Are you planning a trip to Springfield Illinois soon? Looking for the best things to do in Springfield IL for a memorable trip?
If yes, then you have come to the right place. In this article, we will list some of the best places to visit in Springfield IL that you cannot miss.
The capital city, Springfield is one of the top places to visit in the Midwest for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts.
There are lots of amazing places to visit in Springfield Illinois such as the Dana-Thomas House, State Capitol, Washington Park, and more.
Did you know Springfield IL is also the home of Abraham Lincoln?
The 16th President of the United States lived here from 1837 until 1861 when he shifted to Washington. As a result, you will find many Lincoln-associated attractions here.
From the famous Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum to the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, there are lots of amazing things to do in this charming town of Illinois.
Especially if you wish to learn more about Lincoln.
Are you still unsure of what to do in Springfield IL? If yes, then keep reading to know more about the 10 best things to do in Springfield IL not to miss.
10 Best Things To Do in Springfield IL Not To Miss
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
Of course, when you are visiting the town of Lincoln, you cannot miss out on one of the most important tourist attractions in Springfield IL – the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.
There are two buildings at this Illinois tourist attraction which are connected by a skywalk.
The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library is a public research facility that features over 1,500 original documents signed by Lincoln.
That’s not all, you can also find here manuscripts, newspapers, books, and more here that can be used for research purposes.
At the museum, you can find numerous exhibits, interactive displays, etc. that show the key moments of Lincoln’s life.
From his childhood log cabin home in Kentucky to the reproduction of the White House of 1861, there is a lot to admire and learn in this museum.
Trust me, if you have always been fascinated with Abraham Lincoln’s life, then this is one of the top things to do in Springfield IL.
Recommended Hotel: President Abraham Lincoln – A Doubletree by Hilton Hotel
Check Price: Booking.com
Illinois State Capitol
One of the top places to visit in Illinois that resides in Springfield IL is the Illinois State Capitol.
As the state expanded, the old State Capitol couldn’t hold all the important sessions at a time. As a result, the new Illinois State Capitol was built in 1868.
The building is listed on the US National Register of Historic Places as it features beautiful French Renaissance-style architecture and a 405-foot glass dome.
It is the tallest building in central Illinois and looks stunning from both the inside and the outside.
Visitors can take a tour of the State Capitol to check out the Senate Chambers and the Illinois House.
This is one of the best and most accessible attractions in Springfield IL. You can enjoy a self-guided tour or plan a guided tour by reserving in advance.
This Midwest attraction is undoubtedly one of the top things to do in Springfield IL and why most people visit this beautiful town.
Recommended Hotel: La Quinta by Wyndham Springfield IL
Check Price: Booking.com
Lincoln Home National Historic Site
If you are looking for free things to do in Springfield IL for adults, then one of the best places to visit in Springfield is the Lincoln Home National Historic Site.
Did you know that this is the actual house where Lincoln lived before his Presidency?
Yes, you heard me right!
The Lincoln Home National Historic Site is the two-story home where Lincoln and his wife, Mary, lived from 1844 to 1861.
This museum is one of the best things to see in Illinois to learn about Lincoln’s early life.
It is a 12-room, Greek revival home. Visitors can enjoy a free ranger-led tour to learn more about the house and Lincoln.
This is one of the best things to do in Springfield IL for anyone who loves learning about Lincoln.
Recommended Hotel: Drury Inn & Suites Springfield
Check Price: Booking.com
Visiting The Old State Capitol Is One Of The Best Things To Do In Springfield IL
Another one of the top Illinois tourist attractions that you must visit is the Old State Capitol in Springfield IL.
This state capitol was used between 1839 and 1876. It played a major role in Abraham Lincoln’s political life as well.
Lincoln gave his legendary ‘House Divided’ speech in this building when he ran for the United States Senate.
That’s not all, he also served as the state legislator here and pleaded cases before the Supreme Court.
It is also the site where President Obama announced his candidacy in 2007.
One of the best places to see in Springfield IL, the Capitol was reconstructed in the 1960s. It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
If you aren’t into history, you can enjoy the Greek revival architecture of this building.
From stunning rotundas to libraries, to the Supreme Courtroom, you can get a glimpse of the time when Lincoln served here.
One of the best things to do in Springfield IL for adults is taking a 30-minute guided tour here. Explore the rooms to admire the architecture and learn about its significance.
Recommended Hotel: Pasfield House Historic Mansion
Check Price: Booking.com
Lincoln Park Is One Of The Best Things To Do In Springfield IL With Children
One of the best things to do in Springfield IL for children is playing in Lincoln Park.
This is one of the top Illinois tourist attractions for nature and adventure lovers. The park features a lot of facilities and activities for visitors to indulge in.
In the northern half of the park, there are playgrounds for different sports such as soccer, tennis, horseshoe, and more.
You can also find an outdoor swimming pool, two indoor ice rinks, a picnic area, and a large playground to enjoy.
On the southern side, there is a historic site on the hillside. Plus, a historic stone bridge connects to a beautiful lagoon.
You can also find trails around the park that are perfect for hiking, walking, bicycling, and more.
Trust me, if you wish to spend some time outdoors while being surrounded by nature, then one of the top places to visit in Springfield IL is Lincoln Park.
Recommended Hotel: Ramada by Wyndham Springfield North
Check Price: Booking.com
Lincoln Tomb & War Memorials
Another one of the top places to see in Springfield IL, Lincoln Tomb & War Memorials is the final resting place of Lincoln.
It is located at the Oak Ridge Cemetry. The tomb is the perfect place to pay respects to the 16th President and his family.
The memorial was designed by Larkin Goldsmith Mead and features Lincoln’s head on a pedestal. Visitors love to come here and rub the nose of the Lincoln statue for good luck.
There is a 117-foot-tall granite tomb that was built to accommodate Lincoln’s entire family even though they didn’t choose to get buried there.
The interiors are built using marble and you can find a rotunda and a burial room here.
When you are visiting the Oak Ridge Cemetry, you can also find memorials dedicated to the soldiers who served from WWII to the Vietnam War.
Recommended Hotel: Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Springfield, IL
Check Price: Booking.com
Dana Thomas House
For architecture lovers, one of the best tourist attractions in Springfield IL is the Dana Thomas House designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.
One of his early Prairie-style houses, Dana Thomas House was completed in 1904 and features around 35 rooms.
This Illinois tourist attraction was built for Susan Dana, a socialite who held events to host for intelligent discussions.
If you are looking for the best things to do in Illinois, take a tour of this house to learn more about its architecture and the man who designed it.
Marvel at the 250 art glass doors and windows, 100 pieces of Wright furniture, light fixtures, and more. Explore the barrel-vaulted dining room, walk-in vault, bowling room, and more here.
So, if you are looking for unique things to do in Springfield IL, then don’t forget to visit the Dana Thomas House.
Recommended Hotel: Best Western Clearlake Plaza
Check Price: Booking.com
Drive the Route 66
Are you searching for fun things to do in Springfield IL for families?
If yes, then one of the top things to do in Illinois is to drive on Route 66 which passes through Springfield Illinois as well.
There are lots of fun Route 66 attractions that you can explore in Springfield on your Route 66 road trip.
Watch a double feature at the Route 66 Drive-In Theatre as you visit or pass through Springfield IL.
This is a retro attraction and the best place to experience the old drive-in theatre feel in the Midwest.
Another thing you can do in Springfield on Route 66 is visit the Cozy Hog Drive-In for some delicious hot dogs.
If this isn’t enough, you can also attend one of the top Route 66-related events in Springfield IL.
International Route 66 Mother Road Festival is the place to check out 1000s of vintage cars and motorbikes from everywhere.
You can choose to learn about these vintage cars and motorcycles, indulge in some delicious food, or enjoy the lively music played during this event.
Recommended Hotel: Comfort Suites near Route 66
Check Price: Booking.com
Washington Park
For nature lovers, one of the best attractions in Springfield Illinois is the Washington Park Botanical Garden.
This tourist attraction features a greenhouse area along with a conservatory where tropical plants grow.
Visitors can enjoy the 5000-plant rose garden, an iris garden, outdoor cactus gardens, and more in this huge park.
This is also one of the best places to visit in Springfield IL for visually impaired visitors as they have a scent and texture garden for them to enjoy.
Washington Park Botanical Garden is a year-round attraction as it features both indoor and outdoor attractions.
Visitors can also attend the educational events in Springfield IL that are held in this botanical garden. Plus, free guided tours for groups of 10 or more are also available.
Due to the explosion of colors and scents, this park is one of the most fun things to do in Springfield IL for children.
Recommended Hotel: Inn at 835 Boutique Hotel
Check Price: Booking.com
Try the Horseshoe Sandwiches
If you are still wondering about what to do in Springfield IL, then one of the most unique things to do in Springfield IL is eating the famous Horseshoe Sandwich.
The sandwich was created by chef Joe Shweska at the Leland Hotel in Springfield Illinois in the 1920s.
Since then, it can be found in almost all menus throughout the town. However, if you want to taste it at its best, then you can always visit the Leland Hotel.
This open-faced sandwich is made using two pieces of toasted white bread, a hamburger patty, some French fries, and cheese sauce.
The thing that sets this sandwich apart is the cheese sauce that resembles a Welsh rarebit. It contains mustard, Worcestershire sauce, beer, and cayenne pepper.
Due to the ingredients, it is a great choice for a hearty meal in Springfield IL, especially with family.
Trust me, one of the top things to do in Springfield IL for families is eating the Horseshoe Sandwich. You can find it at all casual eateries in the town.
Recommended Hotel: Northfield Inn Suites and Conference Center
Check Price: Booking.com
Packing List When Looking For Things To Do In Springfield IL
If you will be traveling, either by plane or by car to Illinois here are some tips on how to pack lightly.
A concealed travel pouch may be one of the most important items you bring along when looking for Springfield attractions.
It is always important to protect your personal information. Identity thieves are everywhere.
This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors. It has lots of organization to give you peace of mind.
You can place it under your clothes next to your body to carry your ID safely.
If you have a pouch already that does not come with RFID protection, as I do, these RFID sleeves are the perfect solution.
This configuration comes with enough credit card sleeves that the entire family would be protected. They are slim too, so they will easily fit into your pouch or wallet.
If you are planning on taking a lot of pictures with your phone you will definitely want to consider an external charging battery.
This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.
It can be used on a variety of phones, not just an iPhone as I have. And wow is it fast!
My daughter gifted me with this FugeTek selfie stick and tripod setup for my birthday. I absolutely love it! It is made of lightweight aluminum and so easy to use.
It has Bluetooth connectivity and is a breeze to use for taking photos during your London activities.
You will want to bring your own refillable water bottle with you.
I never leave home on a trip without my Bobble filtration bottle. The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for hiking and it fits nicely in the pocket of a backpack.
The replaceable carbon filter ensures clean drinking water when you want it.
Then this collapsible silicone foldable water bottle would work well for you. Would not take up much space at all.
You will want a backpack or daypack with you to store snacks, your water bottle, phone, extra clothes, etc…. No matter the time of day or evening.
This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great.
It is very affordable and is available in many color options for you to choose from. The fact that it folds down into a zippered pouch will make it easy to pack.
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