Luxe Life
A Capitol Visit By Karthika Gupta; All photos courtesy of the Illinois Office of Tourism
Even though Springfield is often
overshadowed by the bright lights and towering skyscrapers of Chicago, it still has something for nearly every interest. History buffs, architecture aficionados, museum fans, and outdoor lovers can all find their place here, making it a great destination. After all, Illinois is the Land of Lincoln, and being the state capital, Springfield is a mecca for all things civic and historic. Tour the Illinois State Capitol Located in the heart of downtown Springfield, the Illinois State Capitol is a must-see. The first legislative session was held here in 1877. This magnificent building, built to rival palaces of Europe, replaced the Old State Capitol Building, which is at 6th Street and Adams Street. Its most distinguishing feature, a 405-foot dome atop the building, is a convergence of Renaissance Revival and Second Empire styles. The dome lights up the interior when the sun shines through stained glass lining the inside of it. Statues of prominent historical Illinois figures dot the floor. As an added feature, you can see Illinois politics in action from balconylevel seating when the legislature is in session. Browse the halls of Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum This museum traces the life of the 16th U.S. president, Abraham Lincoln, and the history of the Civil War. It has an extensive collection on Lincoln – his life and his presidency. It also houses the collection of the Illinois State Historical Library, founded by the state in 1889. Something sure to thrill young history fans is the Abe Lincoln impersonator who occasionally pops out and roams around. He is happy to greet you and discuss anything from his life, including his wrestling career. There is no better place to learn about the life of Abe Lincoln than at this museum. 16
Main & Luxe, February / March 2023
Go on an architectural tour of the DanaThomas House Designed in 1904 by Frank Lloyd Wright, the Dana-Thomas House is a large, 35-room home designed for entertaining large groups of people. It was built in the Prairie style and reflects the mutual affection of the patron and architect for organic architecture. It houses original Wright-designed furniture that has been beautifully restored, along with many Wright-designed art glass pieces in windows, interior doors, bookcases, and light fixtures. Two natural shapes can be seen in the art glass throughout the home: the butterfly and the sumac plant. The interior architectural design was extraordinary and avant-garde for its time
Wander through Oak Ridge Cemetery and the Lincoln Memorial Garden The Abraham Lincoln Memorial Garden is a 100-acre woodland and prairie garden designed by legendary landscape architect Jens Jensen who pioneered the natural, prairie landscape and was a frequent collaborator of Frank Lloyd Wright. This was one of the last commissions of his career. It was envisioned as a unique, living memorial to Lincoln featuring plants native to Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois — the three states Lincoln had lived in. Planting began in the garden on November 14, 1936, when Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts planted acorns that are the garden’s towering oaks today.
Illinois State Capitol Building, Springfield, IL
of construction. The tour is free, but donations are welcome. Explore the Lincoln Home National Historic Site The Lincoln Home National Historic Site preserves the Springfield home and neighborhood where Abraham Lincoln lived from 1844 to 1861 before becoming the 16th President of the United States. When you take the tour, the feeling of walking where Lincoln once lived is truly incredible. Walking on the brick road outside Lincoln’s home adds to the feeling of going back 200 years in time. Kids can also participate in the Junior Ranger program by filling out information in the program book. Afterward, they receive a certificate signed by the ranger and a junior ranger badge.
Oak Ridge Cemetery is the second most visited cemetery in the nation, second only to Arlington National Cemetery. The Lincoln Tomb is the final resting place of Abraham Lincoln, his wife Mary Todd Lincoln, and three of their four sons: Edward, William, and Thomas. A bronze recasting of Gutzon Borglum’s head of Lincoln stands on a pedestal in front of the entranceway — the original casting is in the U.S. Capitol. It is traditional to rub the nose of Mr. Lincoln for good luck. Discover the Illinois State Museum The Illinois State Museum features the life, land, people, and art of the State of Illinois. It is a small museum with two floors of exhibits, ranging from geological, botanical,