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One Tank Trips: History is waiting in Springfield, Illinois

For our last One Tank Trip, we travel to the Illinois state capital and look back at this summer's travels.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — We are back for another One Tank Trip. This time, we're on the Illinois side of the river, visiting the state capital.

Just over an hour and a half from St. Louis, Springfield, Illinois, is home to the National Abraham Lincoln Museum and Library, Lincoln Home National Historic Site and Lincoln’s Tomb.

Lincoln’s Letters from 1840 till death. Walk “Abe’s Perfect Journey.” See the most Lincoln artifacts in the world.

And after hours, you can go along for a haunted history ghost walk.

To plan your visit to the museum and library, click here. 

There are so many wonderful highlights, activities and legendary locations in our area within one tank of gas. I encourage you to look at my list below, pick a few and hit the road!

A quick summary of my travels:

  1. Innsbrook Resort: One hour from St. Louis

    Beautiful A-frame cottages, 18-hole golf course. Great party location. Tons of lakes. Watch me do some kayaking!

  1. Arcadia Valley, Missouri (Elephant Rocks State Park and Johnson Shut-Ins)One-and-a-half hours from St. Louis
    Formations from a billion and a half years ago. Almost like a natural waterpark with a boardwalk running alongside. A definite resurgence of the area.
  1. Meramec Caverns: One hour from St. Louis
    The James Gang Hideout, Ziplining, Tour, Boat rides and Theater inside cave.
  1. Blue Springs Ranch float trips: One hour from St. Louis
    Incredible view from log cabin, Horse rides, Full service to float.
  1. Grafton, Illinois (Aeries Winery and Resort, Raging Rivers, Pere Marquette State Park, Loading Dock): Less than an hour from St. Louis
    Alpine Rollercoaster, Lift/Gondola, Views will amaze. Probably my favorite trip!
  1. Defiance, Missouri (Daniel Boone Home, Defiance Ridge Winery and Broemmelsiek Park Stargazing)Less than an hour from St. Louis
    Daniel Boone Village is a must-see. Join Astronomy Club every Friday night to see the universe.
  1. Alton, Illinois (Audubon Center at Riverlands, Downtown Aalton, Flock Food Truck Garden, Fast Eddie's Bon Air): Less than 30 minutes from St. Louis
    Everything you could want to do – huge variety.
  1. Fulton and Hannibal, Missouri (National Winston Churchill Museum, Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Cave)Two hours from St. Louis
    The location of Churchill’s famous “Iron Curtain speech. See some of The Berlin Wall. Mark Twain Riverboat takes you back.

Before You Leave, Check This Out