Travelers can choose the itinerary they would like to follow, and use the site's mapping technology and bookable 3-Day Getaways for easy and convenient trip planning.
The Illinois Bureau of Tourism Web site, enjoyillinois.com, will provide a printable brochure that highlights the information of all three Presidential Trails, including location and facts about the attractions.
The autumn season is loaded with festivals, events and attractions in Illinois, ideal for travelers looking to enjoy the beautiful fall colors and experience the great outdoors.
Illinois Presidential Trails
LINCOLN TRAIL
Abraham Lincoln moved to Illinois as a 20-something, and more than 30 years later he embarked for the country's capital and a new career as president. Lincoln Trail attractions include:
The exhibit Packaging Presidents: Two Centuries of Campaigns and Candidates is on display until Nov. 9
Learn the differences between presidential campaigns from George Washington to George Bush through campaign memorabilia
Celebrate the anniversary of the Gettysburg Address with an exhibit of the original artwork used for the book The Gettysburg Address
The exhibit will be run Nov. 19, 2008 - January 2009
Visitors and scholars have access to a great and extensive collection of materials relating to Abraham Lincoln and his era at the Library
Lincoln's Ghost Walk: Legends & Lore - Springfield - Tours available Tuesday to Saturday - March 1 to Oct. 31, Nov. 1, at 7:30 p.m.
Tour uses the Lincoln sites as the backdrop for the ghostly and strange stories about Lincoln's life and his death
This 90-minute tour is heavy on factual history, but also includes mysterious stories of lore
Lincoln Home National Historic Site - Springfield - Open seven days a week, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
The only home that Abraham Lincoln ever owned, the Lincoln family lived here from 1844 until Lincoln's election to the Presidency in 1861
The home is the center of a four-block historic site that includes a visitor's center Onsite interpreters offer tours daily
International Route 66 Mother Road Festival, Springfield, Sept. 26 - 28 - Come enjoy cool cars, music and free entertainment right in the heart of Springfield's historic downtown
GRANT TRAIL
Home to Ulysses S. Grant until 1868, Galena's connection to the 18th president and the Civil War era is evident in a multitude of attractions. This route also highlights the scenic landscape, historic significance and family-friendly events of Jo Davies County.
Grant Trail attractions include:
Ulysses S. Grant Home State Historic Site - Galena - Tours available Wednesday - Sunday, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Grant's former home was given to him by residents of Galena in appreciation for his war service in 1865; Grant and his family lived there until his presidency in 1868
The home has been maintained as a memorial to Grant since 1904
Galena Historic District
Encompassing 85 percent of the city, and including more than 1,000 properties built before 1900, this member of the National Register of Historic Places is home to a variety of unique architectural styles
Visitors can take a guided walking tour of the sites, which include the DeSoto House Hotel, recognized as Illinois' oldest operating hotel and previous host to Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt and Ralph Waldo Emerson
This area is also flush with shops of local arts and artisans, locally-made food products and excellent dining options
Galena Cellars Vineyard & Winery- Galena
Visitors can enjoy the flavors of the region with wine tastings, vineyard tours and winemaking demonstrations
REAGAN TRAIL
Reagan lived with his family for more than 20 years in Tampico, Monmouth, Galesburg and Chicago, until finally residing in Dixon from 1920 to 1933. Highlighting the small-town, Illinois communities in which Ronald Reagan spent his formative years, this trail includes extensive museum collections, historic drives and outdoor attractions.
Reagan Trail includes:
Reagan's Boyhood Home - Dixon - Open Monday - Saturday until Nov. 1, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Sunday 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Tour through the home that the Regan family resided in from 1920 - 1923
Walk through the visitor center and gift shop and enjoy a stroll in the Reagan Memorial Park and see the statue of Ronald Reagan
Knox County Scenic Drive - Knox County
Historic attractions not typically open to the public will be available for tours and hands-on activities, Oct. 4-5, 11-12
Visitors can enjoy exploring two one-room schoolhouses, four buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, a railroad depot, an 1832 log cabin, museums and century old chapels
Visitors can explore the rural heritage of some of the towns enjoyed by Reagan's family while they lived in Galesburg
Galesburg Railroad Museum - Open Tuesday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. through mid-October; Sunday 12:00 - 4:00 p.m. Weekends only from mid-October to mid-November
Learn the history of the railroad industry in Galesburg and look through memorabilia and model trains
