Things to do & places to visit in Springfield, Illinois, United States

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.

Springfield city in Illinois, United States. Timezone: America/Chicago, current date and time: Saturday, April 27, 2024, 10:15.

Top things to do (26)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (4.552 reviews)
- So impressive!
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Libraries • History Museums

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.) See more..
5.0 Dana-Thomas House (1.168 reviews)
- Historic Frank Lloyd Wright home
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Historic Sites

95+% original Frank Lloyd Wright house only blocks from the Illinois State capital building. The state-landmark house is a living museum of the socialite Mrs. Dana. She paid Wright a lot for the design a little over 100 years ago. The home is filled with original furniture design by Mr. Wright that takes you back to his original concept. Lots of art glass as well. You need to make reservations online because they only have a few guided tours a day - takes about an hour. Our tour guide was great! See more..
5.0 Edwards Place Historic Home (100 reviews)
- Interesting and educational
Historic Sites

The tour guide was excellent. She was full of information and her presentation was very good. I love history so enjoyed it from that perspective. My wife loves old homes with unique furniture and architecture and she enjoyed it from that perspective. Glad we chose to visit. See more..
5.0 Rees Memorial Carillon (61 reviews)
- Do the Tour!!
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Do the tour! The tour of the Carillon’s is about 30 minutes and you learn about how they’re played and how they came to be and how they’re made. Then if you can stay or come back for the concert when they play, it’s worth it. The concert is about another 30 minutes and sounds just wonderful. There are places to sit and relax and geese to feed too. The tour costs a nominal amount but listening to the Carillons is free. See more..
5.0 Elijah Iles House (22 reviews)
- The oldest residence in Springfield!
Architectural Buildings

My family and I arrived just in time to see "Mr. Lincoln" walking a small group of visitors from the Lincoln Home National Historic Site to the Elijah Iles House. We caught up to their walking tour on the way to the House. "Mr. Lincoln" was a delight as he talked to us about the town and our destination: The Elijah Iles House. Once inside, we proceeded to the lower level for a talk about historical events during his Presidency-- in character! The staff even provided refreshments (cookies and lemonade) while we sat and listened. "Mr.Lincoln" graciously posed for pictures with me and my family. What a delightful experience! See more..
5.0 Hoogland Center for the Arts (21 reviews)
- Watching a friend in the theater
Theaters

Love the cozy feel of the space and the fact that all the seats are good seats. Wonderful show that night. Tick Tick Boom. See more..
5.0 Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception (10 reviews)
- Beautiful and Serene
Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Churches & Cathedrals

An absolutely beautiful church. I think the monsignor finally retired, but I used to really enjoy when he celebrated mass. See more..
5.0 Southwind Park (9 reviews)
- All the flowers!
Parks • Playgrounds

Family gathering in the pavilions was what brought me to the park. After driving from dry, burnt, Colorado the flowers and and trees were beautiful! There were many people playing their Pokemon go game and really enjoying their time outdoors. I had to join and learn all about this game. Not quite my thing but they were happy to help me work it out. This place is well maintained. Giant! You would not know there were hundreds of people there that day with how big the place is. Absolutely beautiful too. Go for a walk, hang out at the pond, play on the playground, have a picnic, play horseshoes, shuffle board, Frisbee, or Pokemon go. Just get out and enjoy! See more..
4.5 Lincoln Home National Historic Site (2.856 reviews)
- Great NHS but it's a school group magnet
Saturday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites • History Museums

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. See more..
4.5 Lincoln Tomb & War Memorials (1.979 reviews)
- Beautiful…. and still sad
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks

We took our kids on a field trip, and the day we ended up here it was lightly drizzling, and overcast…fitting. It was empty and quiet. You are able to tour the building yourself, including where the majority of the family is laid to rest. It felt almost personal and emotional all alone inside. Such an amazing memory made with my kids! See more..
4.5 Old State Capitol State Historic Site (904 reviews)
- Surprise inside tour.
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites • Government Buildings

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. See more..
4.5 Illinois State Capitol (687 reviews)
- Impressive Building
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Government Buildings

Historic Greek Revival building that serves as Illinois' State Capitol and was the site of many cases tried by Abraham Lincoln. See more..
4.5 Illinois State Museum (323 reviews)
- Great museum, free admission
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Natural History Museums • Science Museums • Art Museums • History Museums

The Illinois State Museum inspires exploration of Illinois' past and present to inform and enrich everyday life and to promote stewardship of cultural and natural resources for the future. The Museum's extensive collections and research activities provide the foundation for exhibitions and public programs that tell the story of the land, life, people, and art of Illinois. The Illinois State Museum is headquartered in Springfield, with branch facilities near Lewistown and Lockport. See more..
4.5 Lincoln Memorial Garden (144 reviews)
- Great Place for a Pleasant Walk in Nature
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas

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. See more..
4.5 Camp Butler National Cemetery (93 reviews)
- Peaceful and Heartache
Saturday: Cemeteries

I Have Several Loved Ones Buried At Camp Butler. And Miss them All So Very Much. I Like to take my time when I am there. It’s So Very Peaceful. The Grounds are Well taken care of. And if some one comes by they speak. If workers are around they try to let you have your time to yourself. I have been coming to Camp Butler since I was a child with my Grandma after my Grandpa Passed away. That was so many years ago. I Enjoy Seeing all the Graves During the Hoildays. The Wreathes are so Pretty. I want to Say a Big Thank You To Everyone that Works At Camp Butler. God Bless You All. Susie Weitzel Larson See more..
4.5 Washington Park Botanical Gardens (93 reviews)
- Washington Park Botanical Garden Springfield Il
Saturday: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM Gardens

Garden consisting of 9,000 square feet of greenhouse area and a conservatory featuring more than 150 species of tropical plants. See more..
4.5 Illinois State Military Museum (78 reviews)
- Short visit
Saturday: 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM Military Museums

This is a small museum less than a hour to take a look at all the exhibits. We enjoyed it as a nice stop. The staff member on site was very friendly and helpful. The building itself was nice and unique. It was like a mini castle. See more..
4.5 Washington Park (77 reviews)
- Relaxing Visit
Spent 1-2 hours Parks • Hiking Trails • Playgrounds

I visited Washington Park after a busy day sightseeing in Springfield. I walked around the gazebo and other areas before heading out to pick up dinner. Then I ordered carry out so I could eat it in the park on a bench. It was a very relaxing dinner! (There are ample parking spots and trash cans.) I walked around the Rose Garden, the Angel of Hope memorial, and the outside of the Botanical Gardens before the half hour carillon concert. More details are on their Facebook page. The park was filled with locals and the trails were in use by many. See more..
4.5 The Lincoln Home Visitor Center (66 reviews)
- Reopened as of June 11, 2021
Saturday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour History Museums

The Lincoln Home Visitor Center has reopened as of June 11, 2021 when the state of Illinois reopened. Inside, the rangers will print you a ticket for later in the day. The building opens at 8:30am and the first tour is at 8:45am. Their Facebook page is also a good source of information. Normally, you pay for parking in their lot but they said it is currently free. Inside the Visitor Center are maps and guidebooks for other local activities as well as a few small exhibits that only take a few minutes to view. There is also a film about Lincoln (I did not see). There are also clean bathrooms here. Make sure you pick up their map/guide for the Lincoln home since it is very detailed. See more..
4.5 Ergadoozy Creative Play Center (36 reviews)
- So much fun!
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Playgrounds

Ergadoozy is a creative play center for kids 12 & under. We have 2 creative play spaces set up for exploration of various toys. A 5 level jungle climber with tubes & slides gives a chance to run off steam. There is also a projection game room, where children play active games on the floor. The foamball shooter room is fun for the older kids. Entry fee is a day pass. See more..
4.5 Springfield Visitors Center (26 reviews)
- Helpful visit
Saturday: Spent < 1 hour Visitor Centers

Springfield Visitors Center is located on the first floor of the Lincoln-Herndon Law Office across from the Old State Capitol. Stop by to find all the information you need to help create your legendary experience in Springfield.One of our travel experts is available to help you with any of your questions. Parking passes are available for metered parking spaces – just ask! While you are there, be sure to see the installation of the Lincoln-Herndon Law Office as well as the U.S. Post Office, which was located in the building from 1841-1849. We are excited to share our new space with you and highlight all Springfield has to offer travelers to the Capital of Illinois. See more..
4.5 Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Museum (26 reviews)
- Serious Civil War history!
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Military Museums • Speciality Museums

Our collection includes relics of the Civil War but highlights the membership and work done by the Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) and their auxiliary, the Woman's Relief Corps (W.R.C.). Visitors to the museum receive a brief description of what the museum is and what you will see. You have the option to view the displays and read the interpretive panels on your own or receive a guided tour complete with additional descriptions and more in-depth commentary. Depending on the date of your visit, special exhibits may be on display. There is no entry fee but the Museum receives no City, State or Federal funding and relies entirely on the membership of the WRC and the donations of visitors. See more..
4.5 Buzz Bomb Brewing Co (11 reviews)
- Best Brewery!
Breweries

The quality and variety of the beer here is exceptional. They aren’t afraid to brew traditionally and with a twist. New taps regularly with customer favs like Barfight Brown Ale and a few with a twist like Orange Whip. Plus the decor is great with an industrial meets Springfieldian chill vibe. The staff is super knowledgeable and even Cicerone Certified...so you get the “Sommelier of Beer” when deciding what to order. We like Buzz Bomb so much we held my Mom’s 70th Birthday Party here a couple of years back. They have a fantastic upstairs and since we live out of town they were tremendous with arrangements for food from Cafe Moxo across the street and music. These folks are friendly too. Buzz Bomb is not to missed when in town. See more..
4.0 Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices State Historic Site (253 reviews)
- Nothing outstanding but still a fun, quick stop.
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites

Built in 1840, this building is where Abraham Lincoln maintained working law offices. See more..
4.0 Illinois Governor's Mansion (128 reviews)
- Open for Tours- Do it! INCREDIBLE!
Saturday: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Historic Sites • Government Buildings

The Illinois Governor's Mansion has been home to Illinois governors and their families since 1855. It is the third oldest continuously occupied governor’s mansion in the United States and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. Over the years, Illinois governors have hosted U.S. presidents, ambassadors, and most importantly, generations of Illinois residents at the People’s House. The Mansion has just completed a spectacular, privately funded 3-year renovation. More than a renewal of building and landscape, its purpose has been reimagined. It is now a place where visitors can glimpse Illinois history, witness its artistic side, and experience its long-heralded hospitality.The Governor's Mansion is ADA accessible. Please visit our website to schedule your tour. See more..
4.0 Great Western Depot (80 reviews)
- Real American History - A Must Stop
Saturday: Historic Sites

This is where Lincoln departed Springfield and headed to DC - it is full of Presidential history. We went by, found a parking spot, and took some photos - they have two free flyers on a sign out front and it is, as you would expect, literally next to the train tracks. There is a cool sign on the building next door which also makes a good photo. If you are into Presidential history, this is a must visit. Go Enjoy! See more..
4.0 The BOS Center (41 reviews)
- Great Venue for the Capital City
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Convention Centers

Prairie Capital Convention Center or PC3 in downtown Springfield is a venue home to a variety of events. It hosts everything from graduations, concerts, basketball games, and conventions. The University of Illinois basketball team played five games here in 2015. The PCCC went through a major renovation in 2014. It has a great layout for concerts. Recently, Chris Stapleton played in front of a sold out crowd. It is a great place for events in Springfield. See more..
3.5 Henson Robinson Zoo (153 reviews)
- Great for Kids
Zoos

More than 300 animals from Africa, Asia, Australia, North and South America call this popular zoo home. See more..
3.5 Knight's Action Park & Caribbean Water Adventure (130 reviews)
- Knight’s Action Park Again, Does not Dissapoint
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM Amusement & Theme Parks • Water Parks

We’ve been coming to KAP for years and it never disappoints. Lots of stuff to do for little kids and big kids. Wednesday is the best day to go, BOGO with a County Market receipt! My kids, ages 15 and 24, like just about everything. I only do the lazy river, wave pool and adult pool. It would be nice if they offered shade over the lounge chairs next to the zero depth entry pool. People move those all over to find shade. The restrooms were clean when we first arrived early but were really dirty and no toilet paper or soap in the ladies restroom by closing time. Restroom checks all day would be nice. The new bar is nice. They have several offerings including strawberry daiquiris and margaritas. My daiquiri was $6.75 but had a fair amount of alcohol. Overall a fun place! See more..
3.5 White Oaks Mall (43 reviews)
- A Resurgence?
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 9:30 PM Shopping Malls

We visited this mall while in town about a year ago and while it was nice, this trip seemed more energetic and vibrant. A very nice store selection, very clean and bright. See more..