Overview
Discover the legacy of President Abraham Lincoln in Springfield, his adopted home of nearly 25 years. Students can look forward to exploring the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, visiting Lincoln’s Tomb, and discovering Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, a reconstruction of the village where the president spent his early adulthood. Your group will also visit the Gateway Arch Museum of Westward Expansion to trace early American settler roots.
Itinerary
Day 1
Travel to New Salem, IL
New Salem Village tour
Imagine Lincoln as a young adult while you walk through a reconstruction of his 1831 homestead at this cultural interpretation center. Explore historically-accurate log homes, a tavern, a school, and stores. Watch authentic blacksmiths at work and peruse hand-crafted items.
Lunch
Drive to Springfield, IL
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Museum visit
Discover the impact and life of President Lincoln through the most extensive collection of Lincoln-related materials anywhere. In this presidential museum, you'll get an in-depth look at Lincoln's life from humble beginnings to one of our most celebrated presidents.
Old State Capitol tour
Stand on the steps of this landmark building, where Abraham Lincoln and Barack Obama announced they were running for President of the United States. Your tour will reflect on the many historical moments and milestones that have occurred here.
Oak Ridge Cemetery visit
Stroll through the sprawling, peaceful, and historic cemetery, where President Lincoln rests. These perfectly landscaped grounds are also the resting grounds for Civil War veterans, politicians, and notable Illinois residents.
Lincoln’s Tomb visit
Pay respects to President Abraham Lincoln at this monumental tomb where he lies with Mary Todd Lincoln, and three of their four children. Tour the interior of Lincoln's Tomb that was built from donations from the U.S. citizenry.
Veterans Memorials in Oak Ridge Cemetery
Inside Oak Ridge lie memorials to Illinois veterans of World War II, in addition to the wars in Korea and Vietnam. Vigils and services occur throughout the year to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
Travel to St. Louis, MO
Dinner
Day 2
Hotel Breakfast
Gateway Arch Riverfront visit
Look up to the 630-foot Gateway Arch and feel the awe-inspiring engineering achievement of the nation's tallest monument. Learn about its famed architect Eero Saarinen and its role as a symbol of westward expansion.
Gateway Arch Museum of Westward Expansion
Trace the story of the Native Americans, explorers, pioneers, and rebels who made America possible. Featuring six themed exhibit areas, this innovative and interactive museum celebrates America’s pioneering spirit.
Gateway Arch tram ride
Ascend 630 feet in only 4 minutes to the tallest arch in the world for a panoramic view of St. Louis and the Mississippi River. You'll get a unique perspective on this tram ride—completely surrounded by windows while you move through the curved arch, standing straight upwards.
"Monument to the Dream" Movie
Share in the triumphs and struggles of the making of the Gateway to the West with the “Monument to the Dream” documentary located in Tucker Theater. The 35-minute film describes the details behind Eero Saarinen’s design, compelling stories from the builders and the lasting impact the Gateway Arch leaves on the St. Louis community today.
Lunch
City Museum
Embrace adventure at the City Museum, an imaginative space built from repurposed materials to spark your sense of play. Created by a sculptor in a former warehouse, its immersive exhibits invite you to climb, crawl, and explore—no maps allowed.
Depart for home
Dinner
Already Included
Transportation to & from your destination
Hotel accommodations
Meals (unless otherwise noted on your itinerary)
WorldStrides Course Leader - a dynamic destination expert who brings learning to life by leading your group's activities and discussions
Admissions to top attractions (details in itinerary)
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
Free high school credit for students who choose to complete WorldStrides free online coursework post-program
Professional development credits (CEUs) for educators
Field Research Guide (Discovery Journal)
Scenes from Springfield and St. Louis
Health & Safety
Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance
WorldStrides provides over $2.5 million in financial assistance each year to thousands of families. Families with annual adjusted gross incomes of less than $85,000 may qualify. One simple call to Customer Service and you’ll know how much may be available for your trip even before signing up. Please note: financial assistance is given on a first-come, first-served basis.
Payment Plans
Advantage Payment Plan
At program sign-up you can opt to pay in full, or break up the cost of your trip with the Advantage Payment Plan. This plan allows you to pay a small initial deposit, then have your remaining payments spread out into affordable monthly amounts.
EZPay
We offer an EZPay option, which is a simple way to pay for your WorldStrides program by scheduling hassle-free, automatic drafts from your checking account. With EZPay, you'll never be late or miss an installment.
Fundraising Tools
Our easy-to-use tools put students in the driver's seat of their own fundraising efforts. Students can send e-cards, share links on social media, and even send out printed letters through WorldStrides' Gift of Education program. In one click friends and family members can make a direct donation to the trip - with 100% of the money raised going to offset their trip price. Thousands of students pay for their entire trip each year through the Gift of Education.
Also, WorldStrides makes program-specific scholarships available as well as other scholarship resources. Ask your Account Manager for more information about scholarships and fundraising tools.