The capital of Illinois, Springfield is located in the center of the state, some 200 miles south of Chicago.

Home to 111,454 residents, Springfield is best known as the adult home of Abraham Lincoln. Before being elected president in 1860, Lincoln spent a quarter of a century here as a lawyer and later as US senator.

Many sites have been maintained as they were during Lincoln’s life. These include his law office; the depot museum, where he bid farewell to Illinois as he left to take the presidency; and his tomb. Almost every visitor here rubs the Lincoln statue’s nose, which has since worn down to its original finish after 140 years.

Two other must-sees in Springfield include the State Capitol and the Dana-Thomas House. This is one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s most famous “prairie-style” houses, which contains some of the architect’s most intricate art window panels.

For 10 days in August, the Illinois State Fair is held at the state fairgrounds in nearby DuQuoin.

There is every type of entertainment from country music stars and 1960s rock bands to championship livestock—the fair aims to satisfy all tastes. Springfield is reached via I-55, and by bus or train out of Chicago and St Louis.