Springfield, IL
Educational Tours and Field Trips in Springfield, Illinois
What was a small settlement in 1820 vastly expanded in the mid 1900s when the railroad arrived, helping the agricultural and coal industries grow. Today, Springfield is famously known as the “Land of Lincoln,” with various historical sites that educate students about the 16th president. From the Lincoln home to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, you will never be at a loss for exciting things to do in the city. Talk with Freedom Tours today to start planning your educational tour of Springfield!
Why Choose Freedom Tours for Educational Tours in Springfield, IL
Experience The Freedom Tours Difference — where exceptional service, seamless organization, and stress-free planning come standard. Here’s what sets us apart and keeps groups returning year after year:
- Meticulously Planned Travel: Every tour is thoughtfully designed to ensure a smooth, educational, and memorable experience.
- Complete Reservation Management: We handle all bookings — transportation, hotels, attractions, and dining — so you don’t have to.
- Exclusive Vendor Partnerships: Our strong relationships with local vendors help us secure the best rates for your group.
- Simplified Group Leader Experience: We collect all necessary information and paperwork — including permission slips, waivers, and allergy forms — through our secure online portal.
- Online Payment System: Families can make payments directly through our convenient online platform, eliminating the need for teachers to handle money.
- Teacher-Friendly Process: We manage the logistics, so educators can focus on teaching — not paperwork and planning.
Tour Destinations
Lincoln's New Salem Historic Site
Young Abraham Lincoln lived in New Salem from 1831 to 1837. There, he worked as a rail splitter, postmaster, and surveyor, among other things. The Lincoln’s New Salem Historic Site is set on 700 acres and has a historically accurate reconstruction of the village with 23 buildings, including homes, a school, stores, and a tavern. All tours are self-guided, and most visitors explore the area for about two hours.
Tour of Lincoln's Home
Indulge your curiosity about Lincoln’s home with a tour of several rooms, including the formal parlor, sitting room, kitchen, dining room, and the hired help’s living area. Tours last 20-25 minutes, and most visitors explore the surrounding park area following the tour. The site has 14 additional historic buildings, including indoor and outdoor exhibits. You can see the Jameson Jenkins Lot, a stop on the Underground Railroad, and an exhibit showcasing the Lincoln family’s life in Springfield.
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
The library’s vast collection includes over 1,500 original letters and manuscripts with Lincoln’s signature and more than 19,000 books and pamphlets detailing all aspects of his life. The collection is home to hundreds of historical artifacts; about 100 are displayed daily. Exhibits include Journey One, “The Pre-Presidential Years,” and Journey One, “The White House Years.” Travel outside to see sculptures and statues dedicated to Lincoln’s memory.
Lincoln Tomb
The Lincoln Tomb is the resting place of Abraham Lincoln, his wife, and three of their four children. The site was dedicated on October 15th, 1874, and holds many statues and artifacts. Visitors can explore several interior spaces while paying respects to the 16th president.
Historic Walking Tour
Follow in President Lincoln’s footsteps and enjoy a walking tour of Springfield. Opt for a guided tour with a guide who brings the history to life or choose the self-guided tour route and choose the historical highlights that work with your school curriculum. A few popular tours spots, include the Old State Capitol, the train depot, and other notable landmarks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of buses do you use?
We use deluxe motor coaches from reputable companies with impeccable safety and comfort standards.
How much of a trip does Freedom Tours book for groups?
Our travel specialists handle all the reservations, fees, and deposits, providing a stress-free experience.
Can I book a trip with a small group of students?
We typically accommodate larger groups with multiple buses. Please reach out to inquire about bringing a group of less than 40 people to discuss tour options!
When should I book the field trip?
To secure the best rates and availability of attractions, we recommend planning your student travel two or three months ahead of your desired dates.
Contact Us for Student Tours in Springfield, IL
Craft a custom itinerary for your students’ educational tour of Springfield when you work with Freedom Tours! Tours are led by educators with years of experience leading tours in cities across the United States. We’re also constantly expanding our tour offerings to include more destinations for students in all grades.
We’d love to chat with you about your ideal educational trip and answer questions you may have. Complete the Contact Form or call us at
(859) 967-8747. Let’s get your school trip underway today!
