This was a three-states-in-one-day leg of the journey. We started in Kansas, passed all the way through the top part of Missouri, and landed in Illinois. In other words, the phrase, “I don’t think we’re in Kansas anymore,” can now be spoken aloud. The humidity seems to be sticking with us though. In many, many ways.
Richard found a really amazing place to stay just to the north of Springfield. It is the Lincoln New Salem State Historic Park and makes for an A+ stopping spot. Aside from the fact that there were plenty of electric sites available in the campground, there is a really great recreated town that is walking or biking distance. At last! My pretty blue bike got to get off the bike rack!
This is a very well preserved/recreated town and is where Abraham Lincoln spent his early adulthood. There are brochures you can pick up near the Visitor Center that explain all of the buildings you are seeing, plus, they have plaques on each structure so you can do a self guided tour any time. If you visit the Visitor Center when it is open, you can see exhibits of what life was like in this little town back in Lincoln’s time. You can also watch a movie about the short lived history here.
Fascinating and achingly poignant place to find ourselves reflecting on our country, on the 4th of July.
Total miles from Clinton Lake: 360.2, 15.5 mpg, 6 hours 46 min. Almost all of the sites are fully shaded, which is lovely in the heat. Most sites are back in and have electric. Bathrooms are nice. 1-2 bars LTE for both of us.
