Who knows Springfield, IL?

[travelbug]

I'm considering a road trip to a couple places this summer. One of the stops I'm considering is Springfield, IL. I've always wanted to visit the Lincoln sites there, and maybe take in the Capitol too.

I will be traveling alone, and I'm wondering if the Lincoln sites are in reasonably safe areas of town for me to go by myself. What about the Capitol?

Any advice on places to go, places to avoid, places to stay, etc. would be great. I would only be staying for 2 or maybe 3 nights.

TIA!

 

[bigfish2215]

Yes, I feel Springfield is safe. I was just there in March with DH. Don't miss the Lincoln Salem, which is just outside of Springfield. That place you can tour on your own. They have costumed actors that know everything and anything about that time era. Another on my list is the Lincoln Muesum. It was around $15 to get in if I remember. That muesum brought me to tears! It starts in a logcabin and takes you through the White House to his death and they had you walk though a State room for his funeral. Moved me to tears. And the gloves that Mary Todd was wearing that night were on display. Bloodstain and all. Across the street all in walking distant is the Old Capital and his law office. It was amazing! Also, don't forget Lincoln house. You can tour that for free! And you can walk around Lincoln's old neighborhood too! There was Park Rangers that walk around and they have a ton of info to share! Then finish the visit to the Tomb. Now that place will move ya!! Have fun! Its a beautiful city.

 

[traces7]

I'm considering a road trip to a couple places this summer. One of the stops I'm considering is Springfield, IL. I've always wanted to visit the Lincoln sites there, and maybe take in the Capitol too.

I will be traveling alone, and I'm wondering if the Lincoln sites are in reasonably safe areas of town for me to go by myself. What about the Capitol?

Any advice on places to go, places to avoid, places to stay, etc. would be great. I would only be staying for 2 or maybe 3 nights.

TIA!

My 11 yr old DD and I stopped in Springfield IL last summer on a road trip. We enjoyed all the Lincoln sites (his home and tomb) and the Lincoln Museum. Springfield in general didn't seem too bad to me. The main sites are all definitely in safe areas. I remember driving through one part of town that looked a little unsafe. We had no problems though. We didn't get to the capitol though, we were on a tight schedule. We stayed at the Baymont Inn, which was fine for us. It's kind of far out though, but was ok since we did our touring when we got there, then went to the hotel and left the next morning to continue our trip.
Hope this helps a little.

 

[travelbug]

Thank you so much for your replies! It's just what I wanted to know. I'm glad to hear that both of you feel it is a reasonably safe area.

Bigfish2215, thanks for the specifics of where to visit. Those places all sound like exactly what I'd like to see. Did you see all of it in one day, or did you take a couple days?

And traces7, thanks for chiming in about the safety factor and mentioning where you stayed. I think I'd do the same thing -- stay away from downtown somewhere and then drive in to do the touring.

Again, thank you.

 

[Traveliz]

I live about an hour away - I would take two days if you are planning on the Museum and Salem (that is not right there but close).

I wouldn't consider Downtown bad but not very exciting for staying overnight - along I55 are a number of hotels (with Springfield addresses) that are fine. Springfield is the big city right there and the towns surrounding it are MUCH smaller and the choices for lodging would be EXTREMELY limited.

Liz

 

[travelbug]

I live about an hour away - I would take two days if you are planning on the Museum and Salem (that is not right there but close).

I wouldn't consider Downtown bad but not very exciting for staying overnight - along I55 are a number of hotels (with Springfield addresses) that are fine. Springfield is the big city right there and the towns surrounding it are MUCH smaller and the choices for lodging would be EXTREMELY limited.

Liz

Thanks for these suggestions, Traveliz. They will help me for sure while planning.

 

[SookieStackhouse]

It has been a few years since I have been there, but the Abraham Lincoln museum thing is great. Definitely worth checking out if you are going to be there.

I don't remember exactly where it is in town, but I'm sure you could find it easily. I went in the middle of the day and it all seemed perfectly safe.

 

[bigfish2215]

I would make it atleast a 2 day visit. Its a beautiful city.