum on Route 66 preserves one of the iconic establishments along America's most famous highway. Originally opened in 1929 as a restaurant, this historic building now houses artifacts and memorabilia showcasing the golden era of Route 66 travel. Visitors can step back in time while exploring the museum's collection that celebrates both local history and the broader cultural significance of the Mother Road.
4. Lincoln County Illinois Courthouse
HISTORIC GOVERNMENT ARCHITECTURE
The Lincoln County Illinois Courthouse stands as an impressive example of historic government architecture in the heart of downtown. Visitors can admire the building's striking design features and the detailed murals that adorn its walls. Located conveniently on Route 66, this courthouse offers both architectural interest and historical significance to those exploring Lincoln.
5. Postville Courthouse State Historic Site
LINCOLN'S LEGAL LEGACY
The Postville Courthouse State Historic Site is a faithful replica of the 1800s courthouse where Abraham Lincoln practiced law while riding the 8th Judicial Circuit. This beautiful two-story attraction offers visitors guided tours that illuminate Lincoln's early legal career and the judicial system of the era. The site provides a tangible connection to Lincoln's formative years as a prairie lawyer before his rise to national prominence.
6. Heritage in Flight Museum
AVIATION HISTORY DISPLAY
The Heritage in Flight Museum showcases the rich aviation history of central Illinois through a collection of aircraft, memorabilia, and educational exhibits. Visitors can view restored vintage planes and learn about the region's contributions to flight technology and military aviation. The museum offers an engaging experience for aviation enthusiasts and history buffs alike, with knowledgeable volunteers often on hand to share stories and insights.
7. Lincoln Speedway
THRILLING DIRT TRACK RACING
Lincoln Speedway delivers heart-pounding dirt track racing action for motorsport enthusiasts in central Illinois. The quarter-mile clay oval track hosts various racing classes throughout the season, including sprint cars, modifieds, and stock cars. Visitors can experience the excitement of live racing, complete with the roar of engines, the smell of racing fuel, and the thrill of close competition.
8. Tropics Neon Sign
ICONIC ROUTE 66 SIGNAGE
The Tropics Neon Sign stands as a vibrant reminder of Route 66's golden era and Lincoln's roadside history. This recently restored neon landmark originally marked the location of The Tropics restaurant, a popular dining destination established in 1950 by a World War II veteran. Visitors seeking classic Route 66 photography opportunities will find this colorful piece of Americana perfect for capturing the nostalgic spirit of America's most famous highway.
9. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum
IMMERSIVE PRESIDENTIAL EXPERIENCE
The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum offers visitors a state-of-the-art immersive journey through the life and times of America's 16th president. Through innovative exhibits, holographic presentations, and life-size dioramas, guests can experience pivotal moments from Lincoln's childhood through his presidency and assassination. Located just a short drive from Lincoln in Springfield, this world-class museum combines historical accuracy with theatrical storytelling techniques to create an unforgettable educational experience.
10. Lincoln's New Salem
LIVING HISTORY PIONEER VILLAGE
Lincoln's New Salem is a meticulously reconstructed 1830s village where Abraham Lincoln spent his formative young adult years. Visitors can explore more than 20 historic buildings, interact with costumed interpreters demonstrating period crafts and daily activities, and gain insight into the frontier environment that helped shape Lincoln's character. This immersive living history site, located near Petersburg, provides a tangible connection to Lincoln's pre-political life as a store clerk, postmaster, and surveyor.
11. Lincoln Home National Historic Site
PRESIDENT'S FAMILY RESIDENCE
The Lincoln Home National Historic Site preserves the only home Abraham Lincoln ever owned, where he lived with his family for 17 years before becoming president. Visitors can tour the meticulously restored 12-room house and explore the four-block historic neighborhood that has been preserved to its 1860s appearance. This National Park Service site in Springfield offers ranger-led tours that provide intimate glimpses into Lincoln's family life and his rise from prairie lawyer to presidential candidate.
12. Old State Capitol
LINCOLN'S LEGISLATIVE ARENA
The Old State Capitol in Springfield served as Illinois' statehouse from 1839 to 1876 and played a pivotal role in Abraham Lincoln's political career. Visitors can stand in the representative hall where Lincoln delivered his famous 'House Divided' speech and explore the chambers where he served as a legislator and later practiced law before the Illinois Supreme Court. This beautifully restored Greek Revival building offers guided tours highlighting its architectural significance and its importance in Lincoln's journey to the presidency.
13. Lincoln Tomb
PRESIDENTIAL FINAL RESTING PLACE
The Lincoln Tomb is the final resting place of Abraham Lincoln, his wife Mary, and three of their four sons, housed within a grand monument at Oak Ridge Cemetery. Visitors can pay their respects at this 117-foot tall granite structure, adorned with symbolic statuary and bronze sculptures representing Lincoln's life and the military branches that served during the Civil War. The solemn interior features a rotunda and burial chamber where many visitors continue the tradition of rubbing the nose of Lincoln's bronze bust for good luck.
14. Illinois Shakespeare Festival
CLASSICAL THEATER EXPERIENCE
The Illinois Shakespeare Festival presents professional productions of Shakespeare's works and other classical theater in an enchanting outdoor setting during the summer months. Visitors can enjoy world-class performances under the stars at the Theater at Ewing Manor, combining cultural enrichment with a picturesque evening experience. The festival, based in Normal, also offers educational programs, pre-show activities, and special events that make Shakespeare accessible and engaging for audiences of all ages.
15. Route 66 Attractions
MOTHER ROAD NOSTALGIC JOURNEY
Route 66 through Logan County offers travelers a collection of nostalgic roadside attractions, classic diners, and historical markers along America's most famous highway. Visitors can discover quirky photo opportunities, vintage service stations, and authentic slices of Americana that capture the spirit of mid-20th century road travel. The stretch of Route 66 passing through Lincoln and Atlanta provides a perfect day trip for those looking to experience the golden age of American automobile culture.