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There is more to discover in Charleston than the Lincoln Log Cabin; and, yet, too many travelers assume it to be a city of dull fields and duller mornings. This is not the truth. There is instead a deep history here and a diverse appeal. Those seeking a vacation worthy of their time will not be disappointed. Journey to Illinois and explore its eastern borders. For days of culture, BBOnline suggests Charleston.
Lincoln Log Cabin
400 East Lincoln Highway Road
Lerna, Illinois 62440-2840
(217) 345-6489
www.lincolnlogcabin.org
Waiting mere miles from your Charleston Inn is the Lincoln Log Cabin. This historic site offers a replicated home (after the original was tragically dismantled and shipped to the Chicago World's Fair) for guests to explore. Painstakingly crafted, the cabin is a tribute to Lincoln and his ideals. Period detail is preserved, with even the surrounding acres offered as a working farm. It's a family experience that will please. Guests should note the erratic scheduling, however: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday through Sunday (November to March), 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday through Sunday (April to May), 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday through Sunday (Memorial Day to Labor Day) and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday to Sunday (September through October). Planning is required and reservations are recommended.
Fox Ridge State Park
18175 State Park Road
Charleston, Illinois 61920
(217) 345-6416
http://www.foxridgefoundation.org/
Leave the Lincoln Log Cabin and find Fox Ridge. This Native American park offers extensive trails and local history. Explore 2,064 acres, following the paths of the Piankashaw Indians. From rugged forests to lazy hills, Fox Ridge provides hours of hiking, fishing and discovery. And, when the day is done, seek out the park's foundation center; which offers artifacts and always-changing events (families will delight in nature walks and river studies). It's a not-to-miss treat. The park is open daily from dawn until dusk. No admission fees apply.
Dudley House and Museum
895 7th Street
Charleston, Illinois 61920
(217) 345-2934
http://www.charlestonillinois.org/
Travel from your Charleston Bed and Breakfast and enter a world now almost forgotten. The Dudley House and Museum is a perfectly preserved piece of Americana. Built in 1892 by Corey F. McFarland, it was part of the city's revival--when the economy and culture collided, offering new homes and new styles. It was a favorite then and it's a favorite now. The Dudley House's nineteenth century architecture and green-slanted roofs are now iconic. And guests can visit, taking in the restored details and accurate furnishings, as well as the archives and genealogical library offered by the historical society. It's a tribute to another time and it will impress. All should be aware, though, that tours are made by appointment only. All visits must be scheduled at least two weeks in advance. Donations are appreciated.
The Lincoln Log Cabin may be what Charleston is famed for, but there is far more to see. History is still alive in Illinois and BBOnline recommends experiencing it. The past is to be enjoyed in the present.