THE CENTRAL REGION
Many people think of Central Illinois is the heartland of Illinois. Here there are miles of farmland, growing corn and soybeans. But this is also where Abraham Lincoln's history can be seen and our capital is located in Central Illinois. The land is flat here, once prairie.
Read the sites descriptions below and choose one that is Historic, or Nature, or Other, and then read the website and take notes focusing on information that a person visiting would want to know - where it is, what you see or do there and what makes it special
Nature
- Lake Shelbyville - Decatur, Illinois. This manmade lake in Central Illinois was created for fishing and boating, hiking trials, hunting, campsites and natural habitat from forests to swamplands.
- Iroquois County State Wildlife Area - Beaverville, Illinois. The best preserve of prairie marsh and sand dune grasses remaining in Illinois for hiking, picnicking, snowmobiling and archery.
History
- J.H. Hawes Elevator - Atlanta, Illinois. See a historic grain elevator that was built in 1904 and operated until 1976. Learn how the grains was first brought in horse-drawn carriages, weighed and stored. A National Historic site.
- Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum - Springfield, Illinois. Learn about the life of the President from before his election to the assassination with interactive and unique exhibits.
- Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site - Petersburg, Illinois. This is a reconstruction of the entire village where Abraham Lincoln spent his early adulthood, clerked in a store, was the postmaster, split rails and ran for Illinois General Assembly. VISIT THE TOUR
- Lincoln Log Cabin - State Historic Site.- Lerna, Illinois. Preserves the Lincoln log cabin from the 1840's farm of Lincoln's parents, and other sites from Lincoln's past including a working history farm.
- Lincoln's Tomb - Springfield, Illinois. Where Lincoln, his wife and three of their four sons are buried, includes plaques with Lincoln's speeches, and sculptures.
- Air Combat Museum - Springfield, Illinois. See fighter planes from WWI and WWII and other wars and learn how they were used.
- Illinois State Capitol - Springfield, Illinois. Learn about the capitol building built in 1877 and still used today.
- Old State Capitol - Springfield, Illinois. A reconstruction of Illinois' fifth capitol building, the first in Springfield.
- Old State Capital in Vandalia, Illinois. This is the oldest state capitol building in Illinois where Illinois' second capital was located.
Fun
- Scovill Zoo-Decatur, Illinois. Home to 500 animals from 6 continents, carousel and train rides.
- Hardy's Reindeer Ranch - Rantoul, Illinois. Home of a herd of friendly Alaskan reindeer, plus a Cornfusion Corn Maze, hayrides General Store and tepee.
- Mendota Sweet Corn Festival - Mendota, Illinois. Largest corn festival in Illinois with free corn, crafts, and music.