Location: Springfield
Top Things to do in Springfield
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The 10 Best Things to do Good for Couples in Springfield, Illinois (IL)
The spirit of the "Land of Lincoln" is nowhere else so alive as it is in Springfield, one time home to old Honest Abe himself and present home of the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, the Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices State Historic Site, the Old State Capitol State Historic Site, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and the Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site. The NAACP also holds Springfield at its roots, having formed after a particularly bloody race riot here in 1908.
Restaurants in Springfield
1. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4,422 reviews
In a stunning combination of scholarship and showmanship, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum immerses you in Lincoln's world and time. Journey from a rustic Indiana cabin to the Executive Mansion in the nation's capitol; follow the fate of America's 16th president and share the joys and sorrows of a family - and a nation. (Please be advised, while the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum is open 7 days a week, the Presidential Library is only open on weekdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.)
Reviewed By D2620VEdanc - Avinger, United States
Took an 2 hour, self-guided afternoon tour of the Licoln Memorial in Springfield Illinois with our daughter's family and 3 grandchildren, ages 4 - 9. The memorial is filled with very interesting pieces of Abraham Lincoln's family life, Civil War and presidency. The interesting and artistic displays and videos bring life to the memorial that holds the attention of the 4 year old up to the grandparents. An afternoon well spent.
2. Dana-Thomas House
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,124 reviews
Reviewed By RetiredTravelerTN - Nashville, United States
The introductory video presented the history of the Dana-Thomas House, and the guide gave an informative tour of the beautiful FLW house which has been wonderfully preserved with original furnishings. We appreciated the attention to details that were highlighted during the tour. Photos are not allowed inside, but we were able to take photos from the street and inside the courtyard. We arrived early for the first tour of the day and had no problem parking in the free lot next door accessed from E Cook St. Railroad tracks run between the parking lot and the carriage house where tours begin. A $10 per adult donation was certainly reasonable.
3. Lincoln Home National Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,751 reviews
The only house Abraham Lincoln ever owned is the centerpiece of this four-block historic neighborhood. Lincoln and his family lived in the two-story house from 1844 until 1861, when their address changed to the White House.
Reviewed By X7472TVtomk
This site, run by the National Park Service is well maintained and restored, with a visitor's center, a free guided tour of Lincoln's home, and several other restored homes. We spent two hours which included a 20 minute tour of the home. The book store in the visitor's center is very comprehensive.
4. Illinois State Capitol
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 662 reviews
Historic Greek Revival building that serves as Illinois' State Capitol and was the site of many cases tried by Abraham Lincoln.
Reviewed By BHH1103 - Springfield, United States
I go to the Capitol often because I have family that works there. This building is one of the prettiest in our city. It’s open daily for tours. Just tell the security guard and they’ll direct you in the right direction. You have to stop in the center and look up at the dome. The stained glass is beautiful. My daughter and I stop and look up literally every time we go in. On the second floor look down from the rail. Sit in the gallery and view the house or the senate. The chandeliers in the House chamber are to die for. Also, it’s caused quite a controversy, but the west doors are also an architectural site to see. So many historical things have happened under this dome. It’s definitely a place to check out!
5. Lincoln Memorial Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 136 reviews
A native woodland garden designed by Jens Jensen located on the south side of Lake Springfield. This 100 acre site has 6 miles of wood-chipped hiking trails as well as a wonderful nature center.
Reviewed By TRW53
I live 10 miles from Starved Rock State Park (where I have been a trail guide) and am even closer to Matthiessen SP, which means that some of the most gorgeous hiking venues in the entire state are practically in my back yard. So why do I even hike here, over 100 miles from home? I discovered this amazing place on my way home from a trip to the St. Louis area and it is now a must-stop either on my way to or home from the St. Louis area. I have some orthopedic issues and appreciate that I can satisfy my hiking need without having to strap on heavy-duty knees braces, as the elevation changes are not that severe. One can hike through the woods and then enjoy views of Lake Springfield. The visitor center has restroom facilities, a small gift shop, and very helpful and friendly volunteers. PLEASE NOTE: During the COVID-19 closure, the center will be closed. my last stop was in November or December 2019, so I'm not even certain that the trails are open right now. You will need to check with officials.
6. Washington Park Botanical Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 89 reviews
Garden consisting of 9,000 square feet of greenhouse area and a conservatory featuring more than 150 species of tropical plants.
Reviewed By 109jaxc - Chicago, United States
It was a really beautiful garden. Despite it's small size, it was quite lovely. Very enjoyable experience, Highly recommend it if you like flowers and plants.
7. Lincoln Tomb & War Memorials
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,904 reviews
Reviewed By richardf600 - Louisville, United States
An amazing and very well done tribute by the state and Springfield to honor our President. The cemetery grounds are beautiful and walking up to the Monument I was awestruck at the massive size of it all. There is a bust outside that everyone goes up to to touch the nose and it is supposed to be good luck. The nose is shinny from being rubbed. You can go inside to see the tomb itself. It is a very fitting recognition for such a great man. His wife and sons are there as well. There are replicas of the many bronze statues of him around the country.
8. Washington Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 69 reviews
Reviewed By Birthday-Gal - Springfield, United States
Walking, playing, leaf peeping, listing to the massive Carrillon bells or going to one of the festivals held there from art, crafts, carving the pumpkins, the lit pumpkins, the rose garden and more. Make a stop and enjoy!
9. The BOS Center
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 41 reviews
