Springfield IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Springfield, Illinois.
1. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
IMMERSIVE PRESIDENTIAL HISTORY EXPERIENCE
The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum offers visitors a comprehensive and immersive experience of Lincoln's life and presidency. Featuring state-of-the-art exhibits, original artifacts, and interactive displays, this museum brings history to life in a way that engages visitors of all ages. Consistently rated as one of Springfield's top attractions, it provides invaluable insights into one of America's most influential presidents.
2. Lincoln Home National Historic Site
16TH PRESIDENT'S RESTORED HOME
The Lincoln Home National Historic Site preserves the only home Abraham Lincoln ever owned, where he lived from 1844 until becoming president in 1861. Visitors can tour the meticulously restored 12-room Greek Revival house and explore the surrounding four-block historic neighborhood that appears much as it did during Lincoln's time. Knowledgeable rangers provide guided tours that offer fascinating glimpses into the everyday life of the Lincoln family before they moved to Washington.
3. Dana-Thomas House
FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT MASTERPIECE
The Dana-Thomas House represents one of Frank Lloyd Wright's most complete and best-preserved early Prairie-style designs, built in 1902 for socialite Susan Lawrence Dana. This architectural gem features over 450 art glass doors, windows, and light panels, along with original Wright-designed furniture and art objects. Tours of this 12,000-square-foot home offer visitors a remarkable glimpse into Wright's genius and the progressive spirit of early 20th century Springfield.
4. Old State Capitol
HISTORIC LEGISLATIVE CENTER
The Old State Capitol served as Illinois' fifth statehouse from 1840 to 1876 and was the site where Abraham Lincoln delivered his famous 'House Divided' speech. This Greek Revival building witnessed significant historical moments, including Lincoln lying in state after his assassination and Barack Obama announcing his presidential candidacy in 2007. Visitors can explore the restored legislative chambers, Supreme Court room, and other historic spaces that played crucial roles in Illinois' political development.
5. Illinois State Capitol
MAGNIFICENT GOVERNMENT ARCHITECTURE
The Illinois State Capitol, standing at an impressive 361 feet tall, is actually taller than the U.S. Capitol building and is the third tallest state capitol in the country. Built on a hill making it the highest point in the county, this magnificent Renaissance Revival structure features a stunning central dome and ornate interior details. Free guided tours are available for visitors wanting to explore this working government building where the Illinois General Assembly still meets today.
6. Lincoln's Tomb and War Memorial
PRESIDENTIAL FINAL RESTING PLACE
Lincoln's Tomb and War Memorial in Oak Ridge Cemetery serves as the final resting place for Abraham Lincoln, his wife Mary, and three of their four sons. The impressive granite monument, topped by a 117-foot obelisk, was constructed between 1869-1874 and contains a rotunda, burial chamber, and corridors lined with bronze reproductions of Lincoln statues. Visitors traditionally rub the nose of the bronze Lincoln bust outside the entrance for good luck, a practice that has kept the nose polished and bright for generations.
7. Washington Park Botanical Garden
VERDANT URBAN OASIS
Washington Park Botanical Garden offers visitors a tranquil escape with over 1,800 species of plants spread across its 20 acres of gardens. Highlights include a vibrant rose garden with over 5,000 plants, a tropical conservatory housing exotic species, and a Roman cultural garden with classical elements. The garden hosts seasonal displays and special events throughout the year, making it a perfect destination regardless of when travelers visit Springfield.
8. Illinois State Museum
NATURAL HISTORY EXPLORATION
The Illinois State Museum showcases the natural, cultural, and artistic heritage of Illinois through engaging exhibits spanning prehistoric times to the present day. Visitors can explore extensive collections including Native American artifacts, fossils of ancient creatures that once roamed Illinois, and changing art exhibitions featuring Illinois artists. Interactive areas and educational programs make this museum appealing to curious minds of all ages, offering a comprehensive understanding of the state's rich and diverse history.
9. Illinois Governor's Mansion
HISTORIC EXECUTIVE RESIDENCE
The Illinois Governor's Mansion, one of the oldest and most historic governor's residences in the United States, has served as the official home of Illinois governors since 1855. Following an extensive renovation completed in 2018, the mansion now features both period rooms showcasing different eras of the home's history and modern spaces used for official functions. Visitors can tour the elegant public rooms, view the collection of fine art and antiques, and learn about the many notable figures who have visited this historic executive residence over the decades.
10. Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon
MUSICAL TOWER EXPERIENCE
The Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon in Washington Park is one of the largest carillons in the world, featuring 67 bronze bells ranging from 22 pounds to 7.5 tons. This impressive 132-foot tall tower offers weekly concerts where visitors can enjoy the beautiful sounds of the bells ringing across the park. During the summer months, the International Carillon Festival brings renowned carillonneurs from around the world to perform at this unique musical monument.
11. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary
URBAN NATURE RETREAT
Adams Wildlife Sanctuary provides a 40-acre natural haven within Springfield's urban environment, featuring woodlands, meadows, and wetlands that attract diverse wildlife and bird species. Visitors can explore several trails winding through the sanctuary while observing native Illinois plants and animals in their natural habitats. The sanctuary also houses the headquarters of the Illinois Audubon Society, which offers educational programs and resources for nature enthusiasts and conservationists.
12. Camp Butler National Cemetery
HISTORIC MILITARY MEMORIAL
Camp Butler National Cemetery began as a Civil War training camp and prison that later became one of the original 14 national cemeteries established in 1862. Today, this solemn site serves as the final resting place for veterans from the Civil War through modern conflicts, with over 20,000 interments. Visitors can pay their respects while exploring the historic cemetery grounds, which include a memorial pathway and monuments honoring those who served their country.
13. 1908 Race Riot Walking Tour
POWERFUL HISTORICAL REFLECTION
The 1908 Race Riot Walking Tour takes visitors through the sites associated with one of Springfield's most tragic historical events, which ironically occurred in Lincoln's hometown and later helped inspire the formation of the NAACP. This self-guided tour includes the location of the 1908 Race Riot Mural and other significant sites that commemorate this important but often overlooked chapter in American civil rights history. By walking these grounds, visitors gain powerful insights into the complex racial history of Springfield and its connection to the broader struggle for equality in America.
14. Abe Lincoln Rail Splitter Statue
ICONIC PRESIDENTIAL MONUMENT
The Abe Lincoln Rail Splitter Statue depicts the young Lincoln in his early career splitting rails, capturing a formative period in the future president's life before he entered politics. This bronze sculpture stands as a testament to Lincoln's humble beginnings and the strong work ethic that would later serve him during his presidency. Visitors often stop to photograph this distinctive monument that portrays a side of Lincoln less commonly seen in official presidential imagery.
15. Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices
PRESIDENTIAL LEGAL CAREER SITE
The Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices preserve the location where Abraham Lincoln practiced law with his partner William Herndon from 1843 to 1852. This restored building houses exhibits showcasing Lincoln's legal career, which helped shape his political philosophy and prepared him for the presidency. Visitors can step into the actual rooms where Lincoln worked on over 5,000 cases, gaining unique insights into how his experiences as a prairie lawyer influenced his approach to leadership and justice.