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The 15 Best Things to Do in Springfield Illinois | Fun Springfield Illinois Attractions

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Things to Do in Springfield, Illinois | Route 66 | Abraham Lincoln | USA
Attractions in Springfield, Illinois | Route 66 | Abraham Lincoln | USA
Things to Do in Springfield, Illinois | Route 66 | Abraham Lincoln | USA

Springfield is effectively referred to as the capital of Illinois and a preferred cease on Route 66.  Listed here are a number of the finest Springfield Illinois points of interest that you need to positively try on a go to to the world.

Springfield Illinois Sights

If you consider Springfield, you could effectively consider The Simpsons. Springfield, Illinois isn’t the house of the fictional TV characters but it was the house of somebody equally well-known: Abraham Lincoln.

There’s by no means been a greater time to go to the capital of Sangamon County, with the opening of the restored Illinois Governor’s Mansion in Springfield and the latest Illinois Bicentennial Celebrations. Try these enjoyable actions in Springfield Il. 

1. Lincoln Residence Nationwide Historic Web site

The one residence of Abraham Lincoln and his household, Lincoln Home National Historic Site has been restored to its authentic look. In-built 1860, it offers an enchanting perception into their home preparations. Free guided excursions of the house are led by Nationwide Park Service Rangers.

It’s not simply the home of Lincoln that’s value seeing right here, 12 surrounding buildings are additionally of historic curiosity. Usually, you’ll be able to watch individuals in costumes of the period enjoying conventional video games. They’ll even educate you the right way to play too!

  • Opening hours:  8.30 – 17.00 each day
  • Admission: Free
  • Tackle: 426 S. seventh Road. Springfield, IL 62701, USA
Springfield Illinois attractions: Abraham Lincoln family home

2. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum

Whether or not you’re a historical past buff or not, you’re positive to like Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum. There’s a replica of the White Home constructing because it appeared in 1861 and the Treasures Gallery which incorporates the night gloves that President Lincoln was carrying on the night time of his assassination.

You’ll additionally see a hand-written copy of the Gettysburg Tackle and the quill pen with which he signed the Emancipation Proclamation.

Youngsters will get pleasure from Mrs. Lincoln’s Attic, the place they will play with reproductions of historic toys, attempt on clothes of the time and get images with life-size fashions of the Lincoln household.

What actually units this museum aside is how the interactive shows and dwell actors convey the previous to life. We received’t spoil the shock for you however there’s some spectacular know-how at play together with holograms and different particular results.

  • Opening hours:  9.00 – 17.00 each day
  • Admission: price applies
  • Tackle: 212 N. sixth Road. Springfield, IL 62701, USA
Lincoln Presidential Museum in Springfield, Illinois

3. The Outdated State Capitol

This imposing constructing was accomplished in 1840 and is within the Greek Revival model. It was right here that President Abraham Lincoln gave his well-known speech, “A home divided towards itself can not stand…” in 1858.

Earlier than turning into the sixteenth President of the US, Abraham Lincoln was a lawyer and he tried many circumstances within the Supreme Courtroom right here.  After his assassination, his physique lay in state in Representatives Corridor. Over 75,000 individuals paid their respects on 3 and 4 Could 1865.

The educated guides on the Old State Capitol are dressed within the costumes of the time. They’ll reply all of your questions in regards to the constructing and its historical past.

  • Opening hours:  9.00 – 17.00 each day. Closed on New Yr’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, Presidents Day, Labor Day, Independence Day,  Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
  • Admission: By donation
  • Tackle: 1 Outdated State Capitol Plaza Springfield, IL 62701, USA

Abraham Lincoln statue, Springfield, Illinois

4. Illinois State Capitol

Inaugurated in 1888, this ornate constructing is as beautiful on the within as it’s from outdoors. A hanging mixture of Renaissance Revival and Second Empire kinds, it’s topped by a 405 foot glass dome.

The house of Illinois authorities, it’s additionally the place the place the primary Illinois legislative session was held in 1877.

Guided excursions happen each day and when legislature is in session, guests may watch from the balcony stage.

  • Opening hours: Monday – Friday: 8.00 – 16:30 pm; Saturday – Sunday: 9.00 – 15:30
  • Admission: Free
  • Tackle: 401 S. 2nd Road. Springfield, IL 62707, USA
Illinois State Capitol in Springfield

5. Lincoln Tomb

Abraham Lincoln’s remaining resting place is likely one of the most often visited historic cemeteries in the US. The monument was designed by famend sculptor Larkin Mead and accomplished in 1874. Many guests rub the nostril of the bronze bust for good luck.

Contained in the tomb, there’s a rotunda with corridors resulting in the burial chamber. Lincoln rests alongside his spouse Mary and all his kids besides his eldest son, who’s buried in Arlington Nationwide Cemetery.

  • Opening hours:  9.00 – 17.00 each day
  • Admission: Free
  • Tackle: 1500 Monument Ave., Oak Ridge Cemetery Springfield, IL 62702, USA
Lincoln Tomb, Springfield, Illinois
Lincoln Tomb

6. Dana Thomas Home

Frank Lloyd Wright was some of the well-known architects on the planet. You’ll be able to see his distinctive expertise on the Dana-Thomas Home in Springfield, Illinois.

Designed for socialite Susan Lawrence Dana in 1902, it’s a good looking instance of Prairie Model structure.

Dana House, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, Springfield, Illinois

Unfold over 12,000 sq. toes, with 16 various ranges and 35 rooms, the home has many distinctive options. There’s a bowling alley, barrel-vaulted gallery and ballroom in addition to a stroll in protected for Susan’s jewelry and valuables.

Guests can admire over 100 authentic oak furnishings items and 250 artwork glass doorways, panels and home windows. Nature is a significant focus, with a sumac motif taking centre stage within the eating room. There’s additionally a robust Japanese affect within the design of the home.

  • Opening hours:  Monday – Tuesday: 10.00 – 14.00; Wednesday – Sunday: 9.00 – 16.00
  • Admission: By donation
  • Tackle: 301 E. Lawrence Avenue. Springfield, IL 62703, USA
Dana Thomas house, Springfield

7. Cozy Canine Drive In

Springfield is thought for its Route 66 landmarks, and Cozy Canine Drive In is likely one of the hottest points of interest. This diner has been going robust since opening in 1949,  and is thought for its cozy canines.

These corn canines on a stick are made in accordance with a secret household recipe. The diner’s motto is Try ’em, You’ll Like ’em! and we positively assume you’ll do!

Cozy Canine Drive In can also be famend for its Route 66 memorabilia. Guests should purchase postcards which might be fantastically illustrated by the late artist Bob Waldmire, son of the founder, Ed Waldmire. Ed’s grandson carries on the household enterprise at the moment.

  • Tackle: 2935 S sixth Road, Springfield, IL 62703, USA
Cozy Dog Diner, Springfield, IL

8. Route 66 Motorheads Bar, Grill & Museum

This atmospheric bar at 600 Toronto Street, Springfield, has some cool motoring memorabilia suspended from the ceiling. They serve 18 completely different beers, 4 wines and 4 cocktails on faucet.

Motorheads, Springfield, Illinois

There’s additionally the Route 66 & Motor Museum, with many classic highway indicators and  Route 66 associated gadgets. You’ll be able to admire some high-quality classic automobiles like this Chevrolet. Motorheads is open from 7am, 7 days per week.

  • Tackle: 600 Toronto Street, Springfield, IL 62711, USA

Chevvy, Motorheads, Springfield

9. Route 66 Drive-In

Within the Summer time months in Springfield, don’t miss the quintessential American expertise, a drive-in film. Guests can park up, buy snacks from a stall  and watch a film whereas sitting within the consolation of their automotive.

10. Historic Route 66

In lots of components of the United States, the unique Route 66 now not exists. Nonetheless, you’ll be able to really drive on an outdated part of Route 66 in Auburn, Illinois. At Curran Street and Snell Street, there’s an authentic 1.4 mile stretch of Route 66, courting from 1931.

This iconic American highway is listed within the Nationwide Register of Historic Locations. There’s one thing magical about this pink brick highway, bordered by cornfields.

It’s positively an incredible place for a photograph, simply ensure that no automobiles are coming in both route.

You’ll discover Becky’s Barn at 5029 Snell Street . It’s a Route 66 data middle, vintage retailer and snack store with some attention-grabbing Route 66 memorabilia.

Historic Route 66, Auburn, Illinois

11. Route 66 Mom Street Pageant

Each September, Springfield hosts the Route 66 Mom Street Pageant. It’s a celebration of the golden age of Route 66, bringing collectively over 1,000 automobiles, 80, 000 guests , dwell music and good meals.

12. Enjoyable Actions in Springfield

13. Washington Park Botanical Backyard

Free to enter, this charming inexperienced house is unfold over 20 acres. There are 1800 plant species in 10 themed areas. The Conservatory has a 50 foot diameter glass dome with greater than 150 species of crops.

The Springfield Angel of Hope statue honors the lives of kids who’ve tragically handed away. You may also discover one of many largest carillons on the planet.

The Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon has 67 bronze bells that weigh a complete of 82,753 kilos. This Brutalist tower stands 132 toes excessive and was inaugurated in 1962.

  • Opening hours: Monday by means of Friday – Midday – 4:00 p.m | Saturday and Sunday Midday – 5:00 p.m.
  • Admission: free
  • Tackle: 1740 W Fayette Avenue, Springfield, IL 62704
Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon in Springfield Illinois
Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon – N9LXI, CC BY-SA 3.0, through Wikimedia Commons

14. Illinois State Museum

Telling the story of the individuals, land, and tradition of Illinois, this museum has its headquarters in Springfield. There are additionally branches in Lewistown and Lockport.

ISM-Springfield has a number of world-famous pure historical past reveals, along with an attention-grabbing array of artworks. There are common momentary reveals and a spread of academic applications.

  • Opening hours: Tuesday by means of Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m
  • Admission: free
  • Tackle: 502 S Spring Road, Springfield, IL 62706
The Illinois State Museum
Illinois State Museum – Visviva, CC0, through Wikimedia Commons

15. Henson Robinson Zoo

This not for revenue Springfield zoo is owned and run by Springfield Park District. Constructed on the shores of Lake Springfield, the zoo takes half in conservation efforts and analysis research.

There are over 80 species of native and unique animals and birds

  • Opening hours: April seventeenth to October thirty first, each day from 10 am to five pm with final admission at 4:30 pm.
  • Admission: $7 for adults, $5 for seniors and $5 for kids.
  • Tackle: 1100 E Lake Shore Drive, Springfield, IL 62712
A pink tailed hawk at Henson Robinson Zoo – Spivoney, CC BY-SA 4.0, through Wikimedia Commons

Eating places in Springfield

Guests to Springfield can discover could nice eating places, together with a number of underneath the banner Illinois Made. These are a collection of one of the best meals makers, breweries and eating places in Springfield Illinois.

From Curtis Orchard to Epiphany Farms and Jones Boy’s Markets, there’s a variety of artisan makers within the Springfield space. Listed here are a number of that we’ve personally tried and may extremely advocate:

Engrained – For native craft beers and attractive residence cooked meals, you’ll be able to’t beat Engrained at 1120 West Lincolnshire Blvd, Springfield. Established in 2013, they brew their award profitable beers on web site and in addition provide reasonably priced farm to desk meals.

Engrained Brewing
Engrained beers

Customized Cup – In the event you’re craving a espresso repair, then you definitely’ve come to the suitable place. Customized Cup are specialised in roast to order and small batch espresso. Their charming espresso retailer at 319 E Monroe St. additionally serves scrumptious do-it-yourself cookies.

Custom Cup Coffee

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The place to Keep in Springfield

The Wyndham Springfield City Centre is a really handy place to remain in Illinois. Positioned in Downtown Springfield on E. Adams Road, it’s top-of-the-line motels close to Springfield museums.

The Wyndham has spacious bedrooms and a big swimming pool and health centre. There’s a rooftop bar with nice views of the native space and in addition Nick & Nino’s Penthouse Steakhouse, a Springfield restaurant that’s well-liked with locals in addition to lodge company. 

Springfield, Illinois is a spot the place historical past actually comes alive. It’s to not be missed on a Route 66 road trip. Positioned in central Illinois, it’s simply reached from AltonPontiac, Heritage Corridor and in addition Chicago. Guests can fly in to close by St. Louis or Chicago, take an Amtrak practice or Greyhound bus or after all, drive alongside the well-known Route 66. 

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10 Fun Things to Do in Springfield Illinois including Lincoln's Home, the Cozy Dog Drive In and a Frank Lloyd Wright house | #Springfield | #Illinois | #USA | #Route 66
Enjoyable issues to do in Springfield Illinois

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