Land of Lincoln – Springfield, Illinois June, 2009

Within the city, we found a wonderful campsite named Riverside Park that was just perfect.  It was located near everything we wanted to do and everyone we spoke with was very friendly.  Check in was easy and sites where clean.  Some have full hookup, some no sewage – the price is $15.00, $10.00 for tents regardless of sewage.  And surprise – there is a BMX Track here that we saw in use, so you can watch this amazing sport and walk home.

We then turned our attention to the Lincoln Historic sites ran by the National Park Service.  This is the only National Park in Illinois.  They do a wonderful job preserving important National Treasures.  Not only did we get to walk through The Lincoln home  and walk a 1860’s neighborhood (free), we enjoyed several programs (again…all free) offered by the National Park Service. So the donation that we left was worth every single penny!  Please give.

Daily, films are shown that connection each of us to the human side of life The Lincolns and others lived of that time frame.  It also maps out the time frame and trends of the era.

We were able to enjoy some additional treats done for the Lincoln 200^th year celebration.  They included;

Street Theater – The streets of Lincoln-era neighborhood come alive with 1850s song and period character performances.  This group of college and high school students where absolutely excellent!

From the Vault – View rarely seen artifacts from the Lincoln Home and connect to their significance.  This was very, very interesting.   To see things and hear the stories of the journey to the vaults was an eye opener.  Springfield…start checking out your basements and garages.

Living History Vignette – An interpreter dressed in historic clothing discusses period characters.  We saw young women dressed in period.  She explained the women’s’ role in society.  She also gave us great insight to Mary Lincoln.  Our daughter didn’t like the thought of all those rules!