We apologize for the tardiness in getting this information out. We are now on the move & ready to host the reunion along with a large cluster of other Engelhorn family members in this area.

About Springfield

In 2009 we wrapped up the 200th Birthday celebration for Abe Lincoln with a downtown festival, cultural events and fireworks. We are proud of our city. Springfield, Illinois and surrounding areas are rich in Abraham Lincoln History. There are old historical sites and newer historical attractions that will be appealing to all ages and will provide full days for sight seeing, entertainment & meals. We have listed some of the major area attractions for your planning...

• Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum and Library, which opened in 2005 and has a Visitors Center, located in Union Square Park across the street.
• Old State Capitol Building in the heart of downtown.
• Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices, located on the Old State Capital Plaza.
• Lincoln's Home and historical neighborhood and the Visitor Welcome Center.
• Lincoln Railroad Depot, where he gave his farewell speech to Illinoisans and left for Washington DC.
• Lincoln's Tomb in historic Oak Ridge Cemetery. This is where Abraham Lincoln and his family members are buried.

• Illinois State Capitol Building, Springfield is the capital city of our state.
• Executive Mansion for our Governor.
• Dana Thomas Home, one of Frank Lloyd Wright's largest homes.
• American poet Vachel Lindsey's home.
• Korean War Museum, located on the Old State Capital Plaza.
• Various War Memorials, located in the same cemetery as Lincoln's Tomb.
• Rees Carillon and botanical gardens located in Washington Park.
• New Salem Village just outside of Petersburg, IL, a short 20-minute drive. A historical preserved community in which Lincoln lived as an older child and circuit rider lawyer.

Our community also has family fun activities such as a large lake for boating, fishing & swimming. Knights Action Park, which includes water park, miniature golf and go-carts. Numerous public golf courses. Henson Robinson Zoo, located out at Lake Springfield. Muni Opera, which has summer play productions at an outdoor amphitheater. Hoagland Center for the Arts, which also has shows and plays. Route 66 Drive-In Theater -- yes, they still exist!!!

As you can see, there is a lot you can do over the 4 days and 3 nights. We must not forget to tell you about the great restaurants and shopping we also have. We have places that will take you from eating to a dining experience; it all depends on what you want to. The original Cozy Dog Drive in restaurant, the original Maid-Rite Sandwich shop and many of our local restaurants brag on their Horseshoe Sandwiches, which are a local favorite. We have some very unique dining and a lot of great family restaurants, there is something to please everyone.

Travel Information:

Springfield, IL is located in central Illinois on I-55 between Chicago and St. Louis, MO.

We are also easy to reach from the Quad Cities or Indianapolis, IN, which are connected by 1-74; we are just south of that interstate. We have a local airport that has connecting flights from Midway Airport out of Chicago or Lambert Airport out of St Louis. The drive from St Louis is only 1 hour, 45 minutes. Springfield is also served by Greyhound Bus and Amtrak.

The weather in Springfield can be warm, up to the mid 90's so dress comfortably and on the casual side. We will be working on an agenda when we receive notice of attendance. There are a lot of activities available so any suggestions at the time you are making reservations would be greatly appreciated.

Hotel Information:

Accommodations have been arranged with the Route 66 Hotel & Conference Center, 625 E. St Joseph St., Springfield, IL 62703. (located on the Old US 66 Highway). A block of rooms has been reserved under Engelhorn Reunion. Early registration is suggested due to tourist season and event planning.

Reservations have been set up for July 15-18, 2010. Check-in will be after 3pm on Thursday & check out by noon on Sunday. Reservations should be made directly with the hotel, phone # 217-529-6626, and requested for the Engelhorn Reunion. The room rate is $69.00 per night with maximum room capacity of 4 people; children stay free with adults. The hotel has an outdoor swimming pool. There is a restaurant on site with food and cocktails.

If you have any questions, please call or email this site webmaster (see below right for a link) and we'll forward your information on to Milton & Pat Wiggers. All of the relatives in this area are looking forward to hosting the 2010 Engelhorn Family reunion.