Melanie Holmes, author of “100 Things To Do in Illinois Before You Die,” to be at Lincoln Heritage Museum
Holmes to Discuss Her Book and Share Insider Tips on Day Trips and Weekend Excursions

 

[November 03, 2024] 

Think you’ve seen all the best parts of Illinois? What about the white bison? Have you seen the largest prehistoric earthen mound in the nation? Author Melanie Holmes is ready to share some adventure stories and tips for seeing and absorbing the best of this culturally entertaining state of Illinois.

The Lincoln Heritage Museum will welcome Holmes at 1 p.m. on Saturday, November 9 as she discusses her book, “100 Things to Do in Illinois Before you Die,” from Reedy Publishing’s bucket list book series.

Holmes researched Illinois to find "hot spots" in the arts, entertainment, food, parks, culture, history, sports, and even geology, and she loves sharing tips. “100 Things to Do in Illinois Before You Die” introduces the reader to the state’s rich history, showcasing the places with some of the best food and entertainment Illinois has to offer. The city of Lincoln – including the Lincoln Heritage Museum and the World’s Largest Covered Wagon — are mentioned among the 100 places in Illinois everyone should see.

Of her selection of what made the list, Holmes said, "My role as the author of this book was to choose some unique gems that get overlooked. And seeing Abe Lincoln in the city of Lincoln is one of those golden nuggets our state offers." Holmes continued, "Everyone seems to have a Lincoln story, but only one Illinois city can say it was named for Honest Abe before he came to national fame as the president."

"The city of Lincoln's location along Route 66 was also hard to resist -- with the world's largest covered wagon and a humongous Mr. Lincoln in the wagon's seat.” Holmes added, “What sealed the idea of including Lincoln in this book was the Lincoln Heritage Museum."

“100 Things to Do in Illinois Before you Die” is Holmes’ fifth book. Her previous works include, “The Female Assumption” (2014 Global Media Award Recipient); “A Hero on Mount St. Helens” (2019, University of Illinois Press); “Manteno/Images of America” (2020, Arcadia Publishing); and “The Secret Life of Postcards” (2021).

Lincoln Heritage Museum director Ron Keller said of the upcoming program. “As residents of Illinois we often forget how diverse our state is in its cultural, historical, and even geographic features, and we tend to take our significant Abraham Lincoln heritage for granted. Holmes beckons us to get in our car and see more of our state.”

Books will be available for sale at the Museum for $20.00 plus tax and signed by the author.

Admission to the Lincoln Heritage Museum is free during the event, but donations are welcome.

[Lincoln Heritage Museum]