10 springfield illinois tourism Ideas

Springfield delivers both serious history lessons and lighthearted slices of Americana. But the city where Lincoln lived is known for informative sites that put a relatable face on a larger-than-life figure.

Springfield’s rich history is one of the main draws for visitors here. Abraham Lincoln moved here in 1837; the Lincoln Home National Historic Site preserves the home where he lived from 1844 to 1861—the only home Lincoln ever owned. But you’ll find other historic places to explore as well, plus plenty of great restaurants and places to stay.

Do

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum 

Explore a re-creation of the one-room cabin where Lincoln lived and catch a Lincoln-theme film in the Union Theater for a good intro to the 16th president. Immersive galleries portray key moments in his life. presidentlincoln.illinois.gov

Dana-Thomas House 

The 35-room house, designed in 1902 by Frank Lloyd Wright, contains the nation’s largest collection of Wright’s site-specific original art glass and furniture. dana-thomas.org

Governor’s Mansion 

Docent-led tours of the 165-year-old mansion go through elaborately decorated areas, such as the state dining room. illinois.gov/sites/GovernorsMansion

International Route 66 Mother Road Festival

More than a thousand hot rods and vintage motorcycle roar into Springfield for the festival featuring live music and food vendors. route66fest.com

Illinois State Museum

Learn about the state’s natural and cultural history through exhibits such as At Home in the Heartland, which looks at 300 years of change in household life, and Peoples of the Past. illinoisstatemuseum.org

Lincoln Home National Historic Site 

See the only home Abraham Lincoln ever owned. Lincoln and his wife, Mary, lived in the 12-room Greek Revival-style house from 1844 to 1861. Living-history interpreters enliven special events. nps.gov/liho

Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site 

Visit a reconstruction of the town Lincoln lived in for six years (near Petersburg, 20 miles northwest of Springfield). Interpreters chronicle frontier life, and self-guided tours lead to a tavern, school, houses and stores. lincolnsnewsalem.com

Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site 

During free self-guided tours, docents answer questions about Lincoln and his family (all but son Robert were laid to rest here). In front of the tomb is a bronze reproduction of Gutzon Borglum’s marble head of Lincoln; it’s tradition to rub the nose for good luck. lincolntomb.org 

Old State Capitol 

Take a free tour of the building where Lincoln served in the Illinois Legislature and gave his famous “House Divided” speech in 1858. illinois.gov/dnrhistoric

Springfield Walks 

Seasonal tours explore Lincoln’s life, death and family. The most popular is the 90-minute Lincoln’s Ghost Walk: Legends and Lore. springfieldwalks.com

Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon

One of the world’s largest carillons features 67 cast-bronze bells in a single tower. Concerts take place year-round. carillon-rees.org

Eat and Drink

Cafe Moxo 

Grab a sandwich-and-side lunch to go or eat in for inexpensive comfort-food like chicken potpie, mac ‘n’ cheese and an assortment of bakery treats. cafemoxo.com

Cozy Dog Drive In 

Ed Waldmire Jr. created his “crusty cur” while serving during World War II, then renamed it when he came home. The Cozy Dog (you’ll know it as a corn dog) is still made with Waldmire’s batter recipe. Check out the Route 66 memorabilia. cozydogdrivein.com

Custom Cup Coffee

The microroastery serves pour-over coffee, great espresso and cold brew with baked goods, some gluten- or dairy-free. customcupcoffee.com

Engrained Brewery and Restaurant

The comfort-food menu covers the bases from cheese curds to flatbreads to double cheeseburgers. Enjoy with a seasonal beer or seltzer. engrainedbrewery.com

Incredibly Delicious 

Flourless chocolate cake tops a menu of desserts; lunch fare includes quiches, soups and sandwiches served in an 1840s Italianate mansion. incrediblydelicious.com

Maldaner’s 

It’s the place to go for a horseshoe sandwich: meat or veggies on toast, smothered with french fries and cheese sauce. maldaners.com

Obed and Isaac’s Microbrewery and Eatery 

Play cornhole or bocce in the outdoor beer garden while sipping craft brews or nibbling on flatbread pizzas. connshospitalitygroup.com

Saputo’s 

Southern Italian specialties like pasta, pizza and seafood star at this modest family-owned restaurant started in 1948. saputos.com

Stay

The Inn at 835 

A 1909 apartment building in the Old Aristocracy Hill neighborhood is now an elegant bed-and-breakfast. connshg.com

The State House 

We loved finding a remodeled downtown boutique-style hotel with a piano lounge and 1960s vibe. statehouseinnspringfield.com

Wyndham Springfield City Centre 

The 369-room downtown hotel has a steakhouse and lounge 30 stories above the city. wyndham.com

• Author: midwestliving.com

• Rating: 5⭐ (452176 rating)

• Highest Rate: 5⭐

• Lowest Rate: 3⭐

• Sumary: The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and other Lincoln sites, plus a Frank Lloyd Wright home and Route 66 stops, are among the top things to do in Illinois’ capital city.

• Matching Result: 109 N. Seventh St. (Cross Street: Washington) Springfield, IL 60217 217-789-2360 800-545-7300 www.visit-springfieldillinois.com.

• Intro: Top Things to Do in Springfield, Illinois Springfield delivers both serious history lessons and lighthearted slices of Americana. But the city where Lincoln lived is known for informative sites that put a relatable face on a larger-than-life figure. By Midwest Living editors Updated May 24, 2022 Springfield’s rich history is…

• Source: https://www.midwestliving.com/travel/illinois/springfield-illinois/top-things-to-do-springfield-illinois/