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One of Springfield’s professional historical interpreters points to a Route 66 sign in front of the Illinois State Capitol building in Springfield, Illinois.
VISIT SPRINGFIELD
ILLINOIS
The Crossroads of
Lincoln and Route 66
With two national anniversaries converging, Springfield offers a timely road trip that pairs Abraham Lincoln with the enduring allure of the Mother Road.
By Amity Moore Joyce
Springfield, Illinois, may have one of the most apt taglines in tourism: “Where History Meets the Road.” Those five words neatly encapsulate the top draws for people coming to visit: President Abraham Lincoln and Historic Route 66. With the quintessential highway celebrating its centennial and one of America’s favorite presidents remembered during the United States’ 250th birthday this year, it’s time to hit the road!
Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, Petersburg
ADOBE STOCK
Follow the timeline of Lincoln’s life by starting just northwest of Springfield in Petersburg, at Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site. Although the future president was born in Kentucky and grew up in Indiana, where farming and manual labor taught him grit and tenacity, his penchant for politics emerged when he moved to this area in 1831.
Plan to spend two to three hours walking the reconstructed village of 23 log buildings. While visits are self-guided, historical reenactors often are present, particularly May through October. During his time here, Lincoln held many jobs, including shop owner, postmaster, crop harvester, rail splitter and land surveyor. He also served as a captain in the Black Hawk War. His community liked and respected him, with many encouraging him to seek election to the State Legislature in 1832. He did, and lost. Nevertheless, that first run roused his interest in politics and set him on a course to Springfield.
From Petersburg, make your way south to a unique section of Historic Route 66 in Auburn, Illinois. Near 5435 Snell Rd., find 1.4-miles of red-brick road and the first of nine murals in and around Springfield that are part of the new Route 66 Mural Trail. While most of the paintings occupy exterior walls of buildings, this one turns a silo into a work of art.
Entrance to the Ace Sing Co. Museum
VISIT SPRINGFILED
Heading northeast toward Springfield, follow part of the original 1930 Route 66 alignment to Chatham, Illinois, (Route 4) and stop at Sangamo Brewing for a bite of nostalgia. Browse the collection of antique neon brewery signs, bottles bearing unique labels and other artifacts salvaged from regional breweries operating during Route 66’s golden age. Neon is certainly part of the era’s character, and the signs here and at the Ace Sign Co. Sign Museum in Springfield showcase its use.
Route 66 Motorheads Bar, Grill & Museum serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The old route swings past other notable stops, including Motorheads Bar, Grill & Museum (see the country’s largest Route 66 sign), Cozy Dog Drive In (home to the original hot dog on a stick) and Route History (a museum dedicated to the Black history of Route 66). They are among the recently added Route 66 Wayside Exhibits. Each stop has an interpretive panel sharing its connection to the Mother Road.
Route 66 mural on the exterior of The Stadium Smokehouse Bar and Grill
SPRINGFIELD ILLINOIS CVB
Keep your eyes open for more colorful murals, notably at The Railyard on Route 66 and The Stadium Smokehouse Bar and Grill. If you’re traveling with youngsters, pull over at the Kidzeum of Health and Science to see the “Migrating Monarchs” mural and enjoy a few hours of unencumbered play.
Spend at least one night—but two or three makes for less-rushed sightseeing—in Springfield. For dinner, dine at Maldaner’s. It’s been an institution since 1884 and is known for a menu created with local and regional seasonal ingredients. It’s also a stop on the Horseshoe Trail, a route dotted with eateries serving Springfield’s legendary open-faced Horseshoe sandwich of texas toast, your choice of meat and crispy french fries—all topped with homemade cheese sauce.
Old State Capitol State Historic Site with statue of Abraham Lincoln family.
Settle into the AAA Three Diamond President Abraham Lincoln Springfield—a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, AAA Members save up to 10% and earn Honors points when booking AAA rates. Or, for a more boutique-style stay, book a room at the Inn at 835. Both put you within easy distance of Lincoln’s later years. The Lincoln Home National Historic Site preserves the 19th century home he lived in with his family from 1844-1861 before becoming president; the Old State Capitol State Historic Site is where he gave his famous “House Divided” speech; and the Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site is his and his family’s final resting place. His life and political contributions are celebrated through interactive exhibits at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Step into a natural world developed and planted with flora that would have been familiar to the 16th president at the Lincoln Memorial Garden and Nature Center.
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Illinois State Fairgrounds Route 66 Experience
Tucked among the Lincoln sites are more related to Route 66. Treat yourself to a donut at Mel-O-Cream Donuts’ store on Sixth Street, in business since 1932. Then, choose adventure at the Illinois State Fairgrounds Route 66 Experience. Drop down a 40-foot-tall Route 66 slide, and walk through a miniature exhibit highlighting 92 communities along Illinois Route 66 from Chicago to the Chain of Rocks Bridge in Madison, Illinois. Walk among more neon signs at the Route 66 Legends Neon Sign Park.
Before leaving Springfield, visit The Pharmacy Gallery & Art Space to see the Route 66 Bob Waldmire Exclusive Art Exhibition, which celebrates the culture of Route 66, and the newly uncovered Route 66 Carpenter Park Alignment. This mostly forgotten, once-overgrown quarter-mile stretch of pavement, part of the original Route 66 for only a decade, was recently reopened to visitors for walking.
Mural by Spencer and Lyndsay Stokes on the exterior of Bella Trattoria
Stick to Historic Route 66 up to Williamsville, Illinois, to see one more mural at Bella Trattoria and get a peek at early service station, Frank’s Old Station, now restored to the way it looked in the mid-1930s. Eighteen miles northeast at Lincoln, Illinois, another quirky roadside attraction comes into view—the World’s Largest Railsplitter Covered Wagon. A statue of Abe Lincoln sits atop it, book in hand. In this final stop, the road trip fittingly culminates in a celebration of the legendary man, his larger-than-life contributions and the beloved Americana of Historic Route 66.
Planning your road trip adventure is exciting, especially when choosing the perfect vehicle. Renting a car can be a great option to avoid putting miles on your own vehicle. Choose a ride that fits your needs—whether it’s a fuel-efficient car or an SUV for extra room and luggage. With Hertz, AAA Members save up to 20% off the base rate, get free additional drivers, free use of a child safety seat and other valuable savings that can extend your road trip budget. Learn more at AAA.com/CarRental.
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