20 Attractions to Explore Near Postville Courthouse State Historic Site

The Lincoln Heritage Museum situated in the city of Lincoln, the museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts related to Abraham Lincoln and his life. Visitors can explore a variety of exhibits that focus on Lincoln’s impact on American history—including the Embalmed Body Exhibit which contains actual items from his funeral in 1865. The museum also features a permanent collection featuring significant moments from his presidency and various other milestones.

Mount Pulaski Courthouse State Historic Site preserves a 19th Century courthouse building. This stately Greek-Revival building served as the county seat of Logan County from 1848 until 1855 and still stands today much as it did when Abraham Lincoln once argued cases here as an attorney in the 1840s. It contains two courtroom chambers along with office spaces that are preserved demonstrating how local government was conducted in an earlier time.

J. H. Hawes Elevator consists of two grain elevators—the larger of which is 85'x60', and the smaller 45'x24'. The site is owned by Gillespie-based Hills Brothers Grain Company, and its elevators handle corn, soybeans, oats, and wheat for local farmers and processors. While the location has changed hands throughout its long history, it continues to offer an invaluable service as a grain storage hub that links rural areas to the global economy.

Carpenter Park is a beautiful outdoor area that offers something for everyone. There are two hiking trails to choose from, each offering spectacular views of the surrounding forest and lush greenery. Visitors can also experience the unique local wildlife on tours or explore the marshland nearby by kayak or canoe. The park is a great place to spend quality time with nature and connect with it through activities such as bird watching and nature photography.

Camp Butler National Cemetery is a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by the brave men and women of the United States military. Spanning an area of over 73 acres, the cemetery holds the gravesites of over 48,000 people including veterans from every major nuclear conflict since World War II. This includes soldiers who have simply served their country with honor as well as those awarded a Medal of Honor and other prestigious awards.

Weldon Springs State Park is a nature lover's paradise. Spanning over 1,550 acres of forests, rivers and marshlands, it offers an incredible amount of natural beauty for visitors to explore. The park includes a public beach and pool as well as recreational opportunities such as fishing, canoeing and birdwatching. With 15 miles of trails, adventurers can take peaceful walks in the woods or challenge themselves with more advanced hikes on steep terrain.

The Air Combat Museum is one of the most remarkable attractions in the area. It showcases an amazingly detailed collection of aviation artifacts and memorabilia dating back to World War I. A striking feature is the F-14 Tomcat cockpit that visitors can climb into for a truly extraordinary experience. The museum also offers its guests many other educational opportunities as well, such as guided tours that highlight the history of military aviation and explain basic interworking of its components.

Starhill Forest Arboretum, is a stunning display of natural beauty. Stretching across 625 acres of lush forest, this arboretum not only has a wide variety of amazing plants and trees but also hosts educational activities to foster understanding and appreciation for the environment. Visitors to the arboretum can enjoy the diverse plant life including oaks, maples, hawthorns, hickories and beeches as well as wildflowers like trilliums and ferns during hikes throughout the park.

The Lincoln Monument Association, was established with the mission to create a monument honoring America's 16th president, Abraham Lincoln. The organization achieved this goal on May 4th 1916 when the granite monument was unveiled. In addition to providing potential visitors with information about this monument, the association also works to preserve and promote Lincoln’s legacy through educational programs and events.

The Illinois Vietnam Veterans Memorial is a powerful tribute to those who answered the call of duty. Located on the grounds of the state Capitol complex, the monument recognizes veterans of all branches of service who served during the United States involvement in Vietnam, as well as those killed or missing in action. The names of more than 2,120 deceased servicemen and women are listed chronologically by date they lost their lives, ranked highest-to-lowest by branch.

The Illinois Korean War Memorial was built to honor the brave soldiers who fought for freedom and democracy during the Korean War. Located on the grounds of Camp Lincoln, in Springfield, IL, this memorial features a striking statue of a soldier with his head bowed, paying tribute to those who served. Additionally, the memorial features two walls inscribed with the names of all 93 Illinoisans who gave their lives in this war.

Lincoln's Old Salem, is a beautifully preserved little town gives an incredible insight into the United States of America in its formative years, with many 19th century buildings and features still intact. You'll feel as if you've stepped back in time during your visit, with plenty to explore such as the Busey-Hanna log house and living history museum. Of particular interest to Abraham Lincoln enthusiasts is the preservation of his circuit court where he practised law when visiting old Salem.

The former home of Benjamin Edwards, built in 1839, has been restored to its original architectural style with Greek Revival and Italianate elements. Today, the site hosts a variety of events including art exhibitions, educational workshops and cultural performances. Visitors can also learn more about the rich history of the building as they explore its stately rooms which preserve furniture and artifacts from the early 19th century.

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, is a must-see for anyone interested in the life of one of America's greatest presidents. Visitors can explore more than 50,000 artifacts that tell the story of some of Abraham Lincoln's most iconic moments, such as life on the frontier, his rise to power, the Civil War and ultimately to his assassination and legacy. The museum offers daily presentations and interactive exhibits showcasing many significant moments in American history.

The Lincoln Depot holds a special place in American history. This humble structure was the original station used by Abraham Lincoln on his journey to Washington DC as he began his term as the United States' 16th President. As part of the Underground Railroad, this small building was also a portal that welcomed former slaves to their freedom. The importance of this momentous station is not lost on historians, who continue to honor and discuss its impact on Civil War history.

The Old State Capitol is an exquisite example of history and architecture. Built between 1837 and 1840, this building served as the legislative home of our state's nascent government until the capital moved to its current location in 1839. Visitors can explore the limestone structure to admire features like its beautiful cupola, a grand staircase from its days as the state capitol, and numerous exhibits that share its rich history.

The Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices State Historic Site offer a unique insight into the legal careers of two ambitious and influential lawyers: Abraham Lincoln and his law partner William Herndon. Constructed in 1841, the offices served as a primary professional address for Lincoln from 1843 to 1852. This was the time period during which he developed a stellar reputation as an exceptional attorney while representing businesses, landowners, and individual clients throughout central Illinois.

Lincoln Trail Homestead is a beautiful 213-acre forest preserve. It is home to a long list of native plants and wildlife, making it an ideal place for nature enthusiasts and hikers to explore. There are multiple trails for all levels of activities, including biking, hiking, horseback riding and cross country skiing. You can also take advantage of the picnic areas or explore the fishing pond found on the premises.

Kidzeum of Health and Science is a unique family-friendly attraction that seeks to educate visitors about their health, science and the environment. The museum offers interactive, hands-on activities for people of all ages such as creating a mock medical lab where children can learn about biology or explore the sounds of nature in an outdoor music park. Kidzeum also houses educational exhibits such as a human body exhibit complete with sensory experiences.

The Lincoln Home National Historic Site  is a must-visit for history buffs and those wishing to learn more about Abraham Lincoln. Built in 1839 by the former President, the 12-room Greek Revival style house served as his family's home until 1861 when he moved to the White House. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1960 and underwent extensive renovation in the late 1970s to restore it to its original condition.