by Marie Stine

Created on: January 08, 2010

Do not let the chill of winter keep you from visiting Springfield, Illinois because there is still plenty to see and do in the cold winter months.  Many of the downtown sites are within easy walking distance of each other just a few short blocks apart.  Though Springfield is a capital city, it still retains a small town feeling.

Springfield is the capital of Illinois and the adopted hometown of Abraham Lincoln.  Honest Abe came to Springfield in 1837 living and practicing law in downtown Springfield for nearly 25 years before being elected President.  It’s the city where he gave his famous farewell speech before departing for Washington D.C.  Visitors can still tour his law office, located in the square at 6th and Adams near the old Capitol Building.  Admission is free to the Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices though a donation is suggested.  From September through May, hours are 9am – 5pm Tuesday through Saturday.

Step right next door and enter Tinsley Dry Goods which has been restored to represent a general store from the time of Abraham Lincoln.  They have a large assortment of Lincoln souvenirs as well as a variety of civil war figures and assorted goods.  Tinsley Dry Goods is open Monday through Saturday.  

If you get a chance, wander across the square and pop into Prairie Archives, a used bookstore which is a bibliophile’s dream.  Books are scattered, strewn and stacked in every possible aisle and corner inviting readers to browse at their leisure.  Prairie Archives is open Monday through Saturday from 9am to 5pm.

Across the square is the Old State Capitol Building.  Abraham Lincoln often spent time here while he was practicing law in Springfield, and where he lay in state in Representative’s Hall after he was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth.  The last tour begins 45 minutes before closing.  Winter hours for the Old State Capitol Building from September through May are 9am – 5pm Tuesday through Saturday.  Admission is free although a donation is suggested.

The home where the Lincolns lived can be toured daily from 8:30am to 5pm.  It is located a short distance away at 426 South 7th Street.  Tours are given by National Park Rangers and admission is free.  Free tickets can be picked up at the Lincoln Home Visitor Center.

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum opened in the spring of 2005 and is the crowning jewel of the all the Lincoln sites.  The museum offers a fascinating look into the lives of Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln.  The museum is located at 212 North 6th Street and is open daily from 9am to 5pm.  Admission is $10 for adults and $4.00 for children ages 5 – 15.

These are just a few of the sites to visit in winter in Mr. Lincoln’s hometown.  Springfield is a charming city with much to offer.  Due to budget cuts, some exhibits hours may have been changed, so call before you go.

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