Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum, is between Madison and Jefferson sts. at 212 N. 6th St., offers galleries featuring exhibits of historic items and multimedia presentations. Visitors first enter a central room called The Plaza that houses lifelike dioramas, including Lincoln as a boy outside a log cabin surrounded by woods and the adult Lincoln and his family standing in front of the White House.

Theater shows employing high-tech special effects recount the life of Abraham Lincoln from his childhood through his years as President during the Civil War to his assassination at Ford’s Theatre. Mrs. Lincoln’s Attic is a hands-on area for children. Changing exhibits are housed in the Illinois Gallery. The presidential library, just south of the museum at 112 N. 6th St., contains published and audiovisual resources, manuscripts, newspapers and Lincolniana.

Food is available. Time: Allow 2 hours minimum.