Location: Chatham
Top Things to do in Chatham
- 1. Apple Barn
- 2. Sugar Creek Covered Bridge
- 3. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
- 4. Becky's Barn
- 5. Suhlahan’s Luck Antiques at Lisa’s II Antique Mall
- 6. Dana-Thomas House
- 7. Lincoln Home National Historic Site
- 8. Lincoln Tomb & War Memorials
- 9. Illinois State Capitol
- 10. Old State Capitol State Historic Site
Top 10 Things to do in Chatham, United States
Chatham is a village in Sangamon County, Illinois, United States. It is located 2.8 miles south of Springfield and has a retail trade area that extends into four other municipalities, including Springfield. The population was 11,500 as of the 2010 census and estimated to be 11,946 as of 2012. The village lies along the original alignment of historic U.S. Route 66 (Illinois Route 4).
Restaurants in Chatham
1. Apple Barn
Overall Ratings
5 based on 32 reviews
Reviewed By BenNic02 - Springfield, Illinois
The staff are awesome and super helpful. Beautiful plants, many home made food items (jellies, salsas, noodles). Apple cider is the best i have ever had. Bakery is fantastic. They sell apple cider slushies. If you have never had one, i highly recommend. Insurance wont let them let us pick apples anymore, but when in season, they do have blackberry picking.
2. Sugar Creek Covered Bridge
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Larry C - St. Paul, Canada
This was a 'must see' attraction for us, just off of Rte 66. Whether driving I-55, Old Route 66, or Alternative Rte 66 (Hwy 4, cut across to I-55 on Hwy104). Very few covered bridges remain in North America, so take a 15 minute side trip to this one. Numerous people stopped by and took selfies while we we there. Jan set up her tripod and took numerous pics. including the driving time, we were less than an hour.
3. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
Overall Ratings
5 based on 3 reviews
In a stunning combination of scholarship and showmanship, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum immerses you in Lincoln's world and time. Journey from a rustic Indiana cabin to the Executive Mansion in the nation's capitol; follow the fate of America's 16th president and share the joys and sorrows of a family - and a nation.
Reviewed By Mari Q - Chicago, Illinois
History lessons in this presidential museum are very interesting and entertaining. Learned so much about the life of Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War. You will love the theater presentations and the wax figures. The design layout and the lighting are well done. The staff and volunteers are pleasant and very helpful. It is an awesome museum!
4. Becky's Barn
Overall Ratings
5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By GrantHay - Auckland, New Zealand
Quite a big shed full of old stuff attended by an eccentric old man who loves to talk politics. Don't ask him what he thought of the election if you plan on leaving any time soon. Charged 25c for the toilet which had no running water in the tap and wasn't very clean.
5. Suhlahan’s Luck Antiques at Lisa’s II Antique Mall
Overall Ratings
4 based on 2 reviews
Lisa's Antique Malls have a great selection of antiques, primitives, mid-century, retro and collectables. New items added weekly. Lisa's provides two malls located conveniently at Exit 82, I-55. Both malls are open every day, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.. (Except Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter.)
Reviewed By tuscolaman - Tuscola, Illinois
The staff at both of the sites are helpful and friendly and fortunately referred me to the other site across the road that I had missed on my way into their shop. Both shops are huge and filled with various vendors, although many of the cases are presently empty, the booth spaces are filled and the booths can be difficult to get in and out of because some are so packed, but with some digging you might find a hidden treasure. I did find a few items to purchase and some others to consider.
6. Dana-Thomas House
Overall Ratings
5 based on 935 reviews
Reviewed By MissMem - Memphis
We never miss an opportunity to visit a FLW house, and this is one of the best ever. The windows and light fixtures are especially fabulous and the house is huge. The tour takes at least an hour and we viewed most of the house. A few rooms are roped off but you are allowed to peek in. Be sure to check the tour times as they change depending on the day of the week. Our guide was superb and a big fan of Mrs. Dana.
7. Lincoln Home National Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
The only house Abraham Lincoln ever owned is the centerpiece of this four-block historic neighborhood. Lincoln and his family lived in the two-story house from 1844 until 1861, when their address changed to the White House.
Reviewed By Lois R - Boonville, Indiana
We really enjoyed this tour. Our tour guide, Jessie, did an excellent job of informing our group about the Lincoln family during the time they lived in this home. She didn’t rush us and answered several questions that visitors had after the tour was over. I highly recommend this tour to get an idea of what Abraham Lincoln’s life was like before he became president. There are other homes on the same street that can also be toured on your own. The tours are free but they do have a box to deposit donations if one wishes to do so.
8. Lincoln Tomb & War Memorials
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Babu2773 - Chicago, Illinois
This is a must-see in Springfield, and easy to get to if you have a car. Besides paying your respects to Lincoln, his wife and children, but one, are buried here. Don't leave the cemetery without visiting Lincoln's contemporaries and others from history. Near his tomb are two people who fought in the Revolution. Also nearby is the original waiting area where Lincoln was placed before his tomb was ready. Follow the path down the hill.
9. Illinois State Capitol
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 554 reviews
Historic Greek Revival building that serves as Illinois' State Capitol and was the site of many cases tried by Abraham Lincoln.
Reviewed By MissMem - Memphis
This building was so vastly different on the inside than the outside. It was huge, gray and overwhelming. But, once inside, we were stunned by its beautify, artistry and majesty. We had a fantastic tour guide who brought us to the third level. She explained so much and answered all our questions. We entered chambers, viewed the rotunda from various levels and wondered on our own after the tour ended. This was a truly amazing experience.
10. Old State Capitol State Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 749 reviews
Painstakingly rebuilt after being disassembled in the 1960s, this Greek Revival masterpiece saw Lincoln serve as a lawyer and legislator. In 1858, Lincoln delivered his landmark "House Divided" speech in the Capitol's Representatives Hall.
Reviewed By B1714D - Belgrade, Serbia
The Old Capitol in fact was a Courthouse famous for Lincoln's speeches and labor there. It is beautifully restored with the original stone and an elegant dome. It occupies the entire block of central Springfield.
Unfortunately when we visited it was New Year's day so it was closed for tours.
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