Central Region

Prairie Aviation Museum - Prairie Aviation Museum features permanent and rotating exhibits, a mini-theatre, and static outdoor displays of historical aircraft and vehicles. The Museum's DC-3 Flagship is located in an adjacent hangar and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Athens - Athens, Illinois is a pleasant stop off between Springfield and New Salem State Park. This growing community is located approximately 12 miles north of our Capitol City just off route 29 and offers valuable historical memories from Abraham Lincoln's time.

Henson Robinson Zoo - More than 300 animals from Africa, Asia, Australia, North and South America find refuge at the zoo. Visitors can view the naturalistic exhibits that house more than 90 species of native and exotic animals.

Johnny Gruelle Raggedy Ann & Andy Museum - The mission of the Johnny Gruelle Raggedy Ann and Andy Museum is to preserve the life and times of the man who created the storybook characters, and to promote the inspiration, values, and spirit of imagination that has made them an American institution for so many years.

Heartland Theatre - Come for the experience of intimate theatre where thought-provoking ""edgy"" drama is performed every time with consistent quality.

Monticello Railway Museum - The mission of the museum is to collect, preserve, interpret and exhibit materials and artifacts relating to railroading, with emphasis on Central Illinois, and to operate a demonstration railroad for the education and enjoyment of the public.

Illinois State University Planetarium - A celestial theater-in-the-round displays 2354 stars. Special effects projectors demonstrate the wonders of the known universe.

Rockome Gardens - Rockome Gardens is a one of a kind park and attraction. For a day of fun and relaxation for the whole family Rockome Gardens has been a favorite spot for over 40 years. Visitors can enjoy 15 different craft & speciality shops, train ride, buggy ride, petting farm, outdoor model railroad, Amish family style restaurant & snack shop.

Fox River Trolley Museum - Fall Caboose Days - A visit to the Fox River Trolley Museum is a nostalgic trip back to an era when the electric trolley car was a vital part of American life. Experience the sights and sounds of this unique part of American history aboard a genuine old-time trolley car which takes you on a three mile trip along the banks of the scenic Fox River.

Octave Chanute Aerospace Museum - The Largest Aerospace Museum in Illinois. The museum has over 40 aircraft and missiles on display, including replicas of Charles Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis and Chanute Field's first aircraft, the Curtiss Jenny biplane. The world's only remaining Boeing XB-47 Stratojet prototype is also on exhibit.

Orpheum Children's Science Museum - The museum provides children of all ages the chance to explore and learn science at their own pace in an informal setting. Exhibits are designed to be fun, but also to teach about science.

Illinois State Museum - Visitors to the main museum site in Springfield are treated to world renowned natural history exhibits and a wonderful view of the arts within and beyond Illinois' borders. Educational programs, films, and lectures enhance the changing exhibitions and the vast array of collections.

Knights Action Park - Knights Action Park features Water Slides, Bumper Boats, Go Karts, Mini Golf, Pirate Ships, Giant Sea Creatures, Batting Cages, Laser Tag, a 7-Acre Lake with Peddle Boats, and a 50 tee-slot Driving Range.

Illinois Amish Country - Illinois' largest Old Order Amish settlement, horse and buggy culture. Visitors can visit over 150 Amish country shops, see oak wood working, and take tours.

Lincoln Log Cabin - Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site, eight miles south of Charleston, preserves the last home of Abraham Lincoln's father and stepmother, Thomas and Sarah Bush Lincoln. The 86-acre site includes the reconstructed Lincoln cabin and a surrounding living history farm.