2024 Fall Trip: Springfield, IL, Land of Lincoln

 Saturday 10/5:  146 miles, Natures Way Campground, Utica, Illinois

Site #8

Site #8

We have used this campground many times as a quick and easy stop over.  It was once a KOA, but now is privately owned.  It is convenient and has lots of room to walk the pups.

Sunday 10/8:  146 miles, Double J Campground, Chatham, Illinois.

I-35 to I-55

Site 105, right across from the huge dog park.

Site 105

Double J is a large park that is located amongst corn and soybean fields and was only about half full.  The dog park is HUGE and there were several mowed trails for walking.  

The park is just a 20 minute drive to the city of Springfield, Illinois where the President Abraham Presidential Museum, Library, and tomb are located.  And in addition, the original US Route 66 runs right through the city and past the campground.  So there is a lot to see and explore here.

Our first visit was to the Lincoln Museum.  Displays included replicas of the cabin home from his childhood, a Cabinet Meeting in the White House, the private box from Ford's Theater the night he was shot, and his casket lying in state.  The museum did a great job of teaching about the controversies leading to the Civil War and election politics.  Elections back then were just as ugly and bitter as they are today.

Another day we went to the Lincoln's home and neighborhood where he and Mary raised their children and Lincoln practiced law.  He lived there for 16 years from 1844 until elected President in 1860.

The last Lincoln stop was his final resting place in Oakridge Cemetary.  The exterior is currently undergoing cleaning.  HERE is a link to the city of Springfield website explaining the history of the tomb.   I spent a half hour there and it was a very solemn visit.

Our last activity in Springfield was a visit to the Farmers Market, where we picked up some local produce, baked goods, and oh ya, some home-made chocolate chip cookies.  😉

The pups had a great time here as well.  The RV Park had one of the largest and nicest dog parks we have ever come across, so we took advantage of it.  It was their first chance on this trip to let loose and run "wild".  And did they ever.

We had scheduled 3 full days of activities for Springfield, and as usual when we plan, it was not nearly long enough.  There is so much more history to see and learn here.  A return visit is a definite possibility.

Next up, on to St. Louis, Missouri for a few days.