United States of America>Springfield, IL>Lincoln's Springfield 1837-1861
City exploration game

Lincoln's Springfield 1837-1861

Lincoln's Springfield 1837-1861 image 1
Play at your pace · usually 120 min 3.9 km Springfield, IL App-guided
Play in
English

The experience

About this quest

Recommended hours: Daylight, between 7:00AM and 7:00PM, depending on the season.

Take a journey through time with Abraham Lincoln and learn about what the city of Springfield, Illinois was like when Lincoln lived here from 1837-1861. 

Abe is trapped in the present day and wants to get back home in time to deliver his Second Inaugural Address. Can you help him?

Is this for you?

Who it's for

History lovers and Lincoln fans walk from the Presidential Museum to Lincoln's Home, past his law office and the Depot, solving puzzles to help a stranded Abe get home for his Second Inaugural Address. It suits couples on a heritage trip and families with school-age children. If 3.9 km over about two and a half hours is too far, or you would rather have a guide to quiz about Lincoln, pick something else.

What makes this quest special

Highlights

  • Find Abraham Lincoln, who has been mysteriously transported to the present day.

  • Walk with Lincoln as he reminisces on the Springfield he remembers.

  • Help Lincoln get back to his home, which he hasn't seen since he left for Washington to assume the presidency.

From your phone to the streets

A walk that turns into an adventure.

  1. 1

    Open the app. You’re on your way.

    Choose your pass, then open your quest in the Questo app. It guides you from the starting point.

  2. 2

    Get outside. Follow your curiosity.

    Discover real places and their stories on foot. Stop for a coffee or a photo, then pick up where you left off.

  3. 3

    Crack a clue. Share a little victory.

    Look around for answers, solve puzzles and enjoy the “we got it!” moments.

Your walk, at a glance

Springfield, IL

A · Start

208 N 6th St, Springfield, IL 62701, USA

B · Finish

413 S 8th St, Springfield, IL 62701, USA

Get directions to the start

Start and finish only. Discover the stops as you play.

Along the way

Landmarks & Hidden Gems Included

The people behind the adventure

Created by Scott Coffman.

A route that brings places and playful storytelling together.

Made by Scott Coffman

A little clarity before you go

Frequently asked questions

Which Lincoln attractions in Springfield does the walk visit?
The route covers the main downtown Lincoln sites: the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, the Lincoln/Stuart Law Office, the Depot and Lincoln's Home. Along the way you also pass Union Square Park, the Lyceum, Chatterton's Jewelry, Bicentennial Plaza, the Vachel Lindsay House, the Governor's Mansion, the Virgil Hickox Home, the Ball Alley and the Springfield Visitors Center.
Where does the walk start and finish, and how long does it take?
It starts at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum and finishes at Lincoln's Home, so it does not return to the start. The route is about 3.9 km, and most players take around two and a half hours, including walking and solving the puzzles at each stop.
Is it good for kids?
It works well for families with school-age children. There is a story to follow, since Abe is stuck in the present day and needs your help to get home, and each stop has a puzzle based on what is in front of you. The 3.9 km distance may be a lot for very young children.
Do we need to book a time, and can we play as a group?
There is no time slot to book and no group to join. The quest is free to play, so you can start whenever you like with your own family or friends. Daylight hours are recommended, roughly 7am to 7pm depending on the season.
Can we pause partway through?
Yes. You can stop at any point, for a meal or a longer look at one of the Lincoln sites, and continue later from where you left off. The app leads you from stop to stop, so there is no guide to keep up with.

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