Close
Menu

Step Back in Time at Illinois' Historical Destinations

in Arts & Culture, Activities
November 02, 2012

Scroll

Home You are in… Get Inspired » Step Back in Time at Illinois' Historical Destinations

| words

Have you ever wanted a time machine to transport you back to the past? Forget the time machine! Instead, take a trip to Illinois’ remarkable destinations surviving the test of time, such as Springfield, Galena, Bishop Hill or Arthur. Stroll down old-fashioned main streets, unwind at remarkable bed and breakfasts, and discover hidden gems at antique shops. Illinois’ historical towns offer visitors a glimpse of the past and an escape from everyday stressors.

More Info<\/a> \n\t\t\t\t | <a href=https://www.enjoyillinois.com/"http:////www.nps.gov//liho///">Visit Website<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>"},{"lat":"39.7939415","lng":"-89.6519470","title":"Dana-Thomas House - Frank Lloyd Wright Design","featured":false,"popup":"<div class=\"map-listing-popup\">\n\t<div class=\"th-map--popup\">\n\t\t<div class=\"tm--wrap u-cf\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"tm--thumb\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img src=https://www.enjoyillinois.com/"//assets//Tourism-Operators//images//_resampled//CroppedFocusedImageWzIwMCwyMDAsIngiLDM4XQ//Dana-Thomas-House2-credit-D-T-House.jpg/" alt=\"\" class=\"lazy\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"tm--desc \">\n\t\t\t\t<h3><a href=https://www.enjoyillinois.com/"//explore//listing//dana-thomas-house-by-frank-lloyd-wright///" class=\"scroll-to\">Dana-Thomas House - Frank Lloyd Wright Design<\/a><\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t<p>Reputed to be one of Frank Lloyd Wright\u2019s largest and most elaborate Prairie-style designs, the house has 35 rooms with more than 100 pieces of original furniture and 250 art glass windows.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<a href=https://www.enjoyillinois.com/"//explore//listing//dana-thomas-house-by-frank-lloyd-wright///">More Info<\/a> \n\t\t\t\t | <a href=https://www.enjoyillinois.com/"https:////www2.illinois.gov//dnrhistoric//Experience//Sites//Central//Pages//Dana-Thomas-House.aspx/">Visit Website<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>"},{"lat":"39.8017197","lng":"-89.6488800","title":"Old State Capitol","featured":false,"popup":"<div class=\"map-listing-popup\">\n\t<div class=\"th-map--popup\">\n\t\t<div class=\"tm--wrap u-cf\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"tm--thumb\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img src=https://www.enjoyillinois.com/"//assets//Tourism-Operators//images//_resampled//CroppedFocusedImageWzIwMCwyMDAsIngiLDMzXQ//OSC-AW.jpg/" alt=\"\" class=\"lazy\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"tm--desc \">\n\t\t\t\t<h3><a href=https://www.enjoyillinois.com/"//explore//listing//old-state-capitol-state-historic-site///" class=\"scroll-to\">Old State Capitol<\/a><\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t<p>Within these walls a great man rose to prominence to become the 16th president of the United States. It was here Lincoln spoke the immortal words, \u201cA house divided against itself cannot stand\u2026\u201d as the threat of a Civil War loomed.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<a href=https://www.enjoyillinois.com/"//explore//listing//old-state-capitol-state-historic-site///">More Info<\/a> \n\t\t\t\t | <a href=https://www.enjoyillinois.com/"https:////www2.illinois.gov//dnrhistoric//Experience//Sites//Central//Pages//Old-Capitol.aspx/">Visit Website<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>"},{"lat":"39.8232100","lng":"-89.6558200","title":"Lincoln Tomb","featured":true,"popup":"<div class=\"map-listing-popup\">\n\t<div class=\"th-map--popup\">\n\t\t<div class=\"tm--wrap u-cf\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"tm--thumb\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img src=https://www.enjoyillinois.com/"//assets//Tourism-Operators//images//itims//_resampled//CroppedFocusedImageWzIwMCwyMDAsIngiLDUwXQ//14429_Lincoln Tomb 3.JPG\" alt=\"\" class=\"lazy\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"tm--desc \">\n\t\t\t\t<h3><a href=https://www.enjoyillinois.com/"//explore//listing//lincoln-tomb///" class=\"scroll-to\">Lincoln Tomb<\/a><\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t<p>Within this breathtaking monument lie the remains of Abraham Lincoln, his wife Mary, and three of their four sons.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<a href=https://www.enjoyillinois.com/"//explore//listing//lincoln-tomb///">More Info<\/a> \n\t\t\t\t | <a href=https://www.enjoyillinois.com/"https:////www2.illinois.gov//dnrhistoric//Experience//Sites//Central//Pages//Lincoln-Tomb.aspx/">Visit Website<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>"},{"lat":"41.1944082","lng":"-90.1188418","title":"Bishop Hill State Historic Site","featured":false,"popup":"<div class=\"map-listing-popup\">\n\t<div class=\"th-map--popup\">\n\t\t<div class=\"tm--wrap u-cf\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"tm--thumb\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img src=https://www.enjoyillinois.com/"//assets//Tourism-Operators//images//_resampled//CroppedFocusedImageWzIwMCwyMDAsIngiLDMzXQ//Bishop-Hill-Illinois.JPG/" alt=\"\" class=\"lazy\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"tm--desc \">\n\t\t\t\t<h3><a href=https://www.enjoyillinois.com/"//explore//listing//bishop-hill-state-historic-site///" class=\"scroll-to\">Bishop Hill State Historic Site<\/a><\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t<p>Bishop Hill State Historic Site is an open-air museum. Visit Utopia on the Prairie.<br \/>\r\n<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<a href=https://www.enjoyillinois.com/"//explore//listing//bishop-hill-state-historic-site///">More Info<\/a> \n\t\t\t\t | <a href=https://www.enjoyillinois.com/"https:////dnrhistoric.illinois.gov//experience//sites//site.bishop-hill.html/">Visit Website<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>"},{"lat":"42.4155459","lng":"-90.4303177","title":"Galena & U.S. Grant Museum","featured":false,"popup":"<div class=\"map-listing-popup\">\n\t<div class=\"th-map--popup\">\n\t\t<div class=\"tm--wrap u-cf\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"tm--thumb\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img src=https://www.enjoyillinois.com/"//assets//Tourism-Operators//images//itims//_resampled//CroppedFocusedImageWzIwMCwyMDAsIngiLDUwXQ//10590_DSC_9920.JPG/" alt=\"\" class=\"lazy\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"tm--desc \">\n\t\t\t\t<h3><a href=https://www.enjoyillinois.com/"//explore//listing//galena-and-u-s-grant-museum///" class=\"scroll-to\">Galena &amp; U.S. Grant Museum<\/a><\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t<p>Discover Ulysses S. Grant, one of the most celebrated Generals of the Civil War and United States President, as well as the History of Galena.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<a href=https://www.enjoyillinois.com/"//explore//listing//galena-and-u-s-grant-museum///">More Info<\/a> \n\t\t\t\t | <a href=https://www.enjoyillinois.com/"http:////www.galenahistorymuseum.org/">Visit Website<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>"},{"lat":"39.7168896","lng":"-88.4723441","title":"Arthur Amish Country Information Center","featured":false,"popup":"<div class=\"map-listing-popup\">\n\t<div class=\"th-map--popup\">\n\t\t<div class=\"tm--wrap u-cf\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"tm--thumb\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img src=https://www.enjoyillinois.com/"//assets//Tourism-Operators//images//_resampled//CroppedFocusedImageWzIwMCwyMDAsIngiLDUxXQ//1030-0.jpg/" alt=\"\" class=\"lazy\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"tm--desc \">\n\t\t\t\t<h3><a href=https://www.enjoyillinois.com/"//explore//listing//arthur-amish-country-information-center///" class=\"scroll-to\">Arthur Amish Country Information Center<\/a><\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<a href=https://www.enjoyillinois.com/"//explore//listing//arthur-amish-country-information-center///">More Info<\/a> \n\t\t\t\t | <a href=https://www.enjoyillinois.com/"http:////www.arthurillinois.us/">Visit Website<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>"}]">

Springfield

Illinois' state capital is filled with historic sites worth visiting, such as the majestic rotunda of the State Capitol Building and the Dana-Thomas House, designed by renowned Illinois architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The real star of Springfield's history, however, is its most famous resident — Abraham Lincoln. Before he became the 16th President of the United States, Lincoln lived and worked in Springfield as a young lawyer. Docents lead guided tours of the Lincoln family home — the only house he ever owned — at the Lincoln Home National Historic Site. Though it was only a temporary home, Springfield is also the final resting place for Lincoln and his family. At the Lincoln Tomb in Oak Ridge Cemetery, a 117-foot granite monument marks the place where the Lincoln family is buried.

A bronze bust of Honest Abe himself looks out over the tomb, reminding visitors of the timelessness of his gaze. Be sure to reach up and rub his nose for good luck.

Bishop Hill

Bishop Hill State Historic Site is a charming 19th century Swedish settlement that looks as it did when the town’s first inhabitants arrived.  Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the picturesque town features historic museums, antique shops and quaint eateries. When in town, check out the Bishop Hill Colony Store to experience an old time mercantile and pick up gourmet Swedish food and souvenirs. Also, make sure to stop by the Bishop Hill Bakery and indulge in the mouth-watering aroma of freshly baked bread and cookies. In the winter, visit Bishop Hill for Julmarknad, a large Christmas market deep rooted in Scandinavian customs dating back to the middle ages. 

Galena

European-style Galena, located on the banks of the great Mississippi River, is a quaint retreat complete with historic sites, beautiful vineyards and an abundance of charming bed and breakfasts. Galena’s Main Street is one of the most historic streets in the Midwest, featuring over 100 storefronts that boast art galleries, rustic antique stores, eclectic boutique shops and world renowned cuisine. Another U.S. President once called Galena home, too. Pay a visit to the 18th President at the Ulysses S. Grant Home Historic Site.

Arthur

Experience Illinois Amish Country in charming Arthur, a community home to more than 3,000 Amish residents and hundreds of countryside businesses. Visitors can experience the simple life and discover antique treasures, homemade craft stores, and family-run bakeries. When you're there, find helpful guides to exploring the area at the Arthur Amish Country Information Center.

 

More Time-Travel Inspiration

Read More About Illinois' Historical Sites

Illinois' historical sites are a great excuse for a time-traveling getaway. For more Abraham Lincoln sites in Springfield and elsewhere, check out Looking for Lincoln. Follow photographer Craig Hensel as he shares more family-friendly activities in Central Illinois with Family Fun and Some History Too. Or hop into your own time machine for a road trip through historic towns with a Journey Along the Lincoln Highway.
Historic Sites Presidential History History Museums History Tours Historic Main Streets

Love the Story?
Save to Favorites Remove from Favorites

Related Reads:

Family Fun and Some History Too

Family Fun and Some History Too
in Regional Getaways,  History,  Local Experts

Chicago-based photographer and Instagramer Craig Hensel @thecraighensel and his ...

John Deere: More Than a Tractor Name

John Deere: More Than a Tractor Name
in Activities

With a namesake pavilion, museum, historic site, golf course and tournament, plu...

5 Lesser-Known Chicago Museums You Need to Explore

5 Lesser-Known Chicago Museums You Need to Explore
in Arts & Culture,  Chicago,  Activities

Whether your interest is in Puerto Rican art or Saturday Night Live, Chicago has...

Enjoy Illinois Magazine

Enjoy Illinois Magazine

Find unexpected ways to enjoy Illinois in this biannual magazine that explores every corner of the state. Each issue offers a mix of travel stories, stunning photography and timely trip ideas that make the most of each season.

Order a Copy

Order a copy of Enjoy Illinois and also receive the Illinois State Park Guide and an Official Highway Map.

Order Print Version
Grab a Digital Copy

Read Enjoy Illinois magazine online or download the PDF and start exploring trip ideas around Illinois.

View it Online Download PDF

Send me Enjoy Illinois Magazine

Get inspired by top travel stories, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois.

Order a Copy!
Enjoy Illinois Magazine

Discover top travel stories and even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois with our free magazine.

Get Your Copy Now!
The Official Website of the Illinois Office of Tourism
  • Choose Chicago
  • Great Lakes USA
  • Visit The USA

Download Acrobat Reader

© 2024 Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity

Ratings provided by TripAdvisor