Location: Springfield
Top Things to do in Springfield
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Top 10 Things to do Good for Kids 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. Rees Memorial Carillon
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 56 reviews
Reviewed By interceptpubs - Columbus, United States
Washington Park is home to a Dutch-cast 67 bell carillon, one of the world's largest, with a 5-1/2 octave range. It was a gift of local newspaper publisher and one-term state senator, Thomas Rees, who fell in love with Carillons while in Europe during World War I. Housed in a bell tower near the botanical gardens in the park, the Carillon is used for concerts throughout the year. We happened to be in Springfield at the start of the week-long international festival so decided to attend the first evening's concert. This consisted of alternating carillon and live band performances on a pleasant evening with the park and gardens as a backdrop. The band started with a selection of marches which was followed by the Dutch-born director of the Rees Carillon, Carlo Van Ulft, performing a series of classical selections. The band then returned for another short session and then Lisa Lonie, the resident carillonneur at Princeton University and two Philadelphia area churches, performed. If you happen to be in the area when they have a concert, be sure to take it in - it is great music and a lot of fun.
3. Old State Capitol State Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 879 reviews
Painstakingly rebuilt after being disassembled in the 1960s, this Greek Revival masterpiece saw Lincoln serve as a lawyer and legislator. In 1858, Lincoln delivered his landmark "House Divided" speech in the Capitol's Representatives Hall.
Reviewed By 866TaylorB - Chicago, United States
For historians and curious tourists like, a trip to Springfield, Illinois, to visit the many sites associated with the life of Abraham Lincoln wouldn't be complete with a tour of the Old State Capitol State Historic Site. Located at 5th and Adams Streets in downtown Springfield, not far from Lincoln's home and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, it was constructed in the Green Revival style in 1937-1840 and served as Illinois' fifth capitol building from 1840 to 1876. It is easily recognizable for its large domed cupola and four massive columns at the front entrance. The building was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1961, primarily for Lincoln's association with political rival Stephen Douglas, and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1966. Walking through the halls, from chamber to chamber, from floor to floor, a visitor is struck by the historic events associated with the building...where Lincoln announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate in 1858 and for the presidency in 1860, where Barack Obama announced his candidacy for the presidency in 2007 and introduced Joe Biden as his vice-presidential running mate in 2008, where Lincoln served his final term as a state lawmaker in 1840-1841, where he pleaded cases as a lawyer before the State Supreme Court in 1841-1860, where he made his memorable House Divided speech in 1858 and where his body lay in state in 1865 prior to final burial in Springfield's Oak Ridge Cemetery. In fact, our knowledgeable tour guide informed us that Lincoln was one of nine Illinois lawmakers who led the effort to move the state capital from Vandalia to Springfield in 1837. In Springfield, Lincoln's foot prints are everywhere.
4. Oak Ridge Cemetery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 294 reviews
Lincoln's widow insisted the slain president be buried here, defying local leaders who wanted to erect a grand downtown memorial.
5. 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.
6. 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!
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. Illinois State Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 314 reviews
The Illinois State Museum focuses on the art, natural history, history and anthropology of the State of Illinois. Admission is $5 for adults ages 19-64. Children under 19, seniors over 64, veterans, and active duty military personnel are free.
Reviewed By RecRob
Give yourself several hours to enjoy this museum. Excellent displays and good for all ages. A clever use of multimedia too. I didn't visit the basement, but the main floor and 2nd floor kept us busy for several hours. I do wish they had a gift shop and a small cafe though. Museum gift shops are a great way to raise extra funds for the operation.
10. 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.
