Travel Guide Springfield

Founded in 1636, Springfield (population 117,000, excluding the metropolitan area) is the capital of Illinois. Abraham Lincoln lived here from 1844 to 1861. The "classic" visits are around the Lincoln's Home National Historic Site, the Lincoln-Herndond Law Offices, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum, the Oak Ridge Cemetery and Lincoln's grave, and the Old Capitol. The Depot from which Lincoln left to serve as President in Washington, D.C., is located at the corner of 10th and Monroe Streets (Route 66, Highway 55). To stay in the Route 66 spirit, we recommend a stop at the Cozy Dog Drive-In, founded in 1946 by the Waldmire family. If you still have time, you can add a visit to the Dana Thomas House, built between 1902 and 1904 and designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Finally, you can take a picture next to the Lauterbach Giant, the last of the three Muffler Men still visible on Route 66. He stands at 1569 Wabash Avenue, usually with an American flag in his hands.