Fullerton to Springfield train

Fullerton was founded in 1887 and is roughly 22 miles from Los Angeles. The area around Fullerton was the original California orange growing zone due to its great Mediterranean environment. The nightlife in downtown Fullerton is well-known, plus there are around 50 parks in the city, including the famed Fullerton Arboretum, which features 26 acres of uncommon and rare species as well as sculpted gardens.

Fullerton has some of the best art museums in the country, including Muckenthaler Art and Cultural Center and the Clayes Performing Arts Center. You can also experience amazing lakes such as the Laguna Lake Park.

If you're a beer-lover, visit the Bootleggers Brewery. Founded in 2008 by home brewer and beer enthusiast Aaron Barkenhagen, Bootleggers Brewery is one of Orange County's largest artisan breweries.

As for transportation, Amtrak and Fullerton Metrolink are the two best train stations in Fullerton serviced by Amtrak's Southwest Chief and Pacific Surfliner. These Amtrak lines connect from Los Angeles, Bakersfield, and even as far away as Chicago. For buses, Amtrak Thruway comes from Santa Ana, Bakersfield, Los Angeles, and Riverside to Fullerton. The nearest airport is Long Beach Airport, which is only 14 miles away from the city.

There are 34 cities in America called Springfield, but the state capital of Illinois is one of the most well-known. Beyond Springfield's political clout as a state capital, it is known for being the home of Abraham Lincoln for many years, plus the site of his final resting place. While in town, you can visit President Lincoln's restored home, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, and the Lincoln Tomb in Oak Ridge Cemetery. An enormous bronze bust of Lincoln outside his tomb features a nose as shiny as a new penny, rubbed by scores of visitors who consider it good luck.

Springfield is one of the state's best destinations thanks to more than just history. Check out the incredible artistry on display in the capitol building's stained glass windows, or discover the dogwoods lining 5 miles of trails in the Lincoln Memorial Garden and Nature Center. Not to mention Springfield's bustling craft beer scene; hit up the city's microbreweries, nano breweries, and craft beer companies like the famous Springfield Beer Company.

It should be no surprise that one of the primary transportation methods to Springfield is called the Lincoln Service. This Amtrak train route stops in Springfield on its way from Chicago to St. Louis, and so does the Amtrak Texas Eagle from San Antonio to Chicago. Amtrak Thruway buses run from Springfield to Peoria, where travelers can connect to further bus destinations.