Spaulding IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Spaulding, Illinois.
1. Spaulding Nursery Historical Site
HISTORIC FAMILY NURSERY
The Spaulding Nursery Historical Site marks the location of the mammoth nursery and orchard that gave the village of Spaulding its name in the 1800s. This significant historical site was operated by J.B. Spaulding and his children, shipping trees and shrubs across the country. The nursery was so successful that it prompted the Illinois Central Railroad to establish a station in Spaulding specifically for shipping the nursery's foliage, plants, shrubs, and trees.
2. Spaulding Village Park
FORMER COAL MINE SITE
Spaulding Village Park sits on the location of a former coal mine that operated from 1883 to 1913. The mine, which operated under eight different names throughout its history, closed after a devastating fire destroyed its entire top works on May 7, 1912. Today, visitors can enjoy this peaceful park space with historical significance to the industrial heritage of the region.
3. Illinois Central Railroad Station
HISTORIC RAILWAY STOP
The Illinois Central Railroad Station was once a vital transportation hub located at the intersection of Route 54 and Main Street in Spaulding. This historic station served both freight shipments from the famous Spaulding Nursery and passenger transportation for area residents. The railroad continues to bisect Spaulding from east to west, serving as a reminder of the village's transportation heritage.
4. Old State Capitol State Historic Site
HISTORIC GOVERNMENT BUILDING
The Old State Capitol State Historic Site stands as an impressive Greek Revival-style building in downtown Springfield, approximately 11.7 km from Spaulding. This historic structure served as Illinois' fifth statehouse from 1840 to 1876 and was the site where Abraham Lincoln delivered his famous 'House Divided' speech. Visitors can explore the meticulously restored chambers and offices that showcase 19th-century political life in Illinois.
5. Bank of Springfield Center
MODERN CONVENTION VENUE
The Bank of Springfield Center is a modern convention and event venue located approximately 11.4 km from Spaulding. This versatile facility hosts a wide range of events including concerts, sporting events, trade shows, and conventions throughout the year. Visitors appreciate its central location in downtown Springfield and its proximity to other attractions in the area.
6. Allen Street Wooden Bridge
HISTORIC ONE-LANE BRIDGE
The Allen Street Wooden Bridge was a notable landmark that once spanned over the Illinois Central Railroad in Spaulding. This distinctive one-lane, arched wooden structure represented a unique piece of local infrastructure history. Though no longer standing, the memory of this bridge remains part of Spaulding's historical narrative and transportation development.
7. Lake Springfield
SCENIC RESERVOIR RECREATION
Lake Springfield is a beautiful reservoir closely associated with the Spaulding family name through their involvement with City Water, Light and Power. This 4,200-acre lake offers numerous recreational opportunities including boating, fishing, and picnicking along its 57 miles of shoreline. Visitors can enjoy the scenic beauty while appreciating the legacy of the Spaulding family's contribution to public works in central Illinois.
8. Spaulding Dam
HISTORIC WATER INFRASTRUCTURE
Spaulding Dam serves as a crucial piece of water infrastructure associated with the influential Spaulding family's public works legacy. The dam, named after water treatment innovator Charles Spaulding, plays an important role in water management for the region. Visitors can observe this engineering achievement while learning about its historical significance to central Illinois' development.
9. Illinois Central Railroad Corridor
HISTORIC TRANSPORTATION ROUTE
The Illinois Central Railroad Corridor cuts through Spaulding from east to west, providing a living testament to the village's transportation history. This historic railway line was instrumental in the development of Spaulding, particularly due to the shipping needs of the famous Spaulding Nursery. Today, the corridor offers visitors a glimpse into the region's industrial and agricultural past.
10. Riverton-Spaulding Historical Route
SCENIC HISTORICAL DRIVE
The Riverton-Spaulding Historical Route connects the neighboring communities with strong ties to the Spaulding family's nursery empire. This scenic drive follows the approximate boundaries of the historic Spaulding Nursery, which fronted present-day Seventh Street in Riverton and Main Street in Spaulding. Visitors traveling this route can imagine the vast orchards and nursery grounds that once dominated this landscape in the 1800s.
11. Main Street Historic District
VILLAGE CENTER HERITAGE
Main Street Historic District in Spaulding preserves the village center where the railroad station and post office once stood at the intersection with Route 54. This historically significant area served as the commercial hub for the village during its development years. Visitors can stroll through this district to appreciate the architectural and cultural heritage of this small Illinois village.
12. Spaulding Coal Mine Memorial
INDUSTRIAL HERITAGE TRIBUTE
The Spaulding Coal Mine Memorial commemorates the coal mining operation that existed from 1883 to 1913 in what is now Spaulding Village Park. This memorial honors the industrial heritage of the village and the miners who worked there under eight different company names throughout its operation. Visitors can learn about the mine's history, including the devastating fire on May 7, 1912, that ultimately led to its closure.
13. J.B. Spaulding Homestead
FOUNDER'S HISTORIC RESIDENCE
The J.B. Spaulding Homestead marks the former residence of the village's founding family patriarch, J.B. Spaulding (1824-97). This historic site connects visitors to the origins of both the village and the famous nursery business that put Spaulding on the map. The homestead represents an important piece of local heritage tied to the family whose nursery operations shaped the economic and physical development of the area.
14. Sangamon County Historical Sites
REGIONAL HERITAGE EXPLORATION
The Sangamon County Historical Sites collection encompasses various points of interest throughout the county, including Spaulding and neighboring communities. These sites preserve the rich history of the region, from early settlement through industrial development. Visitors can explore multiple locations to gain a comprehensive understanding of central Illinois heritage and the interconnected stories of its communities.
15. City Water, Light and Power Facility
SPAULDING FAMILY LEGACY
The City Water, Light and Power Facility represents the public works legacy of Willis and Charles Spaulding, members of the family that gave Spaulding village its name. This important utility infrastructure demonstrates how the Spaulding family's influence expanded beyond nurseries into essential public services for central Illinois. Visitors interested in industrial heritage can appreciate the continuing impact of the Spaulding name in the region's development.