Springfield Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour

Springfield, US
60% of travellers recommend this
Very Good (5 reviews)
Self-guided - entry to attractions not included

Included

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    Other
    Support is available via chat, email, or phone if you need help.
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    Planning tools, route maps, scenic stops, and area previews included.
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    Just bring your phone and headphones; the app guides your walk.
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    Lifetime access: use the tour anytime and keep it for future trips.
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    Other
    Works offline with GPS route guidance and automatic audio stories.
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    Flexible tour: start, stop, and pause anytime during your trip.
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    Private walking tour experience for your family or group.
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    Access your tour in our separate audio tour app after booking.
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    Hidden gems and local stories included along the route.

Excluded

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    No live guide. Entrance fees, parking, food, and car rental are separate.

Meeting Point

Begin from Lincoln Home National Historic Site Visitor Center. After booking the tour, search your emails and texts for "audio tour". Your tour is VALID FOR ONE YEAR so follow these instructions NOW to finish setting up the tour while you have Wi-Fi/data. Do NOT wait until you are onsite.

Meeting point

426 S 7th St, Springfield, IL 62701 , United States

End point

End Point

Begin from Lincoln Home National Historic Site Visitor Center. After booking the tour, search your emails and texts for "audio tour". Your tour is VALID FOR ONE YEAR so follow these instructions NOW to finish setting up the tour while you have Wi-Fi/data. Do NOT wait until you are onsite.

Meeting point

426 S 7th St, Springfield, IL 62701 , United States

End point

What to expect

1

Lincoln Home National Historic Site Visitor Center

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Pause at the intersection with 8th Street. Check out the house across the street, on the corner, to the left of the road. It’s a tan house with green shutters. That’s Abraham Lincoln’s home, the only house he’d ever bought and paid for. NOTE: This 1.2-mile-long tour covers the essentials of Springfield in 1-1.5 hours. Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.

Duration 10 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
2

Dean House

Pause here and look at the big brown house with green shutters to our left. This is the Dean House. And who were the Deans you might ask? A smart woman with a prospector husband, that’s who! Harriet Dean bought this land just days before her husband Frederick left to look for gold in California. He found no gold, but came back to Springfield to find a cozy home. Sounds pretty good to me. Plus, who wouldn’t want to live next to the Lincolns?

Duration 10 minutes
3

First Presbyterian Church

Notice the red brick church across the street on our left? That’s the First Presbyterian Church, also known as the Lincoln Family Church. The Lincolns first came here in 1850 after the death of their three-year-old son Edward. It was a devastating loss for both of them. They came to church to find solace and meaning.

Duration 10 minutes
4

Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices State Historic Site

Pause here and look at the three-story brick building on our left. This is where Lincoln worked in the mid-1800s. Clients would come to the Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices. Imagine you’re one of them! You’re here because of a dispute between you and your neighbor over some chickens. They’ve been wandering off, destroying your vegetable and flower gardens. You seek counsel from either Abraham Lincoln or his partner William H. Herndon. These were their law offices.

Duration 10 minutes
5

Old State Capitol State Historic Site

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Take your time admiring the Old Capitol State Building on our right. You can’t miss it! We just saw Lincoln’s law office. Now this is where his political career really ramped up. Springfield residents may not all have had personal contact with Lincoln the Lawyer, but they probably did with Lincoln the Politician! Shaking hands, telling jokes and attending public events, Lincoln was everywhere. And standing at six-foot-four, he was hard to miss!

Duration 10 minutes
6
Union Square Park

The papers Lincoln is holding here are his second inaugural address, delivered in March of 1865. The Civil War was nearing its end. Slavery in the United States would soon be abolished. And a month later Lincoln would be shot dead. We’ll hear more about all of these things soon. For now, here is perhaps the most famous excerpt from Lincoln’s speech:

Duration 10 minutes
7

Lincoln Statue

Here we see a different, more pensive version of Lincoln. He’s clutching his coat against the cold, looking at something far away. What could he be thinking of? His time in Springfield, his hopes and dreams? Or maybe he’s bracing himself for war.

Duration 10 minutes
8
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum

Pause here. On our left stands the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. This massive library is 50 percent larger than any other devoted to a US president. Inside are presidential documents, early drafts of speeches, and more, though the most valuable artifacts are available only for research purposes. The museum also features life-size dioramas portraying Lincoln’s life.

Duration 10 minutes
9

Lincoln Depot

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This red brick building near the train tracks on the corner of East Monroe is Lincoln Depot. No, it wasn’t named that in Lincoln’s day. It was just known as The Depot, but it’s from here where Lincoln’s hands became bruised from shaking so many hands. He was saying goodbye to his friends, colleagues and hundreds of complete strangers. Lincoln was on his way to Washington, about to be sworn in as the next president of the United States.

Duration 10 minutes

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

  • Additional information
    At your own pace: Start anytime and pause for hikes, picnics, photos, or scenic stops.
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    Download in advance: Download the Tour Guide app by Action and tour while connected to Wi-Fi or a strong cellular signal.
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    Easy to use: GPS-triggered audio plays automatically along the route for a hands-free experience.
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    Follow the route: Begin at the suggested starting point or join anywhere along the route shown in the app.
  • Additional information
    Lifetime access: Preview the tour before your trip and revisit the stories, photos, and details afterward.
  • Additional information
    More ways to save: Choose a single tour, a nearby bundle, or access to 200+ tours.
  • Additional information
    Multi-device access: Use the same password on one device for each traveler included in your booking.
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    Private tour: Follow the route on your phone without an in-person guide or crowded group.
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    Public transportation options are available nearby
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    Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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    Supported devices: iPhone with iOS 15+, Android with version 9+, or a GPS-enabled iPad/tablet with cellular capability.
  • Additional information
    Works offline: Once downloaded, the tour works using GPS without Wi-Fi or cellular service.
Provided by History with Action

What our experts say

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    Bring headphones for the audio tour
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    Start early to avoid crowds at sites
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    Check local dining options like Cafe Moxo
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    Visit the Lincoln Presidential Museum nearby
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    Charge your phone before starting the tour

More About this Experience

Introduction

Experience the captivating history of Springfield and get to know Abraham Lincoln like never before with the Springfield Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour. This unique tour allows you to explore the 16th president's old neighborhood, visit the home where he lived, and even stop by his old law office. As you walk through these historic sites, your audio guide will provide fascinating insights and stories, revealing the man behind the myth. Get ready to don your top hat and embark on a picturesque stroll that will transport you back in time.

What to expect?

With the Springfield Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour, you can anticipate an immersive experience that brings history to life. The tour is designed to be easy to use, with stories playing automatically based on your GPS location. You can enjoy a hands-free experience as you listen to professionally narrated stories, watch videos, and read informative text. The tour also includes offline use, so you don't need a cell signal or Wi-Fi to access the audio guide and map. You'll have access to a full itinerary, travel tips, and even hidden gems along the way. Plus, you can use the tour at your own pace, on any day and at any time.

Who is this for?

The Springfield Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour is perfect for history enthusiasts, Abraham Lincoln fans, and anyone looking to delve into the rich history of Springfield. Whether you're a local resident or a visitor to the area, this tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the city and gain a deeper understanding of Abraham Lincoln's life and legacy. It is suitable for all ages and can be enjoyed individually or with friends and family.

Why book this?

Embarking on the Springfield Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour offers a multitude of unique selling points and advantages. Firstly, the tour provides an immersive and interactive experience, allowing you to truly connect with the history of Springfield and Abraham Lincoln. The audio guide offers in-depth insights and captivating stories that bring the sites to life. Additionally, the tour is flexible, allowing you to explore at your own pace and on your own schedule. The offline use feature means you can enjoy the tour without worrying about cell signal or Wi-Fi availability. Lastly, the tour provides access to a wealth of information, including a full itinerary, travel tips, and even hidden gems, ensuring you don't miss a thing during your visit to Springfield.

Good to know

After booking the Springfield Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour, you will receive an email with instructions to download the Tour Guide App by Action. Once downloaded, you can enter your unique password and access your tour. It is important to have good internet or Wi-Fi access during this process. The tour does not have an expiration date, so you can use it at any time, from the moment you book and beyond. However, please note that this tour does not include entrance fees to attractions such as the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, which has a separate entry fee of $10. It is recommended to check the opening hours of attractions before your visit.

Reviews

Those who have experienced the Springfield Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour have shared their satisfaction with the tour's performance. Travelers have praised the tour for its immersive and informative nature, with the audio guide providing a deeper understanding of Abraham Lincoln's life and the historical significance of Springfield. Many have appreciated the flexibility of the tour, allowing them to explore at their own pace and on their own schedule. The offline use feature and comprehensive information provided have also been highlighted as valuable aspects of the tour. Overall, reviews indicate that the Springfield Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour is a must-do for history enthusiasts and a fantastic way to experience the rich history of Springfield.

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