20 Attractions to Explore Near Lincoln Heritage Museum

The Postville Courthouse State Historic Site is a place of history and beauty. Built in 1840, the courtroom is well-preserved and represents a reminder of our country’s legal past. The courthouse held public trials, jury deliberations, hearings, as well as political speeches and other important town meetings during its 129 year tenure. Tourists can stand in the room where Abraham Lincoln attended court sessions and see how it played an important part of Illinois' history.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Clinton Lake is one of the premier spots for outdoor recreation in the state of Illinois. Boating, swimming and fishing are some of the great activities you can enjoy on its 6,200 acre surface area. Clinton Lake also offers plenty of trails and campsites to explore, and its many forests provide a perfect setting for quiet contemplation, bird watching and stargazing. The lush landscape contains many different species of plant life, animals, reptiles and fish as well.

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.

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.

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 3rd Sunday Market is a great place for a variety of activities and fun. Every month, dozens of vendors come to the market to showcase their homemade goods and wares that shoppers can take home. There are also food vendors offering delicious treats such as farm-fresh items, homemade jams and jellies, specialty coffees, soups and other lunchtime offerings. The market is open on the third Sunday of each month from 10am-2pm and features live music.

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.

Miller Park Zoo, is a great place for families to explore and discover a variety of wildlife. The zoo contains more than 50 species of animals and birds, including rarer creatures such as red pandas and nilgai antelope. The animal enclosures are large and range from wooded areas to prairies. From the prairie house you can watch prairie dogs scurrying around their burrows and see white-tail deer up close.

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.

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 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.

Evergreen Memorial Cemetery is a peaceful and serene place set in the rolling hills that span the county. Established in 1949, this cemetery provides citizens of surrounding counties a place to commemorate their loved ones with burial services, dedications, and other honors. With a variety of features such as picturesque gardens and mausoleums, this cemetery is a testament to the natural beauty of central Illinois. In

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.