Springfield, Illinois and no car. Worth a slight detour?
 

Hello,

For a trip that involves Chicago this summer, I thought one possibility that would fit with the schedule would be to instead to spend the night in Springfield. I would not have a car and would arrive via Amtrak.

I do enjoy history and I notice that a number of activities are within walking distance of one another related to Abraham Lincoln and Illinois politics, such as the Lincoln House and the State Capitol, so these are things that I think I might enjoy. From Trip Advisor, I get the sense that visitors appreciate these offerings, but I can't tell whether people appreciate the small city itself. Does the city center have a somewhat lively energy in the evening, with a variety of restaurants and evening entertainment? Would it be an enjoyable stop for a pedestrian visitor in your opinion?

Thank you so much for your thoughts! Daniel

I would go to see this Frank Lloyd Wright house, but have no help to offer re logistics -
http://www.dana-thomas.org/
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractio..._Illinois.html

Thank you Starrs, according to the Springfield Visitor Map in the link below, the Dana-Thomas House appears to be quite central, so that might be something I'd check out if I go. My curiosity was piqued last year about Springfield as the Texas Eagle train passes through it and I thought it seemed rather compact, the Capitol building appeared to be quite the beautiful architectural feat as seen from the train window. I wondered if it might be a place I'd like to do an overnight stop.

http://www.visitspringfieldillinois....ransportation/

If you are into visiting state capitols, remember that Little Rock and Austin are also on the Texas Eagle route.

Yes, Amtrak to Springfield (my home town in high school) is worth the effort. The featured attraction would be the Lincoln Library and Museum with its enhanced exhibits to include reality and sound. This will take some time though. www.lincolnlibraryandmuseum.com/websites.htm

Also close is Lincoln Home with surrounding area. Easy walk from train station. Further away is the State Capitol up the hill. Not too far away downtown is the Old Capitol and look for the Lincoln Law office nearby. F. L. W. house is a bit of a walk to the west.

And not walking distance but you can catch a cab to Oak Lawn Cemetery with Lincoln Tomb and close by where my parents are buried.

Some 20 miles out is New Salem where Lincoln matured before law practice, now a nice little historic village. abrahamlincolnonline.org/lincoln/sites/salem.htm

tomfuller-- I have enjoyed state capitols and provincial legislature buildings in the past, including Austin's back in 2014. I wouldn't say they are places I seek out per se, although if I'm in a state/provincial capital, I often end up really appreciating these sometimes overlooked historic architectural gems. (Real North American highlights in this regard include legislative buildings in Albany NY, Quebec City, Winnipeg, Charlottetown, Monterrey NL and indeed Austin. Funny enough though I've been to Annapolis, Toronto, Richmond and Atlanta, but have never done a tour of the Capitol/legislative buildings in those cities.)

ozarksbill-- Thanks so much for taking the time to recommend and suggest things to do in Springfield! Would you say that Springfield is lively?

Quick answer before heading to Florida. I really don't know how lively Spfld is...haven't explored night spots, e.g. I will say that that the Lincoln Law Office and Illinois State Museum would be the overlooked sort...Lincoln Museum too well know to qualify. Also add Vachel Lindsey House (famous poet) which has tours. How about my old high school? (grin)

Hi,

I realize I forgot to thank everyone for their advice, so thank you! Last month, I was glad to spend a day and night in Springfield, coming up on the Texas Eagle from San Antonio and then continuing on to Chicago on Amtrak's Lincoln service the next day.

From the train station, I ended up walking to my hotel, the State House Inn, and from there walked to the Lincoln Home National Park, the Lincoln Museum & Presidential Library and the two State Capitol buildings. I did a tour of the new Capitol but was unable to do a tour of the Old Capitol due to Hillary Clinton's visit. Enough interesting dining options were also in walking distance; I had a good dinner at the Italian restaurant across from the old Capitol, Mangia Pasta. My kind of trip--I didn't even incur the expense of a cab or public transportation!

My take on my own questions on downtown Springfield:

"Does the city center have a somewhat lively energy in the evening, with a variety of restaurants and evening entertainment?" It's pretty quiet but not a ghost town either at night. More restaurant options are available downtown for the lunch crowd, but there are some available at night that bring some life to the central core.

"Would it be an enjoyable stop for a pedestrian visitor in your opinion?"

In my opinion yes, if you're the type that can appreciate a small and somewhat low-key, but pleasant, town. Those who enjoy seeing places that played an important role in US history with their own eyes (as I do) will especially appreciate.

Thanks again! Daniel

Always fun to hear the 'after' report! Glad things worked out!