3 History Road Trips in Illinois
From a living-history site that shares the lives of the state’s early settlers to an attraction housing artifacts from our nation’s 16th president, here are ways to explore the Prairie State’s past.
Learn about the Illinois of the past through a self-guided tour at a reconstructed historic site that was constructed based on findings from a 1955 archeological dig. Full of immersive and interactive stories, Apple River Fort State Historic Site in Elizabeth, Illinois, sheds light on Midwestern frontier life and shares the story of the Black Hawk War. The Land of Lincoln is also home to museums celebrating our nation’s love for the open road, historic cars and honest Abe himself.
Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum & Pontiac-Oakland automobile Museum & Resource Center
These two museums in Pontiac, Illinois, celebrate America’s obsession with the open road and historic cars from throughout history.
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library
Visit Springfield, Illinois, where our 16th president spent most of his adult life and was practicing law when he was elected to the White House in 1860.
Apple River Fort State Historic Site
Explore life on the Midwestern frontier in Elizabeth, Illinois, at this living-history destination with activities, costumed reenactors and special events.
Story:
Kelly Powell
Issue:
Weekend Guides