THE PLACE: Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Springfield, IllinoisWHO VISITED: Terry and Sharon Wilhite of Eldridge, Iowa, and their kids, Lydia, age 17, Philip, 15, Susanna, 13, Mary, 11, Timothy, 10, Daniel, 7, and Charity, 5
WHY THEY LOVED IT: Honest Abe may turn 200 this year, but he's no faded tintype at this state-of-the-art museum. The life-size displays, interactive exhibits, and historical galleries "make you feel like you're right there with Lincoln," Sharon says. Her younger kids loved the Civil War-era dress-up clothes in Mrs. Lincoln's Attic, a hands-on play area, while the high-tech theaters thrilled the rest. Tickets are $10 for ages 16 and up, $4 for ages 5 to 15.
WHILE YOU'RE THERE: Take in the marble and bronze grandeur of the Lincoln Tomb, where Civil War re-enactors hold flag-lowering ceremonies throughout the summer.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Call 800-610-2094 or visit presidentlincoln.org. For the Lincoln Tomb, call 217-782-2717 or visit illinoishistory.gov.
