Stephen Sondheim once wrote a song that referred to Abraham Lincoln as “the pride and joy of Illinois.” He was right, and none of its cities show this more effectively than Springfield. It features replicas of his home, tomb, and even the town he grew up in.
Learning about Lincoln isn’t the only thing to do in Springfield. You can also explore museums covering other subjects, relax amidst natural beauty, or sample unique and delicious food and craft beers.
Like and subscribe to ViewCation for more videos on which historic hometowns are worth a visit. Keep watching to learn about some of the best things to do in Springfield, Illinois.
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
This museum was opened almost 200 years after Lincoln’s death. It features exhibits on his life, interactive displays, a reproduction of the White House in 1861, and more. The most popular attraction is the Treasures Gallary, which features a rotating collection of his most interesting artifacts.
Lincoln Home
This is the only home that Abraham Lincoln ever owned, and he lived in it with his wife Mary for 17 years before moving to the White House. It’s been open to tourists since 1887. You can join an hour-long tour of the parlor, sitting room, dining room, bedrooms, servant’s rooms, kitchen, backyard, and outbuildings.
Lincoln Tomb
Abraham Lincoln is buried 10 feet below the ground in a concrete vault alongisde his wife. Three of his sons, Edward, William, and Thomas, are likewise in crypts in the chamber’s south wall. The tomb has a 72-square-foot base and a 117-foot-tall obelisk. Near the site are the WWII Illinois Veteran’s Memorial, the Korean War Memorial, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. There’s also a bronze statue of Lincoln’s head, and rubbing its nose is said to bring luck. This may be part of what keeps Springfield consistently on the top 10 list of luckiest places in the world.
Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices Historical Site
This brick building built in 1841 was once a part of Tinsley Block. That area was destroyed, but the law offices were restored. It’s been made to resemble Lincoln and Herndo’s law office as closely as possible. The first floor is a visitors center with an exhibit gallery and audiovisual theater, the 2nd floor is a federal court, and the 3rd floor recreates Lincoln’s disorderly office. Join a 20-minute guided tour to see what the site has to offer.
Lincoln’s New Salem
This is certainly one of the best things to do in Springfield, Illinois, if you’ve come to learn more about Abraham Lincoln. The state wasn’t content with recreating his law office or home; it also felt compelled to make a replica of the town he grew up in as well. He spent his early years in New Salem working as a boatman, soldier, general store owner, postmaster, rail-splitter, and more. This spot lets you experience what daily life was like for him through interactive exhibits, a country store, and handmade period-appropriate items and fashion.
Dana-Thomas House
Frank Lloyd Wright built this house for socialite Susan Lawrence Dana in 1902. It was the 72nd building he designed and one of the most opulent. It stretches 12,000 square feet with 35 rooms and 16 levels. It features the largest collection of Wright art glass and furniture in the world, including a lamp worth approximately $2,702.210. The Illinois tourist board now owns it but is forbidden from changing anything about it.
Vachel Lindsay Home
This is the home of another famous Illinois resident, poet Nicholas Vachel Lindsay. He was known for his intriguing poetry, art, and performances, with his most famous works being 1914’s The Congo and 1938’s Collected Poems. It’s 2 stories high and was built before the 20th century. The home was purchased by his father in 1878 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.
Old and New State Capitol
The Old State Capitol was built in 1839. It was here that Abraham Lincoln worked as a lawyer and delivered his famous House Divided speech in 1858. His body was placed there before being moved to his final resting place. It still hosts ceremonial events and is open for tours.
The new state capitol was built in 1868 and finished in 1888. It has 4 floors and a 405-foot glass dome where the Senate and House work. You can take a tour when they’re not in session as long as you’re willing to go through a strict security process.
Illinois State Museum
This museum features 5 main exhibits; At Home in the Heartland, Changes: Dynamic Illinois Environments, Peoples of the Past, The Mary Ann MacLean Play Museum, and Anthropology Hall. It also has rotating temporary exhibits that display the art and history of Illinois. It’s one of the best things to do in Springfield, Illinois if you want to get a glimpse of the history of the entire state and not just the city.
Springfield and Central Illinois African-American History Museum
This museum was founded in 2012 by Douglas King. It has over 700 exhibits, presentations, and oral histories that celebrate the African-American history of Central Illinois. Admission is free, but donations are encouraged, and volunteer opportunities are available.
Air Combat Museum
This museum has over 10 classic air combat planes, including the 1928 Stearman C3B, the 1929 Stinson SM2AA Detroiter Junior, the Beech AT-11 Kansan, and the Vought F4U-5N Corsair. It also has military vehicles such as the M3 Half-Truck and the Saladin (FV601), the latter of which is still in use on the field. Admission is free, but donations are accepted.
Washington Park Botanical Gardens
This spot takes up 20 acres with over 1,800 plant species spread out over 10 gardens and a conservatory. It also features a wide range of biomes, including South American rainforests, Asian jungles, and Japanese bonsai trees. Check for fairs or festivals before you come to get an even more memorable experience.
Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon
A carillon is a bell tower, and this one is the 5th largest in the world. It has 67 cast bronze bells that weigh a combined 85,000 pounds. You can sign up for a tour or go to the top for gorgeous 360 views. If you come in June, you can enjoy a week-long festival of music and dancing.
Like and subscribe to ViewCation for more ways to get the most out of the world’s most famous cities. Keep watching to learn about more of the best things to do in Illinois, including a stretch of the world’s most famous road.
Route 66
Springfield is one of the best places to experience the most famous highways in the world. It features a stretch that’s over a mile long and has earned a place on the National Register of Historic Places. Get a bite to eat at the Cozy Dog Drive-In, the home of the original Cozy Dog that now graces state and county fairs. Visit the Route 66 Motorheads Bar, Grill, and Museum as well. Make sure to come during the International Route 66 Mother Road Festival for a chance to see over 1,000 hot roads and motorcycles ripping down the road while enjoying live music and food vendors.
Henson Robinson Zoo
Henson Robertson, a prominent resident of Springfield, began construction of this zoo in 1968, and it opened in 1970. It features over 90 animals from almost every continent. It’s open from March to December, but you can still visit during off-months for special programs and events.
Governor’s Mansion
This mansion was built in 1885 and sits a few blocks away from the State Capitol. Its Civil War-era architecture has been well-preserved, including its state dining room and famous spiral staircase. Tours are available every weekday afternoon, but be sure to book them in advance.
Adams Wildlife Sanctuary
Miss Margery Adams donated her estate to The Illinois Audobon Society. They own and operate it as a 40-acre natural space in the center of Illinois. You’ll find their headquarters, the Adams family home, directly in the center. They’ve been working for years to protect the local wildlife, and the site serves as the oldest non-profit independent conversation organization in the state. Enjoy the hiking trails and habitats that show off wildlife from the prairie, wetland, woodlands, and more. It’s also a great spot for birdwatching, and admission is always free.
Camp Butler National Cemetery
This historic cemetery was established in 1862 on the former Union army training grounds that also served as a hospital and prison for Confederate soldiers. In a gesture of goodwill, bodies from both sides are buried here, as are those from other conflicts. The site also features a Superintendent’s Lodge and several memorials. It’s open to visitors from 8 am to sundown. It also hosts annual ceremonies on important dates such as Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day
Custom Cup Coffee
This micro-roastery roasts its coffee beans on-site to create, as the name suggests, custom cups. It also offers delicious cakes and pastries. Even the pickiest coffee snobs will find something they enjoy here.
Obed and Isaac’s Microbrewery
Step inside to see why this place has won various local awards. Drink some of their incredible beer or try their delicious food; the Porky Pig sandwich is a highlight of their menu made with pulled pork, bacon, and cheese. During the warmer months, you can step outside for al fresco dining, a walk through the beer garden, or a game of cornhole or bocce ball. It’s one of the best things to do in Illinois because of all the options it offers. You can come in when you’re hungry, thirsty, or just want to have a good time with your friends.
Engrained Brewery and Restaurant
This farm-to-table staple of Illinois opened in 2013. They have a seasonally rotating menu to ensure that every meal is fresh, and all of its beer is brewed on-site. They also have a mission of sustainability and their website displays a list of 30 ways that they reduce waste and reuse whatever they can. They offer a range of comfort foods such as cheese curds, bleu salads, flatbreads, and cheeseburgers.
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