Historic Sites In Illinois

Part of our Illinois guide.

Historic sites in Illinois span presidential homes, frontier settlements, literary birthplaces, and a 19th-century apothecary still in business. Below are thirteen places and guides from our coverage, gathered into one page.

Step Back In Time At Galena's Belvedere Mansion

Galena's Belvedere Mansion, built in 1857, is a historic home with period furnishings, elegant rooms, and gardens that offer a direct look at 19th-century life in Galena, Illinois. The mansion’s architecture and the stories of the families who lived there make it a must-see for history buffs. Visitors can tour the rooms and explore the grounds.

Lincoln Home National Historic Site - A Glimpse Into Presidential Life

Lincoln Home National Historic Site in Springfield, Illinois, preserves the house where Abraham Lincoln lived for 17 years before he became president. The well-preserved home and several restored buildings give visitors a sense of the 19th-century neighborhood and a peek into Lincoln’s family life and early career.

Step Back In Time At Nauvoo's Mormon Settlement

Nauvoo's Mormon Settlement in Illinois, founded by Joseph Smith and his followers in the 1840s, is a collection of well-preserved buildings, artifacts, and stories. Visitors can stroll through restored homes, shops, and churches. Blacksmith demonstrations and wagon rides are among the activities that bring the 19th-century town to life.

Step Back In Time At Galena's Washburne House

Galena's Washburne House, located in Galena, Illinois, is a historic home named for Elihu Washburne, a prominent political figure and close friend of President Ulysses S. Grant. Now a museum showcasing 19th-century life, the house features an elegant parlor, a well-preserved kitchen, and rooms that tell stories of the past.

Step Back In Time At Springfield's Old State Capitol

Springfield's Old State Capitol served as the state's government hub from 1839 to 1876. Here, Abraham Lincoln delivered his "House Divided" speech and worked as a lawyer. Visitors can explore restored rooms, see period furniture, and learn about the state's history. The building offers a chance to walk the halls where Lincoln once stood.

Uncover The Charm Of Charleston's Five Mile House

Charleston's Five Mile House, built in the early 1800s, offers a glimpse into the past. Visitors can explore the well-preserved rooms, each filled with antique furniture and artifacts. The surrounding gardens provide a peaceful retreat.

Lincoln's Tomb: A Monument To History

Lincoln's Tomb in Springfield, Illinois, located in Oak Ridge Cemetery, is a burial site and a piece of living history. The grand monument features an obelisk and bronze statues. A local tradition is to touch Lincoln's nose for good luck. The tomb also houses the remains of Lincoln's wife, Mary Todd Lincoln, and three of their four sons.

Step Back In Time At Lincoln's Presidential Library

The Lincoln Presidential Library in Springfield, Illinois, offers a glimpse into the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln through interactive exhibits, rare artifacts, and immersive displays. This destination shows how Lincoln's early years shaped his character and future presidency.

Step Back In Time At Tinker Swiss Cottage

Tinker Swiss Cottage in Rockford, Illinois, is a historic house museum built in the 1860s with unique Swiss-style architecture and preserved interiors. The cottage provides a glimpse into the life of the Tinker family, with rooms filled with original furnishings, artifacts, and personal items.

Step Back In Time At Lincoln's New Salem

Lincoln's New Salem in Illinois is a reconstructed village that showcases the early years of Abraham Lincoln before he became the 16th President of the United States. Wander through log cabins, a general store, and a blacksmith shop, all recreated to reflect the 1830s. Costumed interpreters share stories and demonstrate daily tasks from nearly two centuries ago.

Step Back In Time At Chicago's Merz Apothecary

Chicago's Merz Apothecary, established in 1875, has been a staple in the city for over a century. Located in the Lincoln Square neighborhood, this shop is more than a pharmacy. It stocks health and wellness products from around the world, from herbal remedies to natural skincare.

Step Back In Time At Chicago's Clarke House

Chicago's Clarke House, built in 1836, is the oldest house in the city. Walking through rooms filled with period furniture, artifacts, and stories, visitors get a vivid picture of early Chicago life. The house has stood through Chicago's dramatic transformation and offers a glimpse into the mid-19th century.

Step Back In Time At Hemingway's Birthplace Museum

Hemingway's Birthplace Museum in Oak Park, Illinois, is a restored Victorian home where Ernest Hemingway was born in 1899 and spent his formative years. Visitors can explore rooms filled with period furniture, family photographs, and personal artifacts that paint a vivid picture of his upbringing.