Ideas for a Day Trip to Lincoln, Illinois
History – Lincoln, Illinois, established in 1853, was the only town named for Abraham Lincoln before he became President of the United States. Lincoln came to the new town site on August 27, 1853 at which time lots were to be sold. At this time he was regionally well known as a one-term Congressman and popular trial lawyer, though not yet nationally known. He had been asked prior to this to christen the town, and he did on that day. Taking juice from a pile of watermelons stacked nearby, he poured the juice on the ground, after which the town lots were sold.
Train Ride
This idea requires some pre-planning, but it’s worth it. Have a spouse or adult who is going on the day trip with you, drop you and your kids off at the train station in Springfield. While you are experiencing the train ride, the other adult can drive to meet you at the train station in Lincoln. The ride takes approximately 30 minutes. After your ride, you then have a car to travel around town. Visit www.amtrak.com for a complete train schedule.
Scully Park
After your train ride, stop by Scully Park and let the kids play for a while. The Park, located in downtown Lincoln on Clinton Street, is named after William Scully who purchased 36,000 acres of land in 1870 in the area now occupied by the Village of Emden.
Next visit Historic Downtown Lincoln. Here you will find many antique and craft shops in historic buildings. These buildings have unique architecture, and a story to tell.
Lincoln Heritage Museum
This is the only college named after Abraham Lincoln in his lifetime. The
museum began in the 1940s from a generous donation. Since then, the museum has received many other donations making it one of the most respected Lincoln-related museums in the United States. Besides Lincoln memorabilia, the museum has a September 11th exhibit, which includes a three foot beam from Tower One.
Location: The Lincoln College Museum is easily accessible from Interstate 55. At exit 133, you will turn towards Lincoln on Woodlawn Road (which later becomes Keokuk Street). Once you pass the Union Street stoplight, look left a few blocks later for the seated Lincoln statue at the corner of Keokuk and Ottawa Street on the Lincoln College campus.
The Railsplitter Covered Wagon
Located at J & S Auto Centre/Penache Boutique (1006 Woodlawn Road) on the corner of Woodlawn and Route 66. This covered wagon was recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the World’s Largest Covered Wagon. The wagon weighs five tons and measures 40 feet long, 12 feet wide, and 24 feet tall. Abe Lincoln, seated in the front reading a book, weighs 350 pounds and measures 12 feet tall. This is a must see!!
Dinner
Finish your day with dinner at one of Lincoln’s most popular restaurants, Guzzardos. It has a unique quality to it because it is upstairs in an old house. It has been there forever but it’s only open at night, Tuesday – Saturday, 4:30 – 9:00. The twice-baked potatoes come highly recommended. Location: 509 Pulaski St., (217) 732-6370. Located in the back of the Arcade Building on the south side of the square. Take the first Lincoln exit off I-55. Turn onto 5th street heading towards town. As you approach downtown, turn right at any of the stop lights and you’ll hit the square.
Submitted by Dawn Raycraft.
