4 Star Places To Visit in Springfield, Illinois, United States (19)

1. 4.5 Lincoln Home National Historic Site (2.856 reviews)
   - Great NHS but it's a school group magnet
   Friday: 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..
   
2. 4.5 Lincoln Tomb & War Memorials (1.979 reviews)
   - Beautiful…. and still sad
   Friday: 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..
   
3. 4.5 Old State Capitol State Historic Site (904 reviews)
   - Surprise inside tour.
   Friday: 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. 4.5 Illinois State Capitol (687 reviews)
   - Impressive Building
   Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 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..
   
5. 4.5 Illinois State Museum (323 reviews)
   - Great museum, free admission
   Friday: 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..
   
6. 4.0 Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices State Historic Site (253 reviews)
   - Nothing outstanding but still a fun, quick stop.
   Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites
   
   
   Built in 1840, this building is where Abraham Lincoln maintained working law offices. See more..
   
7. 4.5 Lincoln Memorial Garden (144 reviews)
   - Great Place for a Pleasant Walk in Nature
   Friday: 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..
   
8. 4.0 Illinois Governor's Mansion (128 reviews)
   - Open for Tours- Do it! INCREDIBLE!
   Friday: 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..
   
9. 4.5 Camp Butler National Cemetery (93 reviews)
   - Peaceful and Heartache
   Friday: 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM 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..
   
10. 4.5 Washington Park Botanical Gardens (93 reviews)
    - Washington Park Botanical Garden Springfield Il
    Friday: 12:00 PM - 4:00 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..
    
11. 4.0 Great Western Depot (80 reviews)
    - Real American History - A Must Stop
    Friday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM 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..
    
12. 4.5 Illinois State Military Museum (78 reviews)
    - Short visit
    Friday: 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..
    
13. 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..
    
14. 4.5 The Lincoln Home Visitor Center (66 reviews)
    - Reopened as of June 11, 2021
    Friday: 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..
    
15. 4.0 The BOS Center (41 reviews)
    - Great Venue for the Capital City
    Friday: 9:30 AM - 5:00 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..
    
16. 4.5 Ergadoozy Creative Play Center (36 reviews)
    - So much fun!
    Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 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..
    
17. 4.5 Springfield Visitors Center (26 reviews)
    - Helpful visit
    Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM 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..
    
18. 4.5 Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Museum (26 reviews)
    - Serious Civil War history!
    Friday: 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..
    
19. 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..