Originally from Macomb, Illinois, Garret Moffett was an international tour guide for more than 20 years, having not only given tours throughout the Midwest but also Britain and Western Europe. With a never-ending love of history and a wealth of historical knowledge, Moffett used his storytelling skills and his experience as a tour guide to develop the first tour company of its kind in Springfield.
Moffett was the owner and operator of Springfield Walks, founded in 2005, which included the award-winning Lincoln’s Ghost Walk: Legends & Lore, Springfield’s Haunted History Tour and private tours including The Lincoln Experience, The Route 66 Experience and tours through Lincoln’s New Salem.
The Lincoln Ghost Walk was the first of the local tours, beginning soon after the opening of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. The tour was an immediate success and received an award from Downtown Springfield, Inc. for Best New Tourism Development. The New York Times recognized the Lincoln Ghost Walk as one of the best activities in Springfield.
Eventually, Moffett expanded Springfield Walks to offering other walking tours such as Springfield’s Haunted History, Prohibition and Oak Ridge Cemetery. In 2008, for the 100-year anniversary of the infamous Springfield Race Riots of 1908, Moffet formed the Race Riot Walk to commemorate the riot that led to the formation of the NAACP. The walk was recognized by national media outlets including the Washington Post, New York Times, Chicago Sun-Times and CNN.
After the success of the walking tours, Moffett expanded the company by offering local tour guide services for visiting coach groups and student travel groups who wanted to visit the Lincoln sites. The service grew to offer tour guides for groups traveling from Chicago and St. Louis. Eventually, Moffett offered guide services around the U.S. and even a few European destinations.
Moffett was a big part of Springfield’s annual History Comes Alive program in downtown Springfield since its inception in 2010. He’d offer walking tours and give presentations, all while portraying the character of Ward Hill Lamon, Lincoln’s former law partner and personal bodyguard. You could usually find Moffett dressed as a U.S. marshal, hanging out somewhere in the vicinity of the Abraham and Mary Lincoln reenactors.
“Garret spent several summers with Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln in their backyard,” said Pam Brown, who portrayed Mary Lincoln in Springfield. “He was always ‘on duty’ and we enjoyed his presence. He was always on the trolley or on the Route 66 boat tour of Lake Springfield. He will be missed as a presence in our history world. And now, he too, is with the angels. I hope he gets a visit with the real Abraham Lincoln.”
In connection with his love of storytelling, Moffett also had a love for writing. He was the published author of such books as Haunted Springfield, Illinois; Lincoln’s Ghost (Legends and Lore); and Haunted Macomb. So if you weren’t able to take one of his haunted tours, you could still read about them.
During his time in Macomb, Moffett served as the vice president of the Western Illinois Regional Museum. He oversaw a collection which included artifacts such as a chest once owned by Marquee de Lafayette. Moffett designed and created museum exhibits for Prohibition as well as World War II.
In 2003, Moffett received the Community Quality of Life Award from the city for his work with the Western Illinois Archives to produce a historical video titled The Macomb Story. Moffett was also active in the McDonough County Historical Society, which helped locate and map every known burial site and cemetery within the county.
In the early 2000s, Moffett began offering historical walking tours in Macomb. Pioneer history, cemetery walks, haunted history walks and Prohibition were just a few of the walks Moffett provided. In 2004, he received the “Best Historical Tourism Development” award from the Illinois Lieutenant Governor through the Illinois Main Street program, which recognizes individuals and projects that help restore and grown downtown commercial districts.
Moffett passed away peacefully at his home in Springfield on Aug. 14 at age 60. He had remained active in the local tour guide scene up until his death, even posting April 28 on social media that he had just given a tour to “the best group ever in 22 years of guiding.”
Hurley Funeral Home in Petersburg is assisting the family with arrangements. Cremation rites have been accorded.
Eric Woods served as the tour guide for The Lincoln Ghost Walk from April 2018 through May 2025. Over the years, he worked closely with Garret on tour enhancements and promotions.
