Hidden Gems Places To Visit in Springfield, Illinois, United States
- 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..
- 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..
- 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..
- 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..
- 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
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..
- 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..
- 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..
- 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..
What's a Hidden gem?
We call places hidden gems that are new, extremely good, but are not that popular yet - you should check them out. The criteria is to have a rating of 4.5 or more and more than 20 reviews and less than 100 reviews.
