How to find places to see closer to home?
I am curious how everyone finds attractions both big and small with in a few hour drive of you house. I live just outside of St Louis and we are looking to fill in a couple of short trips this summer ...
Forum Discussion
90 minutes north is Springfield IL. Home of Abe Lincoln.
Camp at Lincoln's New Salem State Historical Site which is the reconstructed village where Lincoln grew up. About 15 miles NW of Springfield near Petersburg, IL. There is usually something going on in the village. Camping is $20/night. Admission to the village is free. Depending on the weekend there may be a play at Theatre in the Park in the village. http://www.theatreinthepark.net/
There's a free bluegrass festival in Sept but get your reservations in early if you want to camp.
Plenty of Lincoln history in Springfield. Visit the Lincoln Presidential Museum. You can easily spend an entire day. It's not like any other presidential museum. Make sure you see the performances in the museum. Designed by Disney and historic info.
Visit Lincoln's Home which is a national park.
Stop in Lincoln's law office. See the old state capitol building.
Visit Lincoln's Tomb. Be sure to take the tour inside. You'll be surprised were the statues came from on Lincoln's Tomb. I believe it's on Tuesday evening when the Civil War reenactors do a lowering of the flag ceremony at the Tomb and they give the flag to someone in the crowd. Don't forget to rub Lincoln's nose for good luck.
Visit the IL State Museum. Lots of good history of the Native American life in IL and surrounding area.
Many people miss the IL Military Museum at Camp Lincoln. Along with a lot of military history you'll see Santa Ana's leg (Santa Ana from the Alamo fame). Also see a target that Lincoln shot while he was president. The story is something that would never happen today. A guy name Spencer invented a new rifle. He went to the White House, knocked on the door, and told the servant he wanted to see Lincoln. The servant got Lincoln. Spencer was carrying his new rifle wrapped in a blanket. Lincoln, Spencer, and some others took the rifle to the area where the Washington Monument is now located, hung shingles on trees, and they took turns shooting Spencer's new rifle. Lincoln ordered 5000 of Spencers rifle.
Visit the IL State Capitol. It's taller than the US Capitol building. You might recognize some of the area inside from various movies. Legally Blonde was partially filmed in the building.
There are additional museums and sites in Springfield if you need to fill more time.
Camp at Lincoln's New Salem State Historical Site which is the reconstructed village where Lincoln grew up. About 15 miles NW of Springfield near Petersburg, IL. There is usually something going on in the village. Camping is $20/night. Admission to the village is free. Depending on the weekend there may be a play at Theatre in the Park in the village. http://www.theatreinthepark.net/
There's a free bluegrass festival in Sept but get your reservations in early if you want to camp.
Plenty of Lincoln history in Springfield. Visit the Lincoln Presidential Museum. You can easily spend an entire day. It's not like any other presidential museum. Make sure you see the performances in the museum. Designed by Disney and historic info.
Visit Lincoln's Home which is a national park.
Stop in Lincoln's law office. See the old state capitol building.
Visit Lincoln's Tomb. Be sure to take the tour inside. You'll be surprised were the statues came from on Lincoln's Tomb. I believe it's on Tuesday evening when the Civil War reenactors do a lowering of the flag ceremony at the Tomb and they give the flag to someone in the crowd. Don't forget to rub Lincoln's nose for good luck.
Visit the IL State Museum. Lots of good history of the Native American life in IL and surrounding area.
Many people miss the IL Military Museum at Camp Lincoln. Along with a lot of military history you'll see Santa Ana's leg (Santa Ana from the Alamo fame). Also see a target that Lincoln shot while he was president. The story is something that would never happen today. A guy name Spencer invented a new rifle. He went to the White House, knocked on the door, and told the servant he wanted to see Lincoln. The servant got Lincoln. Spencer was carrying his new rifle wrapped in a blanket. Lincoln, Spencer, and some others took the rifle to the area where the Washington Monument is now located, hung shingles on trees, and they took turns shooting Spencer's new rifle. Lincoln ordered 5000 of Spencers rifle.
Visit the IL State Capitol. It's taller than the US Capitol building. You might recognize some of the area inside from various movies. Legally Blonde was partially filmed in the building.
There are additional museums and sites in Springfield if you need to fill more time.
