Hotel at a Glance: State House Inn – a Red Collection Hotel

The State House Inn – a Red Collection Hotel is surrounded by history in downtown Springfield—it’s an easy walk to Abraham Lincoln’s home, his law office, and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. The hotel even has a bit of history itself. First opened in 1961, it recently underwent a multimillion-dollar renovation to restore it to its midcentury glory. Retro early ’60s touches can be seen throughout the hotel, from the molded-plastic chairs in the cocktail lounge to the clean lines and mod furnishings in the guest rooms and suites.

• A free breakfast spread may include hot eggs and meats, cereal, waffles, and pastries.
• Sleep easy in the guest rooms that feature comfy beds, flat-screen TVs, as well as complimentary WiFi.
• Work out: The fitness center features cardio equipment and weights.

Springfield, Illinois: Lincoln Landmarks on Route 66

Springfield proudly upholds its duties as the capital of the Land of Lincoln—numerous important places from the 16th president’s life are carefully maintained here. In addition to the Lincoln home and his presidential library, you can visit his tomb at Oak Ridge Cemetery and the train depot where he bid farewell to his friends and neighbors before departing for Washington, DC.

Located along the famous Route 66, Springfield is also home to slices of quirky Americana such as Cozy Dog, a drive-in diner that claims to have invented the batter-coated wiener on a stick. Architecture buffs can tour Frank Lloyd Wright’s 12,000-square-foot Dana-Thomas House, an early example of the famed designer’s Prairie style.