History

To be located at 6th Street location

A new garden honoring Mary Lincoln is going in at Union Square Park, bringing history to life.

The Legends Neon Park at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield showcases recreations and restorations of signs from long-lost Route 66 businesses like the Chain of Rocks Motel.

Lincoln’s New Salem, one of 56 state historic sites managed by IDNR, attracted 374,418 visitors in 2024 and 359,950 visitors in 2023. 

“Grapes of Wrath” is only the beginning

Springfield’s Dr. Stacy Grundy and Dr. Gina Lathan among the women who helped shape Route 66.

As we celebrate Abraham Lincoln’s birthday this week, here are some interesting facts about our 16th president.

Route 66 Motorheads Bar and Grill is a one-of-a-kind stop and is part automotive museum, part sports bar, and fully dedicated to celebrating America’s love affair with the open road.

Lincoln’s birthday also marks the official launch of Lincoln Unlocked, a digital tool offering access to rare photos, artifacts, and augmented reality features.

The funds come from the Rebuild Illinois capital plan and are part of a recent allocation of $60 million in funding.