Springfield, IL Things to Do and Attractions
Springfield's Old State Capitol is a reconstruction of Illinois' fifth statehouse, the first to be located in Springfield, which operated as the state's political center from 1839 to 1876. Lincoln visited the Old State Capitol often, as he served
Springfield's Old State Capitol is a reconstruction of Illinois' fifth statehouse, the first to be located in Springfield, which operated as the state's political center from 1839 to 1876. Lincoln visited the Old State Capitol often, as he served there during his last term in the House of Representatives, delivered his famous 1858 House Divided speech in the Representatives Hall and used the governor's rooms as his headquarters during the 1860 presidential campaign. The Greek Revival-style building was reconstructed in the 1960s and features a central hall, government offices, two libraries, supreme courtroom, rotunda and legislative chambers, as well as a large landscaped yard surrounded by a replica of the original 1850s ornamental iron fence.
Visitors to the Old State Capitol can take a 30-minute guided or self-guided tour throughout the structure and take in the orientation video. The Old State Capitol is open year-round with seasonal hours and welcomes private events. Admission is free.
A historic site just 20 miles northwest of Springfield, New Salem is a reconstruction of the village where Lincoln spent his early adulthood. Comprised of 700 acres, New Salem is home to a number of log houses, workshops and mills, as well as a
A historic site just 20 miles northwest of Springfield, New Salem is a reconstruction of the village where Lincoln spent his early adulthood. Comprised of 700 acres, New Salem is home to a number of log houses, workshops and mills, as well as a school and tavern complete with early 19th century furnishings. Visitors to New Salem are welcome to take self-guided tours of the neighborhood, as well as take in regular performances at the 200-person amphitheater.
New Salem is open November 1 through February 28 Wednesday through Sunday from 8 AM to 4 PM, March 1 through April 15 Wednesday through Sunday from 9 AM to 5 PM, April 16 through September 15 daily from 9 AM to 5 PM and September 16 through October 31 Wednesday through Sunday from 9 AM to 5 PM. Admission is free with a suggested donation. Groups may hold private events in rentable shelter houses along the Sangaman River or in the 200-person amphitheater.
Opened in 2005, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum and Library is among the most popular presidential complexes in the country. The 215,000-square-foot complex documents Lincoln's life and the course of the Civil War, showcasing life-size
Opened in 2005, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum and Library is among the most popular presidential complexes in the country. The 215,000-square-foot complex documents Lincoln's life and the course of the Civil War, showcasing life-size exhibits and settings, as well as such Lincoln heirlooms as White House china and his stovepipe hat. One of the museum's most popular attractions, the Ghosts of the Library is a special effects presentation that takes guests through Lincoln history as they watch the ghosts of Lincoln and his contemporaries appear and disappear.
The museum and library is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM. Admission to the library is free, while admission to the museum is $12 for adults and $6 for children ages five to 15. Admission for children under five is free. Groups may hold private events in such spaces as the elegant glass and stone rotunda, which accommodates up to 100 people, the three-story library atrium for 250 people, 250-seat special effects theater and 4,000-square-foot museum plaza rotunda, flanked by a reproduction of Lincoln's full-scale boyhood log cabin and White House replica, for up to 500 guests.
The Illinois State Museum, headquartered in Springfield, tells the story of Illinois' land, life, people and art. Located in the Capitol Complex, the museum features such exhibits as life-sized Native American dioramas, anthropological artifacts and
The Illinois State Museum, headquartered in Springfield, tells the story of Illinois' land, life, people and art. Located in the Capitol Complex, the museum features such exhibits as life-sized Native American dioramas, anthropological artifacts and a hands-on children's gallery. The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 8:30 AM to 5 PM and Sunday from noon to 5 PM. Admission is free. The museum accommodates private events.
Located in the Lake Springfield area, the Henson Robinson Zoo is home to more than 300 animals, representing 90 species, native to Australia, Africa, Asia, North America and South America. The zoo is known for its naturalistic exhibits, which allow
Located in the Lake Springfield area, the Henson Robinson Zoo is home to more than 300 animals, representing 90 species, native to Australia, Africa, Asia, North America and South America. The zoo is known for its naturalistic exhibits, which allow visitors to get up close and personal with the animals. The zoo is open from April through October Monday to Friday from 10 AM to 5 PM and Saturday and Sunday from 9 AM to 6 PM and November through March daily from 10 AM to 4 PM. Admission is $4.50 for adults and $2.75 for children ages three to 12. Admission for children under three is free. The Henson Robinson Zoo features private event space from April through September.
Established in 1884, Maldaner's is a Springfield institution specializing in contemporary American fare that is influenced with Mediterranean flavors. Housed in a historical setting, Maldaner's features white linens, dark woods, exposed brick walls
Established in 1884, Maldaner's is a Springfield institution specializing in contemporary American fare that is influenced with Mediterranean flavors. Housed in a historical setting, Maldaner's features white linens, dark woods, exposed brick walls and chandeliers. Entrée options include quail stuffed with sweet Italian sausage on polenta-parmesan fondue, seared tuna loin with shiitake mushroom salad, spicy red chili tuna tartar and blood orange and ginger vinaigrette and beef wellington with truffle sauce, mashed potatoes and fresh vegetables.
Maldaner's serves lunch Monday through Friday from 11 AM to 2:30 PM and dinner Tuesday through Thursday from 5 to 9 PM and Friday and Saturday from 5 to 10 PM. Entrees range from $18 to $29. The restaurant offers an upstairs private dining room with private bar for up to 120 guests.
An authentic counter-order eatery, the Cozy Dog Drive In is a Springfield favorite along Route 66. Established in 1949, the eatery serves up the signature cozy dog, or hot dog on a stick inspired by the corn dog, using a special recipe batter. Guests
An authentic counter-order eatery, the Cozy Dog Drive In is a Springfield favorite along Route 66. Established in 1949, the eatery serves up the signature cozy dog, or hot dog on a stick inspired by the corn dog, using a special recipe batter. Guests flock to the checkered-floor Cozy Dog Drive In for their signature hot dog creation, as well as burgers, chili, BBQ sandwiches and other favorites. Cozy Dog Drive In is open Monday through Saturday from 8 AM to 8 PM.
Serving delicious American contemporary cuisine with global influences, Ross Isaac is a sleek, chic restaurant accented with bold reds and blacks, cozy pendant lighting and wide plank hardwood floors. Entree selections include Jamaican paella with
Serving delicious American contemporary cuisine with global influences, Ross Isaac is a sleek, chic restaurant accented with bold reds and blacks, cozy pendant lighting and wide plank hardwood floors. Entree selections include Jamaican paella with jerk-roasted free range chicken, coconut basmati, pigeon peas and sweet ginger curry sauce, diver scallops fresh from the shell with Roma tomato medallions, quinoa and balsamic reduction and double-cut charbroiled pork chops rapped in jalapeno-smoked bacon with garlic mashed potatoes and cabernet demi-glace.
Ross Isaac serves dinner Monday through Thursday from 5 to 10 PM and Friday and Saturday from 5 to 11 PM. Entrees range from $15 to $34. Ross Isaac features a private dining room for up to 100 guests.
Caitie Girl's serves upscale comfort food in an eclectic, vibrant atmosphere complete with cozy armchairs. Located in the heart of downtown Springfield, the award-winning restaurant serves such entrees as sweet tea-brined fried chicken with lavender
Caitie Girl's serves upscale comfort food in an eclectic, vibrant atmosphere complete with cozy armchairs. Located in the heart of downtown Springfield, the award-winning restaurant serves such entrees as sweet tea-brined fried chicken with lavender honey glaze, macaroni and cheese, grilled sweet corn and sage buttermilk biscuits, pecan-crusted catfish with honey Dijon glaze, roasted sweet potato salad, hush puppies and red coleslaw and steak frites served with truffle sauce, pesto-drizzled bacon and parmesan fries and grilled asparagus.
Caitie Girl's is open Tuesday through Thursday from 11 AM to 9:30 PM, Friday from 11 AM to 10:30 PM, Saturday from 5 to 10:30 PM and Sunday from 4 to 9 PM. Entrees range from $14 to $25. The restaurant offers a banquet facility for up to 200 guests.
Specializing in adventurous, innovative cuisine intended to engage the senses and palate, Augie's Front Burner features a seasonal menu featuring local goods. Entrees include pan-roasted Chilean salmon with crimson lentils, house-made pancetta,
Specializing in adventurous, innovative cuisine intended to engage the senses and palate, Augie's Front Burner features a seasonal menu featuring local goods. Entrees include pan-roasted Chilean salmon with crimson lentils, house-made pancetta, littleneck clams, kale and tarragon beurre blanc and short ribs with aged cheddar grits, vegetable sofrito, red wine glace and hazelnut streusel, as well as potato-crusted Atlantic cod with butter-braised sweet onions and bok choy, lobster sherry cream and thyme-scented olive oil. Augie's interior matches its vibrant cuisine, as it features splashes of red, gray and green, white linens and colorful artwork. Augie's Front Burner serves lunch Monday through Friday from 11 AM to 2:30 PM and dinner Monday through Saturday from 5 to 9:30 PM. Entrees range from $14 to $30.
Sebastian's Hideout is a top fine-dining destination that offers an eclectic fusion cuisine with an alluring array of signature dishes and vintage international wines. Sebastian's has two private dining areas for groups up 10 120 and a catering menu
Sebastian's Hideout is a top fine-dining destination that offers an eclectic fusion cuisine with an alluring array of signature dishes and vintage international wines. Sebastian's has two private dining areas for groups up 10 120 and a catering menu that features Maryland blue crab cakes served with a spicy lemon aioli, Beef Wellington, mesquite chicken quesadilla rolls with a sweet and spicy chipotle sour cream and more.
Sebastian's Hideout is open from 11 AM to 10 PM Monday through Thursday; from 11 AM to 11 PM Friday and from 5 to 11 PM on Saturday.
A symbol of artistic and architectural excellence, Springfield's Dana-Thomas House is a 1904 Frank Lloyd Wright creation and stellar example of his signature Prairie style. The 72nd building designed by Wright, the 12,000-square-foot Dana Thomas
A symbol of artistic and architectural excellence, Springfield's Dana-Thomas House is a 1904 Frank Lloyd Wright creation and stellar example of his signature Prairie style. The 72nd building designed by Wright, the 12,000-square-foot Dana Thomas House is composed of 35 rooms, three main levels and 16 varying levels. The home contains signature Wright touches, such as original art glass, furniture, terra cotta sculpture and a beautiful mural. The Dana-Thomas House is open for tours Wednesday through Sunday from 9 AM to 4 PM. Admission is free with a suggested donation.
Located at Springfield's Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport, the Air Combat Museum shows and restores military aircraft. Aircraft includes the famous North American P-51D Mustang fighter plane, Vought F4U-5N Corsair and Ryan PT-22 Recruit, which was
Located at Springfield's Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport, the Air Combat Museum shows and restores military aircraft. Aircraft includes the famous North American P-51D Mustang fighter plane, Vought F4U-5N Corsair and Ryan PT-22 Recruit, which was used to train pilots during World War II. The Air Combat Museum is open Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 4 PM and offers guided tours by appointment for a $20 donation. Admission to the museum is free.
The Illinois State Military Museum chronicles the actions of the state military from early militia years through current worldwide operations. The museum's unique collection include such artifacts as the artificial leg of Mexican General Antonio
The Illinois State Military Museum chronicles the actions of the state military from early militia years through current worldwide operations. The museum's unique collection include such artifacts as the artificial leg of Mexican General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, the entire collection of weapons, flags, uniforms and personal effects associated with Union General John A. Logan and the wooden target board Lincoln used to test the Spencer rifle in 1863. Other exhibits include a War of 1812 diorama of Fort Dearborn, as well as World War II arms and items captured from German and Japanese forces.
The Illinois State Military Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 1 to 4:30 PM, with additional hours by appointment for group tours. Museum admission is free, with a suggested donation.
Springfield's Washington Park Botanical Garden is a beautiful, tranquil oasis of more than 1,200 species of plants throughout annual and perennial flower beds, evergreen and deciduous tree displays and even a rose garden. The garden's domed
Springfield's Washington Park Botanical Garden is a beautiful, tranquil oasis of more than 1,200 species of plants throughout annual and perennial flower beds, evergreen and deciduous tree displays and even a rose garden. The garden's domed conservatory houses tropical foliage from Africa, Asia and South America. The garden is open Monday through Friday from noon to 4 PM and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 PM. Admission is free.
The Lincoln Home National Historic Site features the only house Lincoln owned; he lived in it from 1844 until he was elected President. The home is surrounded by a historic four-block neighborhood, which features 12 beautiful homes, some housing
The Lincoln Home National Historic Site features the only house Lincoln owned; he lived in it from 1844 until he was elected President. The home is surrounded by a historic four-block neighborhood, which features 12 beautiful homes, some housing Lincoln exhibits. The neighborhood also features an heirloom garden, which showcases 1860s gardening and food production. The Lincoln home has been restored to its original 1860 appearance.
The Lincoln Home National Historic Site is open daily from 8:30 AM to 5 PM. Admission is free, but visitors must get tickets for a specific tour time.
