Here are 10 close-to-home places to visit and keep the kids entertained over spring break

Janet Seitz
·6 min read

Spring break season has arrived and families could use some suggestions for quick and fun getaways.

Here are 10 close-to-home trips from Springfield that won't break the bank and still give a change of scenery before school and work resume. Be sure to check ahead of your journey in case hours or costs change.

Tiffany Warmowski, chair of the History and Museum Committee for the MacMurray Foundation and Alumni Association, shows a volunteer a scrapbook page by Lois M. Coultas, a member of Illinois Women's College class of 1913, where she indicates her support for one of two presidential candidates even though at that time, women were not allowed to vote. Illinois Women's College later became MacMurray College and closed after the spring 2020 semester. Warmowski chose the scrapbook and other artifacts to be preserved and exhibited by the Jacksonville Area Museum. The 19th Amendment granting women the right to vote in the U.S. was ratified on August 18, 1920.

Jacksonville Area Museum

Distance: About 40 miles

Location: 301 East State Street, Jacksonville

Hours: Wednesday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday, 1-4 p.m.

Admission: Suggested $5 donation

The Jacksonville Area Museum features the history of the Jacksonville area with exhibits and original artifacts located in the historic post office. It covers various industries such as Eli Bridge Company, the maker of Ferris wheels, other manufacturers, famous people, artwork, and sculptures. The museum also is the new home of the MacMurray College archive collection, which is on long-term loan from the MacMurray Foundation.

Information: (217) 408-1197 http://www.jacksonvilleareamuseum.org/

Meredosia National Wildlife Refuge

Distance: About 50 miles

Location: 2219 Beach Road, Meredosia

Hours: 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

Admission: Free

Situated along the Illinois River in Cass and Morgan counties and covering 3.582 acres, explore the wetlands historically known as a refuge for wildlife, primarily waterfowl and other migratory birds. But there are also backwater lakes, forests, and an island for enjoying a variety of recreational activities, from birding and wildlife watching to mushroom and berry collecting. There's also fishing and hiking, and nature's scenic backdrop makes great photography.

Information: (309) 535-2290 https://www.recreation.gov/camping/gateways/1512

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The Staley Museum

Distance: About 40 miles

Location: 361 N. College Street, Decatur

Hours: Tuesday-Saturday and last Sunday of the month, 1-4 p.m.

Admission: Adults, $3; 17 and under, $1

The museum pays homage to A.E. Staley's impact on industry, agriculture and the Decatur community. Learn about Staley’s pioneering work with soybeans, both the cultivation and processing, which gave Decatur the name “Soy Bean Capitol of the World.” He also was a driving force behind the creation of Lake Decatur, the Staley viaduct, the Staley Office Building, and the Decatur Staleys football club, which later became the Chicago Bears.

Information: (217) 422-1212 https://www.staleymuseum.com

Chevrolet Hall of Fame Museum

Location: 3635 U.S. Route 36 East, Decatur

Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Admission: Adults, $12; children, 3-12, $5; under 3, free

Located in a former grocery store, the Chevrolet Hall of Fame Museum includes a large collection of some of Detroit's finest American-made iron and fiberglass from Chevrolet. On display is an extensive collection of Chevrolet's hottest cars and memorabilia from the 1920s through today including race cars, Indy 500 pace cars, and show cars.

Information: (888) 9-BOWTIE or (217) 791-5793 http://www.chevrolethalloffamemuseum.com

David Davis Mansion State Historic Site

Distance: About 70 miles

Location: 1000 Monroe Drive, Bloomington

Hours: Wednesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Admission: Suggested donation of adults, $10, children, $5

Known as Clover Lawn, the mansion was originally the home of Supreme Court Justice David Davis – Abraham Lincoln’s friend, mentor, and campaign manager. Constructed in 1872 the mansion has served as a key example of Victorian life and style and an illustration of the important role Illinois played in America’s history during the 19th century. This elegant Victorian home tells the story of people who created an orderly society out of a chaotic frontier and then led the United States through the Civil War and the early years of Reconstruction.

Information: (309) 828-1084 https://daviddavismansion.org

Miller Zoo

Location: 1020 S. Morris Ave., Bloomington

Hours: Daily, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Admission: Youth, 3-12, 4.95; under 2, free; adults, $6.95, seniors, $5.95

The zoo has over 300 animals, including lions, tigers, bears, and more exotic animals like red pandas and monkeys. There are also plenty of activities for kids, such as a petting zoo, a playground, and a train ride.

Information: (309) 434-2250 https://www.bloomingtonparks.org/facilities/miller-park-zoo

Allerton Park and Retreat

Distance: About 65 miles

Location: 515 Old Timber Road, MonticelloHours: Daily, 8 a.m. to sunset

Admission: Free, donations accepted

The area was originally built as a private residence by artist and philanthropist Robert Allerton in 1900, who gifted the historical retreat to the University of Illinois in 1946. Explore a mansion and reflecting pond, formal sculpture gardens, 14 miles of hiking trails, a 10-acre meadow, and some 1,500 acres of woodland and prairie areas. Experience several of the formal gardens, areas around the mansion’s exterior, and iconic sculptures while learning about the creations and the man who created the estate.

Information: (217) 333-3287 https://allerton.illinois.edu

Arthur Amish Community

Distance: About 70 miles

Location: Illinois Route 133, 10 miles west of Interstate 57, off exit 203; Welcome Center: 106 E. Progress St., ArthurStep into life in the past. With a population of about 2,200, Arthur, founded in the 1860s, is at the heart of Central Illinois’ Amish country and is home to the largest and oldest Amish community in Illinois. It features many tourist attractions, including the Illinois Amish Interpretive Center. Tour companies can arrange interviews and meals with Amish families. Explore the area for interesting finds in food, furniture, cabinets, quilts, and more.

Information: (217) 543-2242 https://arthuril.us

Aikman's Wildlife Adventure

Distance: 84 miles

Location: 125 North County Road 425 East, Arcola

Hours: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday, beginning April 16, 12- 4 p.m.

Admission: Donations accepted

Drive or walk through this wildlife park. Guests can feed the animals right out of their vehicle while they drive the 1-mile-long path through the 25-acre sanctuary. Once through the sanctuary, see other animals such as fox of different colors, raccoons, bobcats, kangaroos, flying squirrels, porcupines, and mountain lions, all in their own large habitats.

Mt. Pulaski Courthouse State Historic Site

Distance: About 30 miles

Location: 113 S. Washington St., Mt. Pulaski

Hours: Call ahead to schedule a tour

Admission: Free

School children benefit from Casimir Pulaski day, so why not find out about the namesake? Mt. Pulaski was founded in 1836 and named in tribute to Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski, credited for saving the life of town founder George Turley's father during the Revolutionary War. The town is home to one of two original courthouses where Abraham Lincoln practiced law on the 8th Judicial Circuit from 1849-1854. Visitors can walk on the original courthouse floor where Lincoln once walked. A visit to the Mt. Pulaski Township Historical Museum provides insight into the community and the people who influenced it.

Information: (217) 792-3919 https://www.mountpulaskihistoriccourthouse.org

This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Spring break 2023: Here are 10 one-tank trips that won't bust a budget