Welcome to LaSalle and Livingston County, where Lincoln’s voice was first heard! Join in on an interactive scavenger hunt to learn about Honest Abe’s formative years, where the young lawyer argued many landmark cases and participated in the legendary first Lincoln-Douglas Debate, the thrilling event that set the standard for future political discourse.
As you tour some of LaSalle and Livingston County’s most notable Lincoln sites and attractions, you can answer questions and snap photos for this family-friendly scavenger hunt. If you and your family complete challenges at all 15 sites you’ll earn a free, limited-edition, Looking For Lincoln Scavenger Hunt challenge coin!
Click here to enter your answers and photos!
LaSalle County Challenges:
- Looking For Lincoln At The Ottawa Visitors Center
101 E Lafayette St, Ottawa, IL 61350
Photo: Pick up a cut-out Lincoln and snap a selfie.
- Ottawa’s Looking For Lincoln Wayfinding Signs
814 Columbus St, Ottawa, IL 61350 and various other locations
Question: Where was Lincoln carried off to following the debate?
- Ottawa’s ‘The Day of The Great Debate’ Mural
101 E Lafayette St, Ottawa, IL 61350
Photo: Take a seflie with this larger than life Lincoln mural.
- Starved Rock State Park’s Lincoln Plaque
One Lodge Ln, Oglesby, IL 61348
Photo: Join the time-tested tradition of rubbing Lincoln’s nose for good luck.
- Starved Rock Lodge’s Lincoln Woodcarving and Souvenir Penny Smasher
One Lodge Ln, Oglesby, IL 61348
Photo: Snap a selfie with a freshly smashed souvenir penny or Lincoln carving.
- The La Salle County Historical Society Museum’s Lincoln Carriage
101 E Canal St, North Utica, IL 61373
Question: Who owned the carriage that transported Lincoln to the debate site?
- Lock 14’s Canal Silhouettes
Canal Rd &, IL-351, LaSalle, IL 61301
Photo: Capture a selfie with the iconic I&M Canal cut-out silhouettes.
- I&M Canal Boat Tour
Canal Rd &, IL-351, LaSalle, IL 61301
Photo: Take a selfie on, or near, the replica canal boat.
- Lock 16 Cafe and Visitors Center Interior Mural
754 1st St, LaSalle, IL 61301
Question: When was the I&M Canal designated a National Historic Landmark?
- Pop-up Lincoln Display at the Peru Mall
3940 IL-251, Peru, IL 61354
Photo: Take a photo at this pop-up display, located inside the Peru Mall.
Livingston County Challenges:
- Pontiac’s Strevell House
401 W Livingston St, Pontiac, IL 61764
Photo: Take a selfie at this historic home, where Lincoln spent the night.
- Pontiac’s Lincoln Statue
112 W Madison St, Pontiac, IL 61764
Photo: Take a picture with this statue of Lincoln as a young lawyer.
- Pontiac’s Presbyterian Church
209 W Livingston St, Pontiac, IL 61764
Question: What group did Lincoln a give his speech to about “The Wheel and Axle”?
- Looking For Lincoln Storyboard Funeral Train
200 North Vermillion St, Pontiac, IL 61764
Question: What time did Lincoln’s funeral train pass through Pontiac?
- Looking For Lincoln Storyboard Riverbank Debate
210 W Water St, Pontiac, IL 61764
Question: Who did Lincoln debate on the bank of the Vermilion River?
Enter Here:
Click here to enter your answers and submit your scavenger hunt photos! Once you’ve visited all 15 Lincoln sites and entered your information, pay a visit to The Ottawa Illinois Visitors Center (1028 LaSalle St. Ottawa, IL 61350) to redeem your Challenge Coin!