Daniel_Williams

For those of us who enjoy the train experience and travelling that way in the USA, sometimes options can seem limited. Outside the Washington DC-Boston corridor, many places have once a day service in limited directions or sometimes no service at all. Unbeknownst to some travellers, there are however some trajectories that have 5 or 6+ trains daily that might fit into people's schedules better. The Seattle-Portland route (which is a gorgeous ride) for example but also some out of Chicago as well that can make for an interesting side trip when visiting the Windy City St. Louis- or Milwaukee-bound.

For me, taking the Texas Eagle from San Antonio, I decided for the fun of it to stop in Springfield for the night before going up to Chicago on the Lincoln service emanating out of St. Louis. I'd never been to Springfield before and from the map, it seemed there were hotels & things to do within easy walking distance of the train station.

And indeed, I enjoyed learning about all things Abe Lincoln at the Abraham Lincoln Museum. The National Park Service Lincoln Home, an area that preserves not only the former president's home but also those of his neighbours in a square of 19th century semblance (minus the muddy streets). The Capitol buildings here are beautiful and the present Capitol where I did a guided tour apparently has the highest dome of any state Capitol. Unfortunately, I was unable to do a tour of the Old Capitol as Hillary Clinton happened to be paying a visit that very day.

Springfield Illinois is a quiet yet friendly place, and I'm glad I went as it was an educational detour on my way to Chicago. I had a tasty supper at the the Italian Mangia Pasta right across from the Old Capitol.

Happy travels to you all in 2016! Daniel

simpsonc510

Thanks for you nice report on MY home state capital city. I have yet to make the 2 hour trip from my home near Peoria to visit the Lincoln Museum. I've heard such wonderful things about it!

Glad you enjoyed your time in Springfield.

Daniel_Williams

Thanks simpsonc510--

And I'm thankful to you and other Illinois taxpayers for the knowledgable tour guide and the maintenance of a truly magnificent Capitol building that I very much appreciated yesterday . Daniel

Daniel_Williams

I wanted to add that the perfectly comfortable State House Inn was a 5-minute walk from the train station with breakfast included, so I never had to spring for a cab or public transport even (with restaurants & capitols & museums all within a 10-minute walk radius of my hotel).