Central Illinois is as big and diverse as the attractions it offers. Looking for a presidential tour? Say hello to Lincoln. Interested in a different way of life? Spend some time with the Amish. Want to go on the mother of all road trips? Route 66 beckons. It's all here.

Start your tour of all things Lincoln in Springfield at the dazzling Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Nearby, enter the hallowed halls of the Old State Capitol. Learn about Lincoln's family life at the Lincoln Home. Pay your respects at Lincoln's Tomb in Oak Ridge Cemetery. Wander through the Dana-Thomas House, one of architect Frank Lloyd Wright's best-preserved examples of his Prairie-style design. Then take a nostalgic trip over to Shea's Gas Station Museum, a popular stop along historic Route 66. Get your theme park kicks at Knight's Action Park and Caribbean Water Adventure. Grab dinner at Route 66's Cozy Dog Drive In.

Head to Lincoln's New Salem, where interpreters portray pioneers in this re-created 1800s village. Then travel to the town of Arthur, a primary Amish trading center that's home to the lovely Rockome Gardens. In Arcola check out the fascinating Illinois Amish Interpretive Center and the Johnny Gruelle Raggedy Ann & Andy Museum, featuring the Arcola native's artwork, memorabilia and doll collections. For dinner, arrange with Amish Country Tours to enjoy a family-style meal in an Amish home.  

Begin the day in Champaign at the Krannert Art Museum and Kinkead Pavilion, located on the University of Illinois campus, and view more than 8,000 works of art from around the globe. Also in Champaign is the William M. Staerkel Planetarium, the second largest in Illinois. Rent a canoe from Kickapoo Landing, located in Kickapoo State Park, and paddle the scenic Middle Fork River. Then encounter a herd of friendly Alaskan reindeers at Hardy's Reindeer Ranch in Rantoul. Afterwards, head for Bloomington and take off on a simulated space mission at the Challenger Learning Center, located at the Prairie Aviation Museum.