Two American icons intersect in the heart of the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area: Abraham Lincoln and America's mother road Route 66. Traversing the state of Illinois from Chicago to St. Louis, Route 66 winds its way through communities where Lincoln worked, gave stump speeches, and lived. From North to South, the communities of Pontiac, Bloomington, Atlanta, Lincoln, Elkhart, and Springfield tell the stories of Lincoln's life and times and historic Route 66.
Besides the sites that are directly on Route 66 noted below, there are excellent half-day side trips not too far off the Mother Road. These include:
Lincoln's New Salem, Petersberg, Illinois
This historic village of cabins lies about 20 miles northwest of Springfield, and is a peek into Lincoln's early life in Illinois.
Alton, Illinois; Rivers & Routes
This historic community along the intersection of the mighty Mississippi, Illinois, and Missouri rivers has long been an important location of Illinois early history, as well as the nation. Many historic and natural sites are waiting to be explored.
To learn more about Route 66 in Illinois visit the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway website.
Lincoln Sites Along Route 66 in Illinois
Route 66 Sites
In Their Prime
1 S. Old State Capitol Plaza Springfield, Illinois 62701
View over 40 outdoor interpretive exhibits placed throughout the downtown area to experience Springfield as Abraham Lincoln knew it. Each exhibit is intended to capture a moment in time for Lincoln and how he was affected by the people, places and events he encountered in his hometown. Each story is accompanied by graphics or photographs and a medallion that is symbolic of that particular story. Visitors are encouraged to collect rubbings of each medallion.
Joshua Speed's Store
1 W Old State Capitol Plaza Springfield, Illinois 62701
View over 40 outdoor interpretive exhibits placed throughout the downtown area to experience Springfield as Abraham Lincoln knew it. Each exhibit is intended to capture a moment in time for Lincoln and how he was affected by the people, places and events he encountered in his hometown. Each story is accompanied by graphics or photographs and a medallion that is symbolic of that particular story. Visitors are encouraged to collect rubbings of each medallion.
Leaping Lincoln
501 E. Monroe St. Springfield, Illinois 62701
View over 40 outdoor interpretive exhibits placed throughout the downtown area to experience Springfield as Abraham Lincoln knew it. Each exhibit is intended to capture a moment in time for Lincoln and how he was affected by the people, places and events he encountered in his hometown. Each story is accompanied by graphics or photographs and a medallion that is symbolic of that particular story. Visitors are encouraged to collect rubbings of each medallion.
Lincoln Depot
930 E. Monroe St. Springfield, Illinois 62701
Restored 1852 train depot, from which President-Elect Abraham Lincoln departed for Washington D.C. on February 11, 1861. Lincoln gave one of his most memorable speeches from the back of a train at this location.
When Lincoln left his hometown as president-elect, he paid an unforgettable tribute to his friends and neighbors known today as the Farewell Address. Lincoln gave these remarks as he boarded a special inaugural train at the Great Western Railroad Depot. Located just two blocks from the Lincoln Home.
The Depot is also home to a wayside exhibit that helps interpret the important activities that happened at this location. View over 40 outdoor interpretive exhibits placed throughout the downtown area to experience Springfield as Abraham Lincoln knew it. Each exhibit is intended to capture a moment in time for Lincoln and how he was affected by the people, places and events he encountered in his hometown. Each story is accompanied by graphics or photographs and a medallion that is symbolic of that particular story. Visitors are encouraged to collect rubbings of each medallion.
Lincoln Family Pew
321 S. 7th St Springfield, Illinois 62701
After you visited the Lincoln Home Neighborhood, cross Capital Avenue and stop by the First Presbyterian Church, which houses the original Lincoln family pew. The Lincolns purchased it for $50 when the congregation worshipped in its previous location, which is no longer standing.
The Lincoln family began attending services in 1850 after the death of three-year-old Edward Lincoln. The pastor, Dr. James Smith, had conducted Eddie's funeral in the Lincoln home. Abraham Lincoln did not formally join the church, but his wife became a member on April 13, 1852. Their two-year-old son Thomas (Tad) was baptized in the church on April 4, 1855, and his funeral would later be held there on July 17, 1871.
You may view the pew, and seven beautiful Tiffany windows, when you walk inside. Take advantage of the guided tours, which include information about the Louis Comfort Tiffany Windows and the Lincoln Family's relationship to First Church.
Lincoln Heritage Museum
1115 Nicholson Rd Lincoln, Illinois 62656
Located on the campus of the only college named for Lincoln in his lifetime, the Lincoln Heritage Museum exhibits a rare and valuable collection of artifacts that tell the story of the life and times of Abraham Lincoln. The museum houses many rare Lincoln artifacts, including an 1860 campaign poster, a lock of his hair, Mary Lincoln's jewelry and Tad Lincoln's rocking chair.
Lincoln Home National Historic Site
413 S. 8th St Springfield, Illinois 62701
In 1861, Abraham Lincoln left the only home he ever owned to serve as the 16th President of the United States. The Lincoln Home is completely restored to its 1860 appearance and reveals much about Lincoln as a husband, father, neighbor and politician. Tours of this national treasure are conducted by National Park Service Rangers.
Free tickets are required for house tours and may be obtained at the Lincoln Home Visitors Center – which also houses a scaled model of 1860 Springfield.
A variety of historic exhibits are located throughout the four-block neighborhood surrounding the Lincoln Home and can be viewed on a self-guided basis.
Lincoln Slept Here
221 Mill Street Pontiac, Illinois 61764
West Side of Mill Street at Mill Street Bridge
Lincoln Speaks at Church
225 W Livingston Street Pontiac, Illinois 61764
200 Block of West Livingston Street - Presbyterian Church
Lincoln the Lawyer
201 N. Main St. Bloomington, Illinois 61710
Lincoln argued many cases in an earlier courthouse, located at the site across the street. When Lincoln died, locals gathered to mourn.
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.