Urbana was part of the 8th Judicial circuit from 1841 on, and Lincoln practiced law with and against some of Urbana and Champaign’s (then West Urbana) finest citizens. It was here that Lincoln represented the largest corporation of the day, Illinois Central Railroad, and here that he defended the first person accused of murder in the county (and lost). Lincoln was indeed a “Large Presence in Small Town” as a not-to-be-missed exhibit in the county courthouse attests.
Champaign-Urbana's love for community runs deep, and they can’t wait to welcome visitors to their 'Outside of Ordinary' experiences. Great Lincoln history abounds in our cities and surrounding county with waysides and museums to prove it! Don’t forget that the area is home to the University of Illinois, one of the premier state colleges in the nation, providing extra vitality and depth. Theatres, boutique shopping, nightlife, fine dining and unparalleled attractions provide for an outstanding and ‘Outside of Ordinary’ experience.
Where exactly is Champaign County? It’s at the heart of the state, in East Central Illinois, nearly equidistant to Chicago, Indianapolis and St. Louis. With three interstates intersecting in Champaign–Urbana, an Amtrak station and Willard Airport, getting here to the area is easy for everyone.
Check out their blog, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for inspiration, and share your #OutsideOfOrdinary experiences with them!
For more information:
Experience Champaign-Urbana
17 E. Taylor Street
Champaign, IL 61820
217-351-4133
https://experiencecu.org/
Location
Legend
8th Judicial Circuit
Courthouse
Friends of Lincoln
Good for Kids
Guided/Self-Guided Tours
Historic House
Historic Site
Lincoln-Douglas Debate
Museum
Passport Site
Recreational
Route 66
Top Destination
Underground Railroad
Visitor Information
Wayside Exhibit
Nearby Sites
Lincoln Hall
702 S. Wrights St. Urbana, Illinois 61801
The University of Illinois holds many treasures, chief among them in Lincoln Hall, a classroom building dedicated to Abraham Lincoln and commissioned in 1909, as a centennial remembrance. The impressive terracotta friezes, which ring the building, tell the story of Lincoln’s life and were created for the American Terra Cotta Company by Kristian Schneider. Inside the hall, an entrance fit for a president enshrines a famed Lincoln bust by Herman Atkins McNeil, and a plaque bearing the Gettysburg Address.
Lincoln the Lawyer
400 W Indiana Ave (Carle Park) Urbana, IL 61801
Renowned sculptor Lorado Taft created this bronze likeness of the young Lincoln in 1926. It recalls Lincoln’s early days of practicing law on the Circuit, when his friend Joseph Cunningham-whose wife commissioned the sculpture—knew him. It graces Urbana’s Carle Park.
Homer Lake Interpretive Center
2573 Homer Lake Road Homer, Illinois 61849
The Homer Lake Interpretive Center, located at Homer Lake Forest Preserve, features a variety of interactive exhibits, displays, live animals and a wildlife viewing area. The forest preserve offers fishing, boating, and a Nature Playscape as well. The Interpretive Center can stamp your National Parks passport too!
Bement Goes to War
146 E. Wilson St. Bement, Illinois 61813
Looking for Lincoln wayside exhibits tell the stories of Lincoln’s life and times in Illinois. Each wayside exhibit tells a unique Lincoln story and a local story. Many of the waysides share little known stories about Lincoln and the individuals he interacted with. There are over 260 Looking for Lincoln waysides in the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area.
Champaign County Courthouse
101 E Main St Urbana, IL 61801
During your visit to the Champaign County Courthouse, you’ll be treated to the experience of the sights and sounds of Lincoln’s legal career very near the exact spot where he tried the cases of the day. Enter the 1850’s courtroom and hear Lincoln’s voice and witness a fascinating object theater presentation about Lincoln’s legal career in Urbana.
By visiting this companion exhibit to the exhibit at the Museum of the Grand Praire in Mahomet, visitors will truly be enraptured by an all-encompassing tale of Lincoln the lawyer.
Cell phones and cameras are not allowed inside the courthouse. Entry via the Main Street entrance. Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday, 9:00 PM – 4:00 PM, Closed Federal Holidays.