We want to thank Visit Springfield and the local businesses for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own. 

The Lincoln Connection

If we are going to write an article about historic dining options in Springfield, Illinois, we have to include Wm. Van’s Coffee House. With a history that spans over 150 years ago, this former home has a direct link to Abraham Lincoln. These days, it has been moved to its new location and serves the locals and visitors who frequent this unique coffee house. (Read more about Wm. Vans here.)

Bringing a French Influence

We would love to write an article about every place we visit, but sometimes it just isn’t feasible. This is one of the reasons we produce these overview articles. It gives us a chance to show some other wonderful options that can be found in the cities we visit. A good example is Incredibly Delicious. This French bakery and cafe serve up some delightful baked goods and flavorful dishes. Everything was so tempting that we even had a slice of their sinful chocolate cake with our breakfast.

Historic Dining Options in Springfield, Illinois

When it comes to historic dining options in Springfield, Illinois, Maldaner’s Restaurant has been around for 135 years. With that many years under their belt, we knew the meals would be memorable. After all, this place has been serving Route 66 diners since the very beginning of the nation’s first highway. (Read about Maldaner’s here.)

Mother Road Eats

Speaking of Route 66 iconic eateries, let’s talk Cozy Dogs. This unique eat has quite a colorful, and debatable, history. There are a few stories of the origin of this cornmeal coated snack, and the one that surrounds Cozy Dog Drive-In is just as plausible as any. While we were raised calling them corn dogs, you won’t want to make that slip up when ordering at this Springfield classic.  (Check out Cozy Dog here.)

New Classics

With so many historic dining options in Springfield, some may begin to think there are no new options. That couldn’t be farther from the truth. This capital city has plenty of new tastes to sample, and we couldn’t wait to give some of them a try. Long Nine Junction was definitely a “must try”, as it has seen tons of positive press. It had piqued our interest and once we tasted some of their specialties, we couldn’t get enough.

Tacos with a Twist

What happens when a seasoned chef decides to strike out on his own? Everyone wins, as the city gets a new restaurant, serving up authentic Mexican street dishes. This is exactly what has happened at Tacology 101. A meal of street tacos, Queso and chips, and some yucca fries were more than enough for the two of us. It reminded us of dining in our hometown, which is filled with amazing Mexican food destinations.

Springfield Specialty

During our explorations of this fun Midwestern city, we kept getting asked about the “horseshoe”. It seemed like everyone “in the know” was familiar with the city’s signature dish. Obviously, there was no way we were going to miss sampling one. Our visit to Obed & Isaac’s Microbrewery was the perfect opportunity. Once again, we found a dish that had a little mystery around its origin. It was interesting hearing the various stories, but it was the dish that was the real winner. It is definitely carbalicious.  (You can read more about horseshoes here.)

Sweet Treats

No visit to a new destination is complete without checking out the sweet treat scene. (At least in our opinion!)  While our schedule was jammed packed with tons of attractions, we did squeeze in a visit to Pease’s Candy. This long-running candy maker has been in business in Springfield since the 1930s. After teaming up with Bunn Gourmet, they now offer a wider range of specialty sweets. We found their shop to be over the top and was a perfect match for the exquisite treats.

Friendly Competition

Candy isn’t the only sweet snack found in Springfield, Illinois. As we explored the shops along 6th Street, (The original Route 66) we came to a pair of specialty popcorn shops. What we found was a story of old and new working to bring options to the people who visit the area. Del’s Popcorn has been an Illinois icon for generations and expanded to Springfield in 1980. Pittman’s Popcorn is a relative newcomer but has its own niche on the popcorn business. With over 70 unique flavors, it’s gaining ground on its iconic neighbor.

Hanging with the Locals

Our visit to this capital city proved to be a culinary success. We found an amazing number of historic dining options in Springfield, Illinois. What made the visits extra special was the opportunity to meet so many locals. A common theme that we find throughout our visits, is the kind and welcoming people. Be sure to engage with the people that you meet in new destinations. They can provide the best insight into places to visit and things to do. Besides, it’s a great way to make new friends.

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We want to thank Visit Springfield and all of the Springfield businesses for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own. 

Seeing Double

With a pair of capitol buildings, Springfield offers up a view of the old and new. The Old State Capitol has the distinction of being the place that Abraham Lincoln presented one of his most iconic speeches. “A house divided against itself cannot stand…” has been heard by millions and rings true even today. This speech was delivered by Lincoln during his campaign for U.S. Senate. While he will lose this race to Douglas, two short years later he will be elected President of the United States. In 1877, the Illinois legislature would move to its new home in the current State Capitol. Topped with a 405-foot dome, the building is quite a sight to see. You will certainly want to reserve some time to tour the inside and see the amazing details.

A Capitol View

We love finding cities that can be explored on foot. Springfield has a fairly level topography, so we knew that our journeys would be easy to navigate. With so many of the sights being in and around the downtown, we needed a home base that allowed easy access to this district. The State House Inn fit that bill perfectly and offered some amazing views of the current capitol building.

Getting It Wright

History buffs and Frank Lloyd Wright fans flock to Springfield to visit the Dana-Thomas House. Where most of Wright’s houses were built from the ground up, this one was actually a renovation. A rich socialite of Springfield met Wright in the early 1900s, and soon a plan was developed to transform the Italian mansion into a massive masterpiece. The house does have one special feature, as the owner wanted to preserve one room in remembrance of her parents. It was certainly a night & day kind of experience to suddenly happen upon a Victorian designed parlor in the midst of this beautiful home. (You can read more about the house here.)

Kidz Rule

While the Dana-Thomas House may be more appealing to adults, don’t fret that the children will be too bored. A stop at Kidzeum will certainly rev their motors. This children’s science center is designed to educate, while they play. The focus is on the human body, but there are also plenty of displays that focus on other aspects of life. Be aware that adults MUST be accompanied by a child to get in. This is one place that focuses heavily on making sure kids have an amazing visit. (You can read more about Kidzeum here.)

Connecting the Pieces

In almost every city or town we visit, we will root out the local museums. These spots give us access to better understand the history galore of the region. In capital cities, like Springfield, we will usually find the state museums. Places like the Illinois State Museum expand the focus to cover the entire state. From the earliest prehistoric times, right up to today, there are exhibits that show how Illinois came to be. This all-ages attraction is a great place to visit after touring the State Capitol next door. (You can read more about the museum here.)

Land of Lincoln

Now that we had a good grasp on the general history, it was time to do a deeper dive into one of Springfield’s most well-known citizens. Abraham Lincoln may not have been born in Springfield, but it is where he owned the only home he purchased. A visit to the Lincoln Home National Historic Site gave us a chance to tour the family residence. There are other historic homes that can be explored, throughout the neighborhood. (You can see more about the Lincoln home here.)

Difficult Decisions

Now that we had learned a little about the home life of the 16th President, it was time to visit the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum. This museum was built about 140 years after Lincoln’s death, but perhaps it took that long to truly capture the story of this man. As we made our way through the exhibits, we tried to put ourselves in his shoes. The hardships that he faced, and the decisions he was forced to make wore heavily on him. We have had the opportunity to visit many presidential museums, and this one is certainly one of the best. (You can see why here.)

A Nation Mourns

Our exploration of the Land of Lincoln would not have been complete without a stop to pay our respects at Lincoln’s Tomb. From his humble beginnings, he rose to greatness and led our country through one of the most tumultuous times in its history. Even after his death, there were devious acts that prevented his body from resting at peace. Springfield was providing us history galore in almost every corner of the city.  (You can learn more about that here.)

Evening Entertainment

While Lincoln and his family finally are able to rest, the stories of their days in Springfield still resonate with locals and visitors alike. We joined Springfield Walks for a ghostly tour of downtown Springfield. Our animated host led us through the paths that would have been used regularly by Abraham Lincoln. As he told us stories, of days long gone, we held on to every word. This tour is a great family activity, as it offers an interesting look at Springfield after dark. (You can read more here.)

Retail Therapy

Even though we pack our itineraries full of attractions and dining choices, we always leave a little time to explore other local businesses. Peppered throughout the downtown, we found a collection of cute boutique shops. As time allowed, we would pop into some to check out the merchandise. Downtown Springfield has a good number of art shops, that offer an eclectic mix of styles. We love the bright colors that these bring into our days, and they certainly caught our attention as we explored the region.

Couple Goals

When traveling, our late evenings are usually reserved for catching up on social media or prepping for the next day. There are occasions that we find some free time to do a little extra exploring. Since we were walking everywhere, we had an opportunity to check out some adult entertainment options, like Floyd’s Thirst Parlor. This downtown venue does double duty as a bar and an arcade. After grabbing a hard cider, we headed upstairs to check out some games. We spent quite a bit of time playing Skeeball, air hockey, and a couple of rounds of darts. Afterward, it was a short leisurely walk back to our hotel.

History Galore in downtown Springfield

While we only had three days to explore Springfield, Illinois, we were able to make the most of it by finding so much nearby. Whether you are a Lincoln fan, a Route 66 cruiser or a Civil war buff, you will find history galore in this Midwestern Capitol city. Even if you are bringing a family filled with adults and kids, there are plenty of options for everyone to have a great visit. Like many of the other cities we have explored, Springfield shows just how much can be found in the central part of our country.

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We want to thank Visit Springfield, Obed & Isaac’s Microbrewery, and Springfield Walks for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own.

Preparing for Parting

We had packed so many exciting stops in our visit, but we always feel a little sad knowing it is almost over. With so much to see and do, there was no way we could possibly cover it in our allotted time. Having this opportunity to visit so many sites associated with Abraham Lincoln had been a dream of mine. Being an amateur Civil War buff, this was almost a pilgrimage. One of the things that made this visit so special, was the proximity of all of the attractions to the downtown area. With our lodging nearby, we had spent almost the entire three days traveling by foot. With just hours left in our schedule, we were ready for some more walking.

Dining in the Shadow of History

From the old capitol building, where the Lincoln family statues reside, we made our way along the old Route 66 path. Our dinner destination was only about four blocks away, so we arrived in five minutes. Obed’s & Isaac’s Microbrewery is just a block away from the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, which we had already visited once. We arrived for an early dinner, since we had plans for later that evening. This relaxed eatery is actually quite family-friendly, with the bar area separated from an assortment of dining rooms.

Protein Packed Portion

This restaurant was one that I had done quite a bit of research on, so we were well prepared for our visit. Being early, service was running super fast, and soon we were ready to begin our meal. Crystal was in the mood to eat light, so she ordered the Cobb Salad. Little did she know, their version loads up a heaping helping of ingredients. A bed of leafy greens is topped with piles of tomato, egg, shredded carrots, Apple-wood smoked bacon, blue cheese crumbles, and grilled chicken breast. A cup of guacamole accompanies the salad dressing of choice. She soon discovered that her order was enough for a couple of people to enjoy.

Springfield Classic

During our stay in Springfield, we often were asked if we had tried the city’s signature dish. Our evening of horseshoes and ghost tales wouldn’t be complete without sampling this unique creation. The dish is basically an open faced sandwich, but with a twist. When we tried to investigate the origin of this treat, we found an assortment of stories. The one we heard most often revolves around a dishwasher at a local hotel. The original was served in a shape that resembled a horseshoe, thus the colorful name. Whatever the true beginning was, we were determined to sample this local specialty.

Old Dish with a New Twist

Obed & Isaac’s allows guests to take a little liberty from the original dish. The base is still a couple pieces of bread, but they offer a selection of meats to choose from. I chose corned beef, since I felt it would best compliment my hard cider. Once the meat is piled on, the secret cheese sauce is ladled over this base. A hearty helping of French fries garnish the top. The dish is certainly carb and protein heavy, but I knew we would be doing some more walking later that evening. As I worked on the dish, it soon became apparent that I wouldn’t finish, and this was a half order. Keep that in mind when you place your order.

Take a Walk

Let’s be honest, we waddled out of the restaurant and made our way back down to the old State Capitol building. In the shadow of the Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices, we assembled for the evening’s entertainment. Springfield Walks offers a variety of tours that cover this historic city. Our selection was the Lincoln’s Ghost Walk. It is a 90-minute walking tour that would lead us back down to the Lincoln Home. This began with a short introduction to the history of Lincoln and his family. Many of the short stories were ones I had read about, but there are a few that were new for me.

Ghostly Tales

We made our way along 7th Street, and paused for a stop at the First Presbyterian Church. This was Lincoln’s church and you can still see the pew where the family sat. Of course, this is only available during tour times on Mondays and Wednesdays. Just a couple more blocks and we found ourselves in front of the Lincoln home. Since we had already toured the house, it would be interesting to hear some of the eerie stories that accompanied it. (You can read about the house here.) With an air of mystery and intrigue, our guide assembled us for the main presentation.

An Evening of Horseshoes and Ghost Tales

His animated storytelling entertained young and old alike. We heard stories about Mary Lincoln’s White House seances, as well as tales of her misery at the loss of her family members. Plenty of detail was given to the stories revolving around the skulduggery that took place at Lincoln’s Tomb. Some of these we had learned while visiting the tomb earlier in our trip. (You can read about that visit here.) As the darkness grew around us, our guide continued his tales of intrigue and mystery. Too soon, the time passed and we were making our way back toward our hotel. We took this opportunity to stroll once more through the historic downtown. As we passed the Lincoln family statues, we could almost hear the boys calling out to heir parents. Our evening of horseshoes and ghost tales was the perfect way to cap off a visit to Springfield, Illinois. We hope you find this Midwestern city as appealing as we did, and make your own plans to visit.

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We want to thank Visit Springfield and the Lincoln Presidential Library for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own. 

First of its Kind

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum opened to the public in 2005. It’s hard to imagine it was 140 years after his death. While most presidential libraries start with the design of the building, this one was different. Wanting to create an “experience” for visitors, the inner exhibits were first determined. Afterwards, the shell that would become the building was designed to encapsulate all the contents. What this produced was a first of its kind museum, that immerses guests in the life and times of the 16th President of the United States. Covering an entire city block, it is the largest presidential museum.

Humble Beginnings

The museum is designed to walk visitors through the life of Lincoln. We started at The Log Cabin exhibit, which showcases Abe in his youth. The cabin is a recreation of his boyhood home in Indiana. The designers attempted to stay true, and even added reproductions of the native trees that would have been found in the region. They used logs from barns of the mid-1800s to construct the cabin. As we explored the space, one of the museum staff was on hand to answer any questions. She even explained that although the space seemed small, it was probably larger than Lincoln’s boyhood home.

Life Takes Shape

After moving to New Salem, Illinois, young Abe entered his first business venture. As we were immersing in history, we came upon the scene of Abe at work in the Berry-Lincoln Store. He is joined by Ann Rutledge, who was an early love interest for Abe. She would succumb to a wave of typhoid that struck the area in the 1830s. Passing through the store, we came to a gallery that showcases Lincoln’s life in Springfield, Illinois. Here we found Abe courting Mary Todd, who would eventually become his wife and mother to their four sons.

Home in Illinois

Over time, Lincoln self-taught himself law by reading various books. In 1843, Lincoln moved into his downtown Springfield law office with partner Stephen Logan. This partnership dissolved in 1844. That same year, he took on a new partner, William Herndon. What his new partner discovered was that Abe was prone to reading aloud, much to his new partner’s dismay. He also found that Lincoln was less than organized when it came to filing documents. The stories of Lincoln bringing his sons to the office, and then ignoring their often overzealous activity, was surely another point of discomfort for his office mate. Even with these distractions, Lincoln and Herndon would remain partners until Abe’s death in 1865.

On the Campaign Trail

In 1858, Lincoln faced Stephen Douglas in a series of debates, as they both ran for the position of Illinois Senator. During this period, Abe would deliver his House Divided speech, which was possibly his most famous given in Illinois. He won the election, and within a couple of years, was nominated for President by the Republican Party. He received 40 percent of the popular vote, in a four-way contest, and became the first Republican President. An interesting exhibit at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum is designed to shed light on the complicated election. It uses  21st Century television news reports, and electronic advertisements, to show what the election would look like today.

Off to the White House

Lincoln Elected! The news rang out across the nation to mixed opinions. Abraham Lincoln was one of the most controversial presidents, as the country was already on the cusp of secession. During the election, Lincoln’s name did not appear on ten of the southern states ballots, yet now he was their new Commander-in-Chief. A good deal felt that his anti-slavery stance also meant that he was against their states as a whole. Just over a month after his election, South Carolina would secede from the Union. By the end of following February, six more southern states would join in.

Injustice is Brought to the Forefront

While Lincoln believed that slavery was wrong morally, he struggled with how to solve the issue. The U.S. Constitution sanctioned it, although the word slavery does not appear in the actual document. Instead, there are clauses that protected the slave owners rights from persecution by the newly formed federal government. The country was now entering the second year of the Civil War, and the people were starting to understand the true costs in human lives. While slavery was certainly a contributing factor to the Civil War, it was not necessarily the primary one. With the North’s commitment to the war waning, it was time for a stance on the issue of slavery, once and for all.

Immersing in History

As we made our way through the Lincoln Presidential Museum, we found ourselves immersing in history lessons that were hot buttons during the Civil War. By the end of 1862, Lincoln was struggling with issuing the Emancipation Proclamation. On January 1, 1863, the proclamation was released. The resolution was specifically designed to only apply to the freeing of slaves in the southern (Confederate) states. Since these states were already in rebellion, it had no immediate impact on the slaves in those areas. The Emancipation was meant to give more purpose to the war effort of the Northern states, but it was also a rallying cry for the south, who would lose their slaves if they lost the war.

Decision Must Be Made

With Britain teetering on their decision to engage in the war, on the side of the south, the proclamation’s timing was imperative. Lincoln had waited until the north had a decisive win at the Battle of Antietam, in the fall of 1862. The Emancipation Proclamation was an executive order, and would not become an amendment to the Constitution until December 6, 1865. Abraham Lincoln’s decision to give this order would allow Britain, who was against slavery, a reason to abstain from joining in on the war. This would prevent the south from receiving the much needed aid that would have fueled their war efforts and eventually lead to their defeat.

A Fateful Night

John Wilkes Booth is a name that is synonymous with the death of Abraham Lincoln, yet assassination was not his first thought. His first plan was to kidnap the President and hold him for hostage for the release of thousands of southern prisoners of war. The surrender of Robert E. Lee, on April 9, 1865, thwarted any remaining hopes of a southern victory. Booth’s plans immediately switched to the killing of the President, which he carried out on the night of April 14th. Co-conspirators were supposed to assassinate the Vice-President and Secretary of State, but these attempts failed.

The Nation Mourns

Continuing through the museum, we come to Lincoln’s final return to Springfield, Illinois. One week after his death, Lincoln’s coffin would be loaded onto a train that would carry him home. The trip would travel through 180 cities, in seven states. Along the route, there would be stops for public viewings. At each, they would unload the coffin and carry it through town in a hearse. It would be on public display, where thousands would flock for a chance to pay their final respects. In the end, President Lincoln would be interred in a tomb near downtown Springfield. (You can read our article about this stop here.)

See it for Yourself

Our visit to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum was one of the highlights of our trips in 2019. Having an opportunity of immersing in history on such a grand scale is not to be missed. The museum includes two amazing theaters (no photography) that offer state of the art experiences. In Ghosts of the Library, we watched a curator bring the past to life, and were amazed at what happens at the end of the show. (No spoilers from us!) The Union Theater is a sight, sound, and sensation that draws guests into the stories of the Civil War. Both of these shows were first rate productions that left us in awe. Before we left the museum, we couldn’t pass up an opportunity to take a selfie with the Lincoln family, who welcome visitors to the Presidential museum. I was still in amazement, as we finally made our way out of the space. How many of you have visited the museum?  We would love to hear your opinions of it in the comments section at the bottom of the page. Thanks!

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We want to thank Visit Springfield and the Dana Thomas House Foundation for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own. 

Springfield’s Dana-Thomas House

Springfield socialite, Susan Lawrence Dana, inherited the Italian style home after her parents passed away. Along with the home came a substantial fortune her father had amassed from silver mines in the Rocky Mountain region. She decided that she wanted to have the home redesigned to better match her personality. Being a local socialite, she desired some place special to throw her lavish parties, and social events. In 1902, her path crossed with Wright, who was a rising star in the architect world.

Our Tour Begins

The tour begins with a short introductory video that gives an overview of the project. Afterwards, our guide, Ross, assembled us in the backyard of the home. His tour would educate us on some amazing numbers. Wright designed approximately 450 windows, skylights, Light fixtures, sconces, and other glass adornments for the home. The remodel would take about two years to complete. In the end, only one room would remain from the original design. With over 12,000 square feet of usable space, it is a massive structure.

Unexpected Opening

When we approached the front door of the Springfield’s Dana-Thomas House, little did we realize that it was an unusual feature. Ross explained that most of Wright’s designs would have the entrance hidden from plain view. This would prevent the doorway from breaking up the continuity of his design. The arch shape we found at the entrance would be repeated through the house.

Heading Inside

We entered the house and immediately realized just how large scale this project had been. There are sixteen major spaces that were used for entertaining and impressing guests. This terracotta fountain sits in front of a series of  Wright designed glass panels. This geometric shaped design would be found throughout the house.

Something Special

Later in her life, Susan Dana would end up being hospitalized. The house was sold to settle accumulated debts, and some original furnishings were removed. The home was purchased by Charles Thomas, who would maintain the balance of the original furnishings. It would stay in their family’s possession from 1944 until his wife Nanette passed away in 1975. In 1981, the state of Illinois would secure the home for the price of $1 million, and would invest that and more in returning it to its original condition.

Simplistic Design

While the building was a home, the majority of the spaces were designed for entertaining. Little of the area was reserved for personal space, like this bedroom. The simplistic design was a familiar theme with the Prairie School designs of Wright. The organic architecture often resembles Japanese styling, like what is found in the dual bed chambers.

A Piece of the Past

As I mentioned earlier in this article, Susan Dana required Wright to keep one room in original condition. This parlor reminded her of her parents, but Wright did find a way to tie it into the rest of  his design. The original lighting fixtures were replaced with pieces that matched others throughout the house. It was quite surreal to see this room in the center of the art-deco styling.

Hidden Treasures

We continued touring the various spaces, as well as investigating a portion of the 35 rooms. Some hidden treasures we found in Springfield’s Dana-Thomas House, include balconies used by orchestras during parties and social events. Ross led us downstairs, and we were shocked to see a duck pin bowling alley. We can imagine guests playing a game, while sipping champagne and dining on finger sandwiches.

A Treasure Saved

Our tour lasted about an hour, and covers a large portion of Springfield’s Dana-Thomas House. I took over one hundred photos, so we are betting you will take quite a few during your visit. The chance to walk through such an amazing piece of history is hard to describe. It has to be seen firsthand to truly be appreciated. Your next vacation trip to Springfield, Illinois should definitely include a stop at this historic home. Have you ever toured any of Frank Lloyd Wright’s buildings? We’d love to hear about your visit in the comments below.

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We want to thank Visit Springfield and the Illinois State Museum for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own. 

Piecing Together The Past

Like most of the states in America, Illinois has an interesting past. After getting a short orientation from staff, we were ready to head off and explore the Illinois State Museum. The first exhibit area we visited was Changes. This permanent exhibit takes visitors back millions of years, and then leads them through the changes that have occurred since those earliest days. We would find that throughout the museum there are displays set up to engage visitors with an interactive design.

Getting Our Bearings

Much like our home state of Kansas, Illinois was once part of a large seabed. There are plenty of fossils to be uncovered that show some of the activity of those times. As we followed the path through time, we were whisked by millions of years to see what life was like long before man walked these lands. Piecing together the past was helping us discover things we never realized about Illinois.

Ocean Dwellers

500 million years ago, Illinois was part of a land mass that held strange creatures. Walking into The Marine Record exhibit, of the Illinois State Museum, we saw massive models of some of these interesting species.

Missing Links

Closer to eye level we discovered displays filled with fossils from the long ago seabeds. While many of these are familiar, since we see them in museums near us, it is still fascinating to think about how huge the water mass must have been. Unlike areas that held higher elevations, like Wyoming or Colorado, Illinois was fairly flat. Being a sea, and not dry ground, means the state is empty when it comes to dinosaurs that roamed the land.

Enter the Ice Age

With a good sense of life in the sea,we made our way forward in time. A fun display has visitors enter the Ice Age through a frozen tunnel. On the other side, we would discover some more familiar figures. The short-faced bear and musk ox roamed these bountiful lands that were uncovered when the waters receded. The Illinois State Museum has interactive displays that allowed us to feel the skull of one of these giant bears, as well as a beaver pelt.

Familiar Figures

Nearby, we were able to get a better sense of the massive scale of these creatures. This is done by piecing together the past using skeletons of a short-faced bear and a mastodon, which towered above us. Alongside we also saw the skeleton of a beaver, which helped us to gauge the scale of these ancient beasts.

The Early Residents

Moving forward in time, we arrive in the period of the earliest known inhabitants. In the Peoples of the Past exhibit, we found a series of dioramas that showcase the native tribes who occupied the region. Around 12,000 years ago, the early inhabitants lived in caves and hunted the mammoths. Semi-nomadic, they would follow the beasts as they roamed the grasslands.

Tools of the Trade

Over time, the culture began to change to become more stationary. They built homes in small villages and added farming to their sources of food. Hunting was still a primary activity, and by 9,000 years ago they were using stone tools and weapons. We were still piecing together the past, but had moved to the point that human inhabitants were becoming commonplace.

Bounties of the Land

The lands of Illinois offered bountiful resources to sustain these native people. The lakes were a source of fish and crustaceans, and the soil was good for growing a variety of plants. By the time the first European explorers arrived in the 1600s, the natives had established a large confederation of tribes. Much like what would be repeated all across our expanding nation, the intrusion of settlers would eventually push the natives out of their homelands.

Familiar Industry

As we continued through the displays, at the Illinois State Museum, we came to an exhibit focused on the pearl button industry. This was not the first time we had seen this particular industry being highlighted. In Knoxville, Tennessee, we happened upon a display at the McClung Museum that teaches visitors about this business in the Tennessee River Valley. (You can see that article here.) Evidently, this industry originally took place in other parts of the country.

Button It Up

The Illinois State Museum highlights the details of how the pearl buttons were created. A collection of the tools and equipment used, shows how the buttons were harvested. We found out that the native Indians had also found the mussel shells useful for decoration.

Kid Friendly

Our time was running out for this visit, but there was still a lot to see. We decided to hit one of the areas that would appeal to some of the younger visitors, as well as their parents. The Play Museum is designed for children ages 3 to 10, who are visiting the Illinois State Museum.  Of course, the kids must be accompanied by an adult. Filled with an assortment of hands-on activities, this portion of the museum is really fun.

Places to Explore

Information boards placed nearby suggest ways to make the most of each station. A large pit allows kids to become a pint-sized paleontologist, as they dig for fossils. Another station gives them a chance to load up a jeep for their upcoming exploration trip. A collection of fossils, toys, and insects offer hours of fun. After touring the area, we almost wish our kids were still young enough to play there. It was time for us to head to our next stop, but we left with a better understanding of the Lands of Lincoln. As we moved back into the outside world, we knew that telling the story of the Illinois State Museum would be fun. If we could have such an enjoyable time with only a couple of hours, how much more fun would it be for others who could concentrate more time there. How many of you enjoy visiting museums that focus on larger regions?

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We want to thank Visit Springfield and Cozy Dog Drive In for their hospitality. Rest assured the opinions are all our own. 

Getting Our Kicks on Route 66

Growing up, we had plenty of opportunities to visit sights along the old Route 66, as it wound its way through the Central U.S. Today, nostalgia drives thousands of visitors each year to cruise some or all of America’s “first highway”. Over the past couple of years, we have added stories from plenty of Mother Road cities, including ones in our home state of Kansas. (You can read about one of our Route 66 explorations here.) With so much of the route already under our belt, a chance to fill in the gaps in Springfield was not to be overlooked.

The Early Days

Cozy Dog Drive In has a fascinating story to tell, and much of the information is held in artifacts at their restaurant. Their claim to fame is not that they invented the corn dog, but that they revolutionized how it is served. For decades, corn dogs have been a staple of southern cuisine. This dish involves coating a frankfurter in a cornbread sandwich. While it is basically an early version of today’s popular treat, it took too long to prepare. While Ed Waldmire Jr. was attending Knox College, he had his first experience with this southern dish. After discussing it with a fellow student, he let the subject drop. Five years later, he heard from that student, who told Ed that he had developed a batter recipe that would stick to the frank, while being deep fried.

The Origin of Corn Dogs

Since Ed was stationed at an Air Force base in Amarillo, Texas, he had time to test it and had access to equipment. The early versions used cocktail forks for sticks, and were nicknamed “crusty curs”. This new version was a hit, and Ed sold thousands in Amarillo. Once the recipe was fine tuned, it was time to work on the name. After going through a dozen he didn’t like, he finally settled on “Cozy Dogs”.  In 1946, Cozy Dogs were moved to Springfield, Illinois. That same year, this unique eat was introduced at the Illinois State Fair. By 1949, they had moved to Route 66 and the tag “Drive In” was added to their name.

Cozy Up to Cozy Dog

These days, travelers from around the globe visit Cozy Dog Drive In to learn about the origin of corn dogs, and sample these tasty treats. We pulled into their location at 2935 S. 6th Street, which is easily spotted by their sign along the street. Our stop was at lunchtime, and we found a steady stream of diners making the pilgrimage. Once inside, we discovered it is counter service. We placed our order and found a seat close enough to watch the magic. The menu has a good variety of handhelds, so those looking for something besides a corn dog will surely find a meal to their liking.

Our Turn To Taste

We decided to sample a spectrum of the menu, including the iconic treat that the restaurant is named after. Of course, we had to toss in some fries and rings, as well as a juicy burger to round out the meal. To wash it all down, we discovered they have an assortment of bottled sodas to choose from. We found it to be an added bonus that they carry the Route 66 logo on the containers. With all of this food laid out in front of us, the only thing left to do was to dive in. As we dined on our nostalgic meal, we took in all of the memorabilia that adorns the dining room. It sure made us feel like we were kids again, enjoying a site along the Mother Road. How many of you like to explore Route 66 cities?

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We want to thank Visit Springfield and the Lincoln Home National Historic Site for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own.

Crossroads of History

Springfield, Illinois is not only the city that the Lincoln family called home, it is also one of the original cities on Route 66. This iconic “first” highway across America is popular with nostalgia buffs and road trippers from around the globe. Whether you are visiting from a nearby city or halfway around the world, the Lincoln Home is a “must see” during your time in Springfield. We had just enjoyed breakfast at the nearby Wm. Van’s Coffee House, and found an interesting connection with Abraham Lincoln. (You can learn more about the connection here.) With our minds clearly focused on learning more about the Lincoln family, we headed across the street to the visitors center.  Inside we found information about the neighborhood that the Lincoln home resides within. There are also displays that tell more about the home itself.

Helping Hands

One of the things that make up a pleasant visit is the staff. From the moment we entered the visitors center, we felt welcomed. The first person we ran into ended up being our tour guide, Gabrielle, who helped us explore the Lincoln home. As we waited for our tour to start, we struck up a conversation with Jeff, one of the character actors that parade the neighborhood. Each person we spoke with ended up being excellent cheerleaders for their city. Talking with some of the locals helps us uncover potential additions to our itinerary that we may have overlooked during our research phase. Oh look, the tour is beginning, so we better catch up.

Stepping Into History

The Lincoln family home was constructed in 1839 and purchased by the Lincoln’s in 1844. Located on the corner of 8th and Jackson Streets, this would be the only home that Abraham Lincoln would ever own. The location is just a couple of blocks off of the original Route 66 path. Of course, the highway wouldn’t come along until almost 100 years later. Originally the home was smaller, but after additions, it ended up containing 12 rooms. Here is where Abe and Mary Lincoln spent 17 years of their lives, prior to the presidency. Stepping through the entrance, we were greeted by the familiar stovepipe hat hanging nearby. The formal parlor looks much as it would have during their lives, and we can imagine their boys being shooed away from this room, which was reserved for guests.

Long Nights at Work

During his time in Springfield, Abraham Lincoln moved up the political ladder. From his humble beginnings, he built his practice and entered the arena of politics by serving in the Illinois House of Representatives. During his four terms, he continued to formulate his stance on issues like slavery. He was actually known for a “free soil’ stance, which opposes both slavery and abolitionism. While abolitionists were against slavery, their actions and approach were often just as detrimental as those of the slave owners. As we took time to explore the Lincoln home, we had a chance to view the study where he would spend long evenings poring over books and documents.

Explore the Lincoln Home

In the 1800’s it was not uncommon for couples to have separate bedrooms. I can actually remember my grandparents having this setup in their country home. As our guide led us through the house, we came upon Abe’s and Mary’s bedrooms. It is hard to describe the feeling of being able to explore the Lincoln home. I have long been intrigued by our 16th President, so this opportunity was not wasted on me. To walk through rooms that he had occupied was an unbelievable experience.

Final Thoughts

As Gabrielle completed her tour, she led us to the backyard of the Lincoln home. Here, she shared her parting words and final thoughts on this historic building. We thanked her for her informative tour and found out that each guide is allowed to create their won dialogue. We like that idea, since subsequent visits would all have a little different spin on the place. For now, it was time to explore the surrounding neighborhood.

The Lincoln’s Neighbors

Traveling up and down 8th Street, we had an opportunity to view some of the Lincoln’s neighbors. Many of the homes were constructed in the 1840s through the early 1860s. They have a few homes open for further exploring, as well as a few objects assembled along the roadway. The street is still lined with wooden curbs, much like they would have been in the 1800s. A pea gravel bed would have reduced the muddiness of the roadway during Midwest rains.

Historic Homes

The entire neighborhood is part of a four block historic site. We learned that summertime is a great opportunity to interact with many character actors who wander the area. Their “living history” demonstrations are designed to engage visitors and offer additional glimpses into life during the Lincoln era in Springfield, Illinois. This works out perfect for family vacations, since these demonstrations run from early July through mid-August.

A Springfield Treasure

As we continued our deep dive into historic Springfield, Illinois, we found that every corner held new discoveries. This Midwest city has so much to offer visitors, and has attractions for all ages. We love exploring capitol cities, and were thrilled to find out that this one has not one, but two rotundas. Be sure to check out our upcoming article on our tours of these two historic buildings, as we showcase the old versus the new. How many of you are Lincoln fans?

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We want to thank Visit Springfield and Maldaner’s Restaurant for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own.

Early, Early Days

Maldaner’s Restaurant didn’t start at 222 South 6th Street, because this building didn’t exist in 1884. They actually began a couple doors down at 216 South 6th Street. Yeah, they’ve been around for 135 years, so they have surely seen a lot of changes to the world around them. The restaurant is located on Route 66, but of course that highway designation came along more than 40 years later. As the hostess led us to our table, we took in the historic feel of the space. The business began as an ice cream shop, but soon transformed into a full-fledged eatery. As we sat and reviewed the lunch menu, we imagined some of the famous visitors that must have dined in this same room over the decades.

Count on Monte Cristo

As I perused the menu, I happened upon a dish that I have only had once. Maldaner’s restaurant offers up a classic version of the Monte Cristo Sandwich, but does toss in a little twist. Piles of ham and turkey are bonded together with melted Swiss cheese. This combination is stuffed between two slices of bread that are battered and cooked. (Think of a thin French Toast) A slather of jalapeno jelly adds a light kick, and the powdered sugar tosses in some sweet. It’s a ton of flavors that work well together. A side of their homemade potato chips rounded out my meal.

Salad with a Twist

Crystal’s order actually out did me for  plate presentation. Her Teriyaki Chicken Salad was an intriguing combination that made an eye catching dish. A bed of fresh mixed greens makes a good base. Add in a sliced chicken breast that has been grilled with Teriyaki marinade. Coat this with loads of cashews and a serving of Mango Relish to add extra color and flavor. Even though the flavors of our meals were amazing, both dishes were too large for either of us to finish.

Always Room for Dessert

During the meal, it got to the point that we both had to push back from the table. We had clearly thrown in the towel and were aware of the need to walk off some of this meal. What would happen, but our server would show up and tempt us with an amazing dessert. Although common sense would say to pass, her description of the Lemon Cheesecake was too tempting. In no time, she was back with a delightfully decorated dish. The yellow disc of cheesecake was topped with a dollop of whipped cream. The raspberry sauce added the perfect accent to the sweet treat, which soon disappeared.

A Mother Road Classic

We finally dropped our forks and called it quits. It was time for us to roll out the door and start exploring downtown Springfield, Illinois. The downtown area screams of history and we wondered how many times Abraham Lincoln had traversed this same pathway. This was clearly going to be an amazing visit and we were eager to get going. We realized that Maldaner’s Restaurant may not have been around in Lincoln’s days, but were sure he would have enjoyed lunch at this local landmark. Doesn’t this place look like a great dining option?

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We want to thank Visit Springfield and Kidzeum for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own. 

One Big Body

When we arrived at Kidzeum, we immediately went into kid mode. We have discovered that it is okay to let go of our proper adult outward appearance and just enjoy the moment. This three-story educational museum is designed to make learning fun. As soon as we walked through the entrance, we noticed the huge model that filled the atrium. This exhibit is designed to show healthy choices and their effects on our body. Each floor holds a portion of the body that visitors can explore.  The feet and legs are a large climbing area, which we chose to bypass for today. We are betting it’s quite popular with the kids.

Tickle Your Fancy

It seemed that the best place to start was the top, so up we climbed to the 3rd floor. Here we found the head, which includes a series of interactive displays. An over-sized feather can be waved in front of the model’s nose to elicit a sneeze. We thought this was pretty funny, but little did we know that things were about to get real. Time to move to the “behind the scenes” exhibits.

Get Your Boogie On

We made our way behind the huge head and located a group of smaller displays. Each of these focused on specific organs in the human head. A big tongue had buttons placed at various spots that noted what each set of taste buds were used to identify. If you check out our Springfield, Illinois Instagram Highlight reel you will see a clip about it. (You can find it here.) This place is a real hit with the kids and I have to admit I found it to be pretty cool, as well.  Besides the booger barn shown above, there are also displays on other parts of the head. Each display is designed to educate visitors about the purpose of the body parts. This makes learning fun.

This Too Shall Pass

Moving down to the second floor, brought us to the midsection of the body. Here we found more exhibits, but these were focused on the internal organs. You can find more interactive activities, like giving a shot to the arm. While Crystal busied herself with that display, I located something a little more exciting. Nearby, visitors can explore the digestive system in a close up manner. Now it may not be exactly to scale, but it’s still kind of funny. As you crawl through the bowels of the exhibit, (Yeah, that was pretty bad.) there are informational panels that explain the way this part of the body works.

Balanced Lifestyle

Since we are on the subject of digestion, this is a good point to show some of the other exhibits that can help you get healthy at Kidzeum. The human body isn’t the only display in the building. The whole place is designed to teach kids health and wellness, but that’s not all. They also deal with environmental and global issues.

Toot Sweet

We all know that it’s important to eat healthy, but sometimes it’s confusing what that means. Learning to get healthy at Kidzeum is as easy as playing with the displays. A good example is this exhibit that focuses on showing how much sugar can be found in everyday food and drink items.

To Market, To Market

With this new found knowledge under our belt, it was time to look for healthier choices. The Healthy Earth exhibit is a good place for kids to find good eating options. It includes a variety of interactive displays that keep kids of all ages engaged. Now we must warn you at this point that there is one BIG rule that must be noted. We had to get special permission to tour the museum, since adults need to be accompanied by a kid. Of course, the rule works both ways, so all kids need an adult, as well.

Home Grown Education

Well, we’ve spent plenty of time on the human body, so let’s move on to our environment. These days things around the home can be a mystery to kids. It’s not every day that we get a peek behind the walls, to see the inner workings of our home. Kidzeum has a model home that teaches kids about the things we all take for granted everyday.

Shed Some Light

Pulling back the wallboard, visitors can see how homes are constructed and learn about things like various styles of insulation.  Kids can take a turn at being a plumber, while connecting hot and cold water pipes. All along the way, informational signs tell how parts work together to supply our household needs.

Powering Up

Just like other areas of Kidzeum, there are interactive exhibits in this section. One that I decided to take a spin at is designed to show how much power is needed to light various types of bulbs. It’s a good way to teach the importance of changing over to LED lightbulbs to save energy and lower your electricity bill. It also helps us lower our carbon footprint, which will help our planet.

Weather Or Not

Since we know that our lifestyles can affect the environment, it only makes sense that Kidzeum would have an exhibit that gives visitors a chance to talk about the weather. Have you ever wanted to be a weather reporter? Here you get a chance to stand up and do your own version of the evening nightcast. What weather will you report? Storms? Snow? Maybe just a beautiful sunny day.

Will You Get Healthy at Kidzeum?

This children’s museum has so much more to see, but we were out of time. This is one bad thing about squeezing in extra stops. Sometimes, we don’t have time to truly enjoy them. Fortunately, you have the opportunity to plan your visit, so that you will have plenty of time to see and do everything. While admission requires a mix of adults and kids for entry, that doesn’t mean you have to act like an adult. This is the perfect type of place to cut loose and have a great time. Would you crawl your way through the intestines or check out that nose?

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We want to thank Visit Springfield for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own. 

First Sighting

The day we arrived in Springfield was overcast with a threat of rain. Lincoln’s Tomb is located in the Oak Ridge Cemetery, along Monument Avenue. As we approached the entrance, we noticed a couple of souvenir shops located nearby. A quick stop at one allowed us a brief conversation with some locals. When we explained the purpose of our trip, they were excited to hear what stops we had planned. This was an opportunity for us to gauge how well we had selected, since these ladies were open and honest about our choices. This conversation confirmed that we were in for a wonderful visit, so we made our purchase and headed into the cemetery.

Lucky Timing

During the last few miles of our drive, we had been passing in and out of showers. The skies dried up as we entered the city limits and remained dry during our entire stop at Lincoln’s Tomb. We made our way to the parking lot outside the memorial. Being a weekday, the crowds were thin, although a school tour did arrive during our visit. Outside of the tomb entrance we saw a bronze copy of the Gutzon Borglum head of Lincoln. The original is carved out of marble and is on display at the U.S. Capitol. You may recognize the artist’s name from his work at Mount Rushmore. His Springfield bronze offers visitors a chance to rub the nose for luck. Crystal was willing to wait her turn for this opportunity.

Stepping into History

The tomb is constructed of granite with a 117 foot tall obelisk rising toward the sky. We passed through the entrance and into the marble receiving room. Here we found one of the most recognizable sculptures of Abraham Lincoln. Staff members are on hand to tell the history of the site. After his death, a group of Lincoln’s friends began a fund-raising effort to construct his tomb. Their plan was to develop it in the downtown area of Springfield. Mary Lincoln, Abe’s wife, threatened to have the president’s remains moved to Washington, if the tomb was not constructed at Oak Ridge. Lincoln’s remains would be moved multiple times, before finally arriving in his final resting place.

Family Connections

When paying respect at Lincoln’s Tomb, we found that he is not alone. Joining him in the mausoleum are his wife Mary and three of his sons. Lincoln’s son William, who died during his father’s presidency, was brought to Springfield with his father in 1865. That same year, the remains of Edward, who died at age three, was moved from a local cemetery to join his family. All three bodies were kept in a temporary vault, while the design and construction of the permanent structure was completed. In 1871, the Lincoln’s youngest son passes and joins his father in Springfield. Mary would be the last to join them, after passing away in 1882.

Paying Respect at Lincoln’s Tomb

The group of friends who helped raise funds for the memorial were also responsible for an unusual occurrence. Multiple moves of Lincoln’s remains were required over a 35 year period. Some were made for construction, while others were due to repairs to the tomb. Another instance came from an attempted theft of the president’s remains in 1876. In all, Lincoln’s casket was opened five times to verify his remains were still inside. Those present for the viewing noted that his remains seemed to have little decay. Many believe it was due to the repeated embalming that occurred during his train procession from Washington to Springfield.

Launching into the Land of Lincoln

Our Springfield, Illinois visit was off to an amazing start. Having an opportunity for paying respect at Lincoln’s Tomb was a memory that we will hold with us. To think of the pressure that this leader faced, as he led the country during its most tumultuous period, puts his struggles in perspective. With our visit just started, we were anxious to continue exploring this historic Midwest city. It was looking like Springfield would be another great destination for a family friendly vacation. How many of you have visited the Illinois capital city?

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We want to thank Visit Springfield and Wm. Van’s Coffee House for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own. 

Keeping It Together

Let’s go back over 150 years to the humble beginnings of this historic home. Using some startup capital, borrowed from Abraham Lincoln, Isaac Lindsey built this beautiful two-story home. It passed to the Maisenbacher family, where it remained for many generations. Eventually, it fell into disrepair after years of sitting empty. When it was purchased for the land rights, in 2008, plans were made for demolition. The Conn family saw the value in preserving this structure and worked with the land owner to develop a plan to move the home. This move wasn’t without its difficulties, but ended successfully. These days, Wm. Van’s is appropriately located between the Illinois capital and the Lincoln home.

Leisurely Start

When we were in the planning phase for our Springfield visit, this place popped onto our radar. What caught our attention was it being noted as a coffee house. Usually we see places noted as coffee shops or coffee cafes, so we were intrigued by the title. On closer inspection, it became apparent that the name fit perfectly. We enjoyed our stroll from the hotel to the house, which led us down the historic Route 66 path that is 6th Street. Jumping a block over to 7th landed us at the front step of our destination. A stream of customers told us we were in the right location. Inside, we found plenty of seating options that occupy the first floor. It was clear that this place is popular with the locals, so we knew we were in for a treat.

Local Hot Spot

As we started our historic break at Wm. Van’s Coffee House, we were greeted by a delectable aroma of brewing coffee and baked goods. We followed our noses into the area where food and beverages are served. The drink options include hot and cold versions of the standard caffeine choices. They also have a few others like; Italian sodas, smoothies, and some milks and juices for the younger customers. The food options are limited, but include some good protein choices that we knew would fuel our morning explorations. 

Healthy Start

Since we had already enjoyed some brewed coffee on our walk over, we were ready to sit down with some flavored drinks. There is something luxurious about sipping a macchiato or cappuccino, while enjoying some people watching. Our food and drink order came up quickly, and we plopped down in the main room to enjoy a leisurely breakfast. I had ordered the Breakfast BLT, which includes egg, bacon, tomato, spring mix, and some of their pesto mayo. The flavor combination was delicious with the spring mix and pesto adding some depth to the sandwich. Crystal went simple with the Avocado Toast. The addition of tomato slices added a pop of color to her dish. We ended up splitting our dishes with each other, which allowed for a little more variety in our meal.

Pretty Patience

What started as a reoccurring practice has turn into a tradition. Each dining option we visit now includes a photo of Crystal patiently waiting to eat. Even a historic break at Wm. Van’s Coffee House required her to get cheesy for a picture. Sometimes I wonder if her patience will grow thin, since I will often want to do multiple takes. Fortunately, she has become accustomed to this ritual. There are times that we will be joined by staff from the local visitors bureau, and Crystal will be the one who informs them of the need for pictures, before digging in. It shows just how well we work in tandem to try to get the whole story for our readers. Bon Appetit! 

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