Welcome to Springfield, Illinois: the state capital and the heart of the Land of Lincoln. Whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Springfield. From outdoor activities that highlight the city’s natural beauty to unique attractions that reflect its rich history, there’s something for everyone.
Explore the best of Springfield with this guide to things to do in the city. From historic sites and live music venues to bars and restaurants, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Illinois Governor’s Mansion
The Illinois Governor’s Mansion is a must-see attraction for any visitor to Springfield. Located in the heart of downtown, the Mansion is a stunning example of Victorian-era architecture. Built in 1855, it has served as the official residence of Illinois governors for over 160 years. Inside, you’ll find an impressive collection of antiques and artwork, as well as the Governor’s office.
The Mansion is open to the public for tours, so you can learn all about the history of the building and the people who have lived here. Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply curious to learn more about the state’s past, the Illinois Governor’s Mansion is a must-visit while in Springfield.
Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices State Historic Site
The Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices State Historic Site is an important part of Springfield’s history. The site, located in downtown Springfield, is the original law office of Abraham Lincoln and his partner William Herndon. Abraham Lincoln began his career as a lawyer in Springfield in 1837 and worked in this office until 1861 when he was elected President of the United States.
The historic site allows visitors to explore the office, learning about the law profession of the day and the friendship between Lincoln and Herndon. Visitors can also take tours of the office and view artifacts such as the original law books owned by Lincoln and Herndon. The Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices State Historic Site is a must-visit for any history buff looking to learn more about the life and career of Abraham Lincoln.
Washington Park Botanical Garden
The Washington Park Botanical Garden is a beautiful outdoor attraction in Springfield, Illinois. Located in the heart of the city, the garden is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. Visitors can stroll through the park and enjoy the colorful blooms and lush foliage. The garden features a wide selection of trees and plants, including rare varieties, as well as a variety of wildlife.
The park also features a butterfly garden and a children’s garden. With its beautiful flowers and tranquil atmosphere, the Washington Park Botanical Garden is a great place to relax and enjoy nature in the heart of Springfield.
Edwards Place Historic Home
Edwards Place Historic Home is a must-visit for anyone looking to explore the history of Springfield. The home was built in 1833 by Benjamin and Eliza Edwards, the first settlers in the city. Today, the two-story Italianate-style house is a National Historic Landmark and is open to the public.
Inside, visitors can explore the home and learn about the Edwards family and their part in the history of Springfield. The house also features art galleries, a library, and a museum, with collections of furniture, paintings, and artifacts from the Edwards family.
Illinois State Museum
The Illinois State Museum is a great place to explore the history and culture of the Land of Lincoln. Located in downtown Springfield, the museum features interactive exhibits, artifacts, and educational programs that showcase the state’s history.
Visitors can explore the museum’s galleries, which include exhibits on the state’s Native American cultures, the Civil War, and the region’s natural history. The museum also offers educational programs and activities for families, including hands-on science and art experiences.
The Lincoln Home National Historic Site
The Lincoln Home National Historic Site is a must-visit for any visitor to Springfield, Illinois. Located in the city’s historic downtown district, the site is the only home that Abraham Lincoln ever owned. The site includes the 12-room home where the Lincoln family lived from 1844 to 1861, as well as four acres of land that includes a visitor center, a museum, and other historic buildings.
Visitors can take guided tours of the home to learn about the life and times of Abraham Lincoln and his family. The site is also home to a variety of living history programs, special events, and educational programs that further explore the life of one of America’s most beloved presidents.
Old State Capitol
The Old State Capitol is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Springfield. Situated on the banks of the Sangamon River, the Old State Capitol was the seat of the Illinois government from 1839 to 1876. The building is now a State Historic Site and museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the state’s history. The building is a beautiful example of Greek Revival architecture with a distinctive dome.
Inside, visitors can explore the Senate and House chambers, the Supreme Court, and the Governor’s offices. The museum also offers a variety of educational programs, special events, and living history programs that explore the history of the building and its significance in Illinois history.
Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon
The Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon is a one-of-a-kind attraction located in Springfield, Illinois. With 67 cast bronze bells, the Rees carillon has a range of 5 1/2 chromatic octaves. The bells weigh 82,753 pounds altogether, with the largest (bourdon) bell, a G-flat, weighing 7 1/2 tons, and the smallest at 22 pounds. Located in Washington Park, visitors can watch as the carillonneur plays the bells from a console inside the tower.
The Carillon is the only one of its kind in the world and is a beautiful tribute to the city of Springfield. Visitors can attend free concerts on Sunday evenings during the summer months, or take a guided tour of the tower and learn more about the history of the Carillon.
Vachel Lindsay Home
The Vachel Lindsay Home is a must-visit for anyone looking to explore the history of Springfield. Located in the city’s historic downtown district, the Vachel Lindsay Home was the home of the renowned poet, Vachel Lindsay. The house is now a National Historic Landmark and is open to the public.
Inside, visitors can explore the home and learn about Lindsay’s life and work. The house also features a museum, a library, and a variety of artifacts related to the poet. The Vachel Lindsay Home is a great place to explore the history of Springfield and learn more about one of the city’s most famous residents.
Oak Ridge Cemetery
Oak Ridge Cemetery is a must-visit for anyone exploring the history of Springfield. Located on the south side of the city, the cemetery is the final resting place of Abraham Lincoln and his family. The cemetery is a beautiful example of Victorian-style landscape design, with a variety of trees, flowers, and shrubs. Visitors can take guided tours of the cemetery and explore the gravesites of prominent figures from the city’s past.
The cemetery is also home to a variety of monuments and memorials, including the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Grave of Abraham Lincoln. Oak Ridge Cemetery is a great place to learn about the history of Springfield and pay respects to those who have come before us.
Illinois State Capitol
The Illinois State Capitol is one of the most iconic landmarks in Springfield, Illinois. Built in 1868, the building is a stunning example of Neoclassical architecture, featuring a grand dome and ornate columns. Inside, visitors can explore the Senate and House chambers, the Supreme Court, and the Governor’s offices.
The building is also home to a variety of statues, murals, and artwork that commemorate important moments in Illinois history. The State Capitol offers a variety of educational programs, special events, and living history programs that explore the significance of the building and its role in the state’s government.
Route 66 Drive-In Theater
The Route 66 Drive-In Theater is a must-visit for anyone looking for a unique way to experience the movies. Located in Springfield, Illinois, the theater is the oldest continuously-operating drive-in theater in the state. With two screens and a capacity of up to 800 cars, the theater is a great option for a fun night out.
Visitors can enjoy a movie under the stars, with the sound broadcast directly to their car’s radio. The theater also offers a variety of concessions, including popcorn, candy, soda, and more. The Route 66 Drive-In Theater is a great way to enjoy a classic movie experience in the heart of Springfield.
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in learning about the life and legacy of one of America’s most beloved presidents. Located in downtown Springfield, the library and museum are dedicated to preserving and displaying artifacts related to the life of Abraham Lincoln.
Visitors can explore the library’s vast collection of books, documents, and photographs, as well as the museum’s exhibits on the life and times of Lincoln. The museum also features interactive displays, educational programs, and special events that highlight the legacy of Abraham Lincoln.
Air Combat Museum
The Air Combat Museum in Springfield, Illinois is a great place for aviation enthusiasts to explore the history of military flight. Located at the Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport, the museum features a collection of vintage aircraft from World War II and other conflicts. Visitors can explore the museum’s exhibits, which include artifacts from the war, photographs, and stories from the pilots.
The museum also offers a variety of interactive activities, including flight simulators, flight simulators, and a virtual reality experience. With its exciting exhibits and interactive activities, the Air Combat Museum is a great place to explore aviation history in Springfield.
Camp Butler National Cemetery
The Camp Butler National Cemetery is an important part of Springfield’s history. Located just seven miles north of the city, the cemetery is the final resting place of more than 8500 veterans who have served in the United States armed forces. Visitors can explore the cemetery, which includes monuments and memorials dedicated to those who have served, as well as a variety of trees, shrubs, and flowers.
The Camp Butler National Cemetery is a peaceful and beautiful place to honor those who have served and to reflect on the sacrifices they have made.
Indigo Restaurant
Indigo Restaurant is a local favorite in Springfield, Illinois. Serving up delicious American-style cuisine, this restaurant is the perfect spot to enjoy a meal with friends or family. The restaurant features a menu that offers classic comfort food with a modern twist, such as duck enchiladas, Canadian lobster, and sushi.
The restaurant also boasts an impressive selection of craft beers and wines, as well as a full bar. Whether you’re in the mood for a casual lunch or a romantic dinner, Indigo Restaurant is sure to please.
Great Western Depot
The Great Western Depot is a must-visit for anyone exploring the history of Springfield. The Great Western Depot is the last remaining example of a railroad station in the city. The Depot was built in 1852 and is a beautiful example of Italianate-style architecture. Inside, visitors can explore the Depot and learn about its history as the hub of the city’s transportation network.
The Depot also features a variety of artifacts and displays that tell the story of the city’s railroads and their impact on Springfield. The Great Western Depot is a great place to explore the history of the city and learn more about its transportation history.
Henson Robinson Zoo
The Henson Robinson Zoo is a great place to explore the animal kingdom in Springfield, Illinois. This world-class zoo is home to over 80 species of animals from around the world, including tigers, lions, gorillas, and more. Visitors can take a guided tour of the zoo, learning about the animals and their habitats.
The zoo also features a variety of interactive exhibits, such as the petting zoo and the animal encounter area. The Henson Robinson Zoo is a great place to learn about wildlife and explore the animal kingdom in the heart of Springfield.
Engrained Brewery and Restaurant
Engrained Brewery and Restaurant is a great spot to enjoy a meal and a craft beer in Springfield, Illinois. Located in the historic downtown district, Engrained Brewery and Restaurant offers a variety of freshly-brewed beers, as well as a menu of delicious American-style food.
The restaurant features a cozy atmosphere and a wide selection of beers, from light lagers to dark stouts. The restaurant also features a variety of seasonal dishes, from gourmet burgers to slow-cooked entrees.
Springfield and Central Illinois African American History Museum
The Springfield and Central Illinois African American History Museum is a must-visit for anyone looking to explore the history of African Americans in Springfield. Located in the city’s historic downtown district, the museum is dedicated to preserving and displaying artifacts related to the African American experience in Springfield and Central Illinois.
Visitors can explore the museum’s exhibits, which feature artifacts, photographs, and stories of the struggles and successes of African Americans in the region. The museum also offers a variety of educational programs, special events, and living history programs that explore the history of African Americans in the Midwest.
Whether you’re a history buff or simply curious to learn more, the Springfield and Central Illinois African American History Museum is a great place to explore the past and gain a deeper understanding of the African American experience in the Midwest.
Daughters of Union Veterans Civil War Museum
The Daughters of Union Veterans Civil War Museum is an important part of Springfield, Illinois’ history. The museum is dedicated to preserving and displaying artifacts related to the Civil War. Visitors can explore the museum’s galleries, which feature a variety of artifacts from the war, including weapons, uniforms, photos, and more.
The museum also offers educational programs, special events, and living history programs that explore the role of women during the Civil War.
Adams’ Wildlife Sanctuary
Adams’ Wildlife Sanctuary is a beautiful outdoor attraction in Springfield, Illinois. The sanctuary is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. Visitors can explore the sanctuary’s trails and boardwalks, taking in the sights and sounds of nature.
The sanctuary also features a variety of educational programs, including guided tours and workshops. With its stunning natural beauty and abundant wildlife, Adams’ Wildlife Sanctuary is a great place to explore nature in the heart of Springfield.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking to explore the city’s history, take in the beauty of nature, or simply enjoy a night on the town, Springfield, Illinois has something for everyone. From historic sites to outdoor attractions and unique dining experiences, the city has plenty to offer.
With its unique attractions, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture, Springfield is sure to impress. So, what are you waiting for? Start exploring the best of Springfield today.
