Springfield Vacations, Springfield Vacation Reviews, Tourism Guide

The lone 30-story skyscraper may look a bit out of place, jutting out from hundreds of miles of surrounding farmland. But that's because this is a city that doesn't try to be pretentious. This is simply and truly... the "heartland" of America.

Pop-history fans will revel as you take in such icons as Route 66, the original "Cozy Dog" (corn dog) restaurant, world-famous chili (spelled "chilli" around here), horseshoe sandwiches, and the "Maid-Rite" - which may very well be the country's first drive-thru restaurant.

Of course this is the "Land of Lincoln" and here you can literally trace the life of this famous man from youth to death. Just outside the city is New Salem State Park, which recreates the entire log cabin community where Lincoln lived as a young man. The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is as entertaining as some theme parks!

Additionally, you can tour one of the best-preserved homes by legendary designer/architect Frank Lloyd Wright, and get a glimpse inside the home of poet Vachel Lindsay, as well. Lesser-known history facts include that Springfield was the starting point of the ill-fated Donner Party Expedition, and that the city also played a pivotal role in the founding of the NAACP.

Geographic highlights include one of the largest man-made lakes of its time, and one of the nation's tallest bell tower carillons. The city is also dotted with numerous parks, hiking and bicycle trails.