The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, Illlinois, is the largest presidential library in the country. It tells the life story of the nation's 16th president and does it with room settings and recreated buildings like the ones he lived in – including the log cabin and the White House. Sculpted lifelike figures as well as video re-enactments of historical events make it almost seem like you are there.
Best and Worst Times to Go to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
The best time to visit the museum is during the week in summer because there are no school field trips going on. While there will be some vacationers and tourists, it's more crowded on weekends and during the school year. Don't go to the museum an hour before closing and expect to see everything. It takes a good half-day to see it all.
Must See and Do at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
You must see the Journeys and Treasures Galleries while at the museum, which are the permanent exhibits. The Journeys tell the story of Lincoln's life before the presidential years and during those years. The Treasures Gallery houses actual artifacts that belonged to the Lincoln family. You will also want to check out the temporary exhibits on display during your visit to see if they might interest you. In the library, you won't want to miss the Papers of Abraham Lincoln so you can see memos, letters and other papers written in Lincoln's own hand.
Admission to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
If you just want to visit the Presidential Library, you won't have to pay an admission charge because it's free. To see the museum, you will have to pay unless you buy an annual membership. Admission to the museum is under $20, with discounts for seniors, active military and students with ID cards. Admission fees for children between the ages of 5 and 15 is less than $10, while children under 4 get in free.
Parking and Public Transportation to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
Rates for parking at the library and museum are less than $10 for the whole day, or you can pay by the hour at a rate of less than $1 per hour. There is a separate lot for RVs and buses, and they pay a flat rate of $5 to $10.
The Springfield Mass Transit District has several bus routes throughout the city, including its Historic Sites Route that includes the Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.
Food at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
The museum has a sandwich and salad shop on site for guests who don't want to have to leave to go eat lunch.
Insider Tip for Visitors to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
Allow at least 3 hours –- or more -- to see all the exhibits with their lifelike wax sculptured people and media clips. While the museum is open 9 to 5 every day except for certain holidays, the library is only open from 9 to 5 weekdays and closed on weekends and several holidays, so make sure to plan your visit accordingly.
Author's bio: Susan Hoskins Miller is a writer who lives in metropolitan Indianapolis and works in a university library. In her free time, she enjoys being with her family and exploring places in the Midwest.