Top Things to do in Illinois
Top Hotels in Illinois
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What to do and see in Illinois, United States: The Best Government Buildings
Discover the best top things to do in Illinois, United States including Cherry Valley Village Hall, Metamora Courthouse, Maxwell Street Station, Old State Capitol State Historic Site, Illinois State Capitol, Rock Island Arsenal, Mount Pulaski Courthouse State Historic Site, Lincoln County Illinois Courthouse, Naval Station Great Lakes, Chicago City Council.
Restaurants in Illinois
1. Cherry Valley Village Hall
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Located one mile east of the I-39 / US Bypass 20 East interchange. Cherry Valley Village Hall is open Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm. Closed on holidays. Lobby offers wide variety of maps and visitor information related to attractions within North Western Illinois. Rest rooms and drinking fountain.
2. Metamora Courthouse
3. Maxwell Street Station
4. 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.
5. 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!
6. Rock Island Arsenal
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 109 reviews
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, America's largest government-owned arsenal is located on a 946-acre island in the Mississippi River.
Reviewed By jandsminerals - Brown Deer, United States
The check-in process was fairly quick, however,it was the middle of the week. Hubby was stationed at the arsenal 50 years ago and we always wanted to go back to visit and did just that this summer. There is a lot of history on the island. There are two cemeteries on the island. The National Cemetery was not only beautiful, but the displays were interesting to just walk through. There was also a confederate cemetery dating back to the civil war. We were able to drive most places on the island and really enjoyed the views of the Mississippi River. Some of the old buildings were absolutely beautiful including quarters #1 which we understand is the 2nd largest government owned residence behind the White House. If traveling in the area, it is worth a few hours to look around. There is also an area devoted to old artillery that is kept up beautifully. On our visit there was a young man actually repainting the old tanks.
7. Mount Pulaski Courthouse State Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By raynee11 - Springfield, United States
This is a beautifully decorated State Historic Site, cared for with the help of its foundation. You can step back into the late 1800’s with all of the period decor and walk on the original floor Abraham Lincoln walked on. Great site for Abraham Lincoln fans and history buffs. Looking for Lincoln National Heritage Area stamps are available for your passport books. Tours last approximately 30 minutes.
8. Lincoln County Illinois Courthouse
9. Naval Station Great Lakes
10. Chicago City Council
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