Museums, Nature, and Zoos
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Museum Events
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Museums, Nature, and Zoos |
Featured Page Sponsor
Museum Events |
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Museums,
Nature, and Zoos
A visit to the Abraham Lincoln Museum |
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309-433-3444 Explore Today! New FETCH! Lab |
217-787-7347 |
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& Fitness Center
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Family
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217-788-8084 Coupon for free cookie or coffee |
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Related Pages:
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Springfield, 217-558-8844 , Normal, 309-433-3444 , Decatur, 217-423-5437 Springfield, 217-782-6044Illinois State Police Heritage Foundation Museum, Springfield, 217-498-9545 Lakeview Museum of Arts and Science, Peoria, 309-686-7000 McLean County Museum of History, Bloomington, 309-827-0428 |
Featured Resource: Rainy Day? Bring the kids in to Mrs. Lincoln's Attic! FREE Admissions for ALL Members of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation. Learn more about the benefits here.
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Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum 212 N. Sixth St., Springfield, IL 62701 217-558-8844 800-610-2094
www.abelincolnmuseum.org Monday – Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Last admission is at 4:00p.m. Closed on Thanksgiving
Day, Christmas Day & New Year's Day only.
Admission Fees:
To purchase tickets visit
www.abelincolnmuseum.org Active Military
Personnel $5.50 (ID required) Parking garage rates are 75 cents per half-hour; it's on the corner of 6th & Madison
For year-round benefits of foundation membership, see below.
Library Hours are different from the Museum. There is no admission fee for the Library
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Hangin' with the Lincolns at the ALPLM
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What an honor to have this world-class library and museum in the heart of Downtown Springfield. Adults and children alike will love coming back time and again to enjoy the vast array of historical exhibits and thought-provoking questions that will arise each time you visit.
After your visit, treat the kids to a special treat from Pease’s Candy across the street from the Library or browse the many other Historic Sites within walking distance. Surely Abraham Lincoln would have enjoyed this Springfield tradition as well.
Educational tips for visiting the museum with young children |
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Three floors of learning fun at Children's Discovery Museum in Normal, IL |
309-433-3444 101 E. Beaufort, Downtown Normal IL 309-433-3444 www.childrensdiscoverymuseum.net This is a quick drive (50-60 minutes) from the Springfield area, and an outstanding museum for kids of all ages. For younger kids the museum has a wonderful water play area, climbing play area and a fun grocery store. There are several permanent and rotating hands-on exhibits for older kids. Our favorites? The Ag-Mazing Exhibit complete with a huge tractor and simulated ride. We also love the Recycling Exhibit on the second floor that shows kids why waste-free lunches are important! The Paint Wall on the third floor and the huge climbing area for kids 5 on up keeps them busy for hours! The museum costs $4/person ages 2 and up.
NEW! Fetch! Lab, featuring science and engineering activities created by PBS character Ruff Ruffman. Opening June 7th, 2008 FETCH! activities, offered daily are FREE with paid admission.
How to get there: Drive (just 50-60 minutes from the Springfield Area) You can also take the Amtrak train which drops you off just behind the CDM! Bring your own snacks or enjoy several eating spots within walking distance. Don't miss the ice cream/coffee shop next door or dine at several restaurants nearby. The CDM also is a great place for end of year school parties, field trips, birthday parties and special events. |
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55 South Country Club Road CMI is a fun day out and within walking distance from the Decatur Zoo; so you can do both in a fun family day trip. The Children's Museum of Illinois invites you to explore two floors of hands-on interactive exhibits. The museum offers over 10,000 square feet of exhibit space for children and families to discover. The bubble rooms, garden, castle and play centers greet you on the main floor. Go upstairs to learn about our world, the human body, sit in an airplane or control tower, leave your shadow on the wall, and much more! |
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Illinois State Police Heritage Foundation Museum 3936 Peoria Road, Springfield, IL 217-498-9545
Lakeview Museum of Arts and Science 1125 West Lake Ave., Peoria 309-686-7000 www.lakeview-museum.orgOffers rotating exhibits and a Planetarium. Check the website for current exhibits.
McLean County Museum of History 200 North Main Street, Bloomington, IL 61701 309-827-0428, www.mchistory.org The McLean County Museum of History traces it roots back to 1892, the year the McLean County Historical Society was founded. The original Museum opened in 1904 when Historical Society members had collected enough material, in the form of presented papers, transcribed reminiscences, and donated objects, to share the collection with the public. HOURS: Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tuesdays, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Sundays (Sept - May), 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. ADMISSION: Adults, $5.00 Seniors (65 & up), $4.00 Children & Students with valid ID, FREE Historical Society Members, FREE
Lincoln Memorial Gardens & Nature Center, Lake Springfield, 529-111 Macon County Conservation, Decatur, 423-7708 Prairie's Edge Farm, Rochester, 498-8251 Washington Park Botanical Garden, Springfield, 753-6228 Springfield Park District, 544-1751 State Parks of Illinois, Department of Natural Resources website & Nature Center 2301 East Lake Drive, Springfiel, 529-1111 http://www.springfield-il.com/attract/lingarden.html Enjoy the beautiful trails and discover nature in the well-preserved gardens that are the best example of the prairie found in central Illinois during pioneer days. Lincoln Memorial Garden was founded in 1936 by Mrs.Harriet Knudson, a member of the Springfield Civic Garden Club as a living memorial to Abraham Lincoln. All the plants found at the Garden are native to the three states Lincoln lived in - Kentucky, Indiana and Illinois. In the early 1930's, the city of Springfield donated land along the shore of Lake Springfield for the Garden and the Garden Clubs of Illinois agreed to sponsor the project. Mrs.Knudson then secured the services of one of the country's foremost landscape architects, Jens Jensen, to design the Garden. LMG offers special events and classes year-round for adults and children. They also have a handicapped accessible interpretive trail, restroom building, and plenty of parking!
Macon County Conservation, located in Decatur, IL offers some great activities for toddlers and preschoolers. There are twice monthly toddler camps (1 and 2 year olds) and "My First Camp" (3 and 4 year olds) offered through the fall. There is also Nature Lapsit (0-3) and various other nature related activities for young children. Call for a newsletter at (217) 423-7708 or go to www.maconcountyconservation.org
2500 South Eleventh Street Check out the calendar for events at the Rees Carillon, Music in the Park, Nelson Center events and other park happenings.
Area Farms Check out our comprehensive list of area farms for a fun day trip outing!
Here is a short list of state parks in the central and western regions of Illinois. These state parks are within driving distance of Springfield. If you wish to get specifics on the parks listed or are interested in other state parks, visit the Department of Natural Resources website at: www.dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/PARKS.
Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area This state park is located in Carlyle, IL, approximately 95 miles southeast of Springfield. It boasts having the largest campsite in Illinois. Other amenities include swimming pool, picnic areas, boating, and fishing. Sailboat regattas are held almost every summer weekend. Visit http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/PARKS/R4/ELDON.HTMfor more specific information and directions.
Beaver Dam State Park Just 7 miles southwest of Carlinville, this park features fishing, cabins, lake activities, concession stand and a play area. Visit http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/PARKS/R4/beaver.htm for more specific information and directions.
Edward Madigan State Fish and Wildlife Area Located on the south edge of Lincoln, this state park is home of the largest sycamore tree in Illinois. It also includes trails, canoeing and boating areas and picnic facilities. Visit http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/PARKS/R4/Edmad.htm for more specific information and directions.
Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area This state park is just 25 miles northwest of Springfield. It offers horseback riding trails, picnic areas, mountain bike trails and hiking trails. Visit http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/PARKS/R4/jepc.htm for more specific information and directions.
Siloam Springs This state park is just east of Quincy. It is coined one of the most beautiful parks in Illinois. It features boating, canoeing rentals, concession stand, picnic areas, camping and hiking trails. Visit http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/PARKS/R4/SILOAMSP.HTM for more specific information and directions.
Sand Ridge State Forest Yes, it is true that among the flatlands of Illinois there is a state forest. This state forest is located in Forest City, Illinois (southwest of Peoria). It offers picnic areas, camping, equestrian trails and hiking trails. Visit http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/PARKS/R4/SAND.HTM for more specific information and directions.
Starved Rock State Park and NEW! Grand Bear Water Park & Lodge in Utica, IL Just about two hours north of Springfield there’s a new water park and lodge just perfect for your family. What a great weekend get away. Start off at Starved Rock State Park and enjoy hiking and all that nature has to offer. Then, head over to the Grand Bear Water Park and float on the lazy river. You’ll have to check out the website for yourself, but it looks amazing and so very close. An added perk for any busy mom – there’s even a Grizzly Bean Café and Coffee Shop on site! Also, look at the featured entertainment. www.grandbearlodge.com and www.starvedrocklodge.com
Washington Park Botanical Garden A beautiful indoor garden to enjoy year-round! 1740 W. Fayette Avenue. Call 753-6228 for events , Peoria, 309-686-3365 , Springfield , 753-6217 , Decatur, 421-7435
2218 N. Prospect Road, Peoria 309-686-3365 www.peoriaparks.org/zoo/zoo.html The Glen Oak Zoo is home to nearly 100 species of animals from around the globe. Come see the newest members of the zoo family, listen to the songs of the kookabura or lemurs and watch the spider monkeys swing in the trees. Glen Oak Zoo also offers daily sea lion programs and critter chats, free parking, and a gift shop stocked with unusual and exciting merchandise. Live on the "wild side" and visit Glen Oak Zoo! Admission Adults 13 and over $5.50, Children Age 3-12 $3.25, Children 2 and under Free. Seniors $4.75
1100 East Lake Drive, Springfield, IL 217-753-6217 www.hensonrobinsonzoo.org Open Year-round
71 South Country Club Road, Decatur, IL 217-421-7435 www.decatur-parks.org/zoo/index.phpA great zoo, and located next door to the Children’s Museum of Illinois! Enjoy the endangered species carousel ride ($1 per ride) and The Z.O. & O. Express Train ($1.50 adults $1 for kids) offers a one-mile narrated tour tracking through a tunnel and along Lake Decatur to give you a unique view of the animals. Riders will have the opportunity to see animals from five different continents like our Emu from Australia and Toucans from South American. Be sure to watch for our two South African Cheetahs, Jafari and Runako. There is a wonderful playground set at the main entrance as well. Admission Prices: Adults $3.75 Children age 2-12 $2.25 Children under age 2, free Seniors $2.75 |
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www.SpringfieldMoms.org Online Family Resources ™ 217-698-4097 Springfield , IL |
Whether it’s feeding the goats,
saying hi to Joe the Horse, or playing on the playground, it’s a very toddler
friendly zoo! We also enjoy visiting the black bear, kangaroo, spider monkeys,
cougars and of course, the wandering ducks and talkative peacocks. Become a zoo
member and get on their mailing list of events. They have many themed events
throughout the year and fun classes and summer camps for school-age children.