State Parks, Historic Sites Close
Thursday, Jul 30, 2009 | Updated 1:43 PM CST
Courtesy: Dana-Thomas.org
The landing entrance of the Dana-Thomas House, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1902. The historic site is one of many being closed due to budget cuts.
More visitors stop at the Dana-Thomas House in Springfield in December than any other month.
They're drawn to the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home by a holiday display of a thousand candles.
This year, the display won't be there. The house was shut down Sunday along with 11 other state historic sites and seven state parks. List of closing parks and historic sites.
The attractions are closing because Gov. Rod Blagojevich cut the state budget to deal with what he says is a $2 billion deficit. Springfield isn't the only city hit by the cuts.
The Lincoln log cabin near Charleston will be shuttered, as will a courthouse in Cahokia. Two of the parks that are closing are near Oregon, about 100 miles west of Chicago.
Oregon Area Chamber of Commerce director Marcia Heuer said Lowden and Castle Rock state parks are at the center of her efforts to market the area.
Copyright Associated Press / NBC Chicago
Posted Thursday, Jul 16, 2009 - 8:03 PM CST
