10 Best Things to Do in Springfield, Illinois

At the Lincoln Memorial Garden and Nature Center in Springfield, Illinois, there’s an air of natural peace and tranquility. Located by the scenic shores of Lake Springfield, this charming garden presents winding trails through native prairie, woodlands, and wetlands. If you’re a nature enthusiast or a photographer, you’ll find plenty of fascinating seasonal blooms and diverse wildlife to capture your interest, and all visitors can enjoy soaking up the calm atmosphere of this retreat. 

The Nature Center features engaging exhibits and educational programs designed to enrich your visit in every season. Whether you're seeking relaxation, education, or adventure, Lincoln Memorial Garden offers a serene escape into nature's beauty. 

Follow in presidential footsteps at the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, where Abraham Lincoln lived for 17 years. This well-preserved family home offers insight into the life of one of America’s beloved presidents. Enjoy a stroll through the historic neighborhood before you explore the period-furnished rooms of the Lincoln home, including the formal parlor, bedrooms, dining room, kitchen, and the hired help’s room. 

As you wander through history, you’ll discover Lincoln's journey from local lawyer to national leader in the very place where his remarkable story emerged. Engaging exhibits and knowledgeable guides bring the past to life. Tour tickets are free on a first-come-first-served basis, so you might want to grab them early. 

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum offers an engaging and comprehensive look at the life and legacy of America’s 16th president. On your visit to the museum in downtown Springfield, you’ll be surrounded by immersive exhibits that recreate pivotal moments in Lincoln's life, including wax figures, scavenger hunts, and multimedia presentations, all providing fascinating historical detail. Check out the holographic and special effects theaters to see the past unfolding before your eyes. 

The library houses an extensive collection of rare artifacts, documents, and books for deeper exploration. Whether you’re a history buff or visiting with family and friends, you’ll uncover educational, inspiring, and carefully preserved resources. 

The Illinois State Capitol is an ornate domed building at the heart of Illinois government. The grandeur of the domed exterior is reflected in the equally impressive interior, and you can explore its elegant chambers, marble floors, and historical artifacts that highlight the state's rich history. 

It’s free to enter the building, and it’s worth joining a tour, where you’ll be shown the House of Representatives and the Supreme Court, as well as stunning artwork, memorials, and statues on four floors. When the legislature is in session, you can watch Illinois politics in progress from a vantage point of balcony seating. 

The Old State Capitol State Historic Site was the 5th capitol building constructed for Illinois and the 1st to be located in Springfield. This Greek Revival-style construction functioned as the state house from 1840 to 1876 and was lovingly restored during the 20th century, apart from the enduring original stonework of the outer wall. 

When the building is open to visitors, you can tour the halls and view magnificent period details, memorabilia, and exhibits, including the desk that Lincoln himself would have used. Even when viewed from afar in downtown Springfield, you’ll marvel at the grand architecture as you admire the place where Abraham Lincoln delivered his famous “House Divided” speech, and where he later lay in state. 

Edwards Place Historic Home was built in 1833, remodeled in 1857, and freshly restored in 2015. In its heyday, it was the site of many dinner parties, banquets, summer picnics, and political rallies attended by socially prominent citizens, judges, and politicians. When you view the Italianate mansion on its lush grounds, you can almost hear the clinking glasses and lively chatter. 

Enjoy an informative guided tour of the newly restored floors and view the authentic period furniture, including the “Lincoln Courting Couch” where Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd’s romance blossomed, and the piano that was reportedly played at their wedding. You can book a private tour if you give 7 days’ notice or join one of the regular public tours. 

The Illinois State Fairgrounds Route 66 Experience is an entertaining and educational exhibit that’s open for self-guided tours at all hours. You’ll find it inside Gate 2 on the corner of Route 66 and Sangamon Avenue, and it’s a fabulous place to pay tribute to the iconic highway. Also, look out for frequent special events, like car shows, art and history exhibitions, brewing events, and the Illinois State Fair. 

At this attraction within the vast Illinois State Fairgrounds, you can discover highlights of businesses based along Route 66, from Chicago to the Chain of Rocks Bridge in Madison. You’ll take in vintage billboards, a drive-in movie theater, and neon signs. 

When you visit Dana-Thomas House, you’ll be immediately struck by the unique and inspiring Frank Lloyd Wright architecture. Susan Lawrence Dana was a progressive-minded heiress and philanthropist who was famous for her hospitality as well as her commitment to education and democracy, and this extraordinary house was designed for her in 1902. 

Join a free guided tour of the house to discover fascinating snippets of history as you admire the beautiful art glass windows, inviting fireplaces, original murals, and stunning Wright-designed furnishings. You’ll feel like you’ve entered a different world. Watch out for the many surprises you’ll encounter as you explore, especially in the basement. It’s best to reserve your place on the tour in advance, as spaces are limited. 

The Lincoln Tomb, in Oak Ridge Cemetery at the northern edge of Springfield, is the final resting place of Abraham Lincoln, his wife, and 3 of their sons. It’s a serene and reflective place to visit, and you can enjoy a peaceful stroll through the hilltop grounds before you explore the monument on your own or on a free guided tour. 

At the entrance to the tomb, you’ll see a bronze bust of Lincoln with a particularly shiny nose. If you’d like to, you can join past visitors in rubbing the statue’s nose for good luck. There are smaller but equally impressive sculptures inside the tomb, including a replica of the giant seated Lincoln statue in Washington DC. 

The Washington Park Botanical Garden is one of the most popular parks in Springfield, with rolling hills, tall trees, wooded sections, deep ravines, and 2 artificial lagoons. On your visit, you can admire a vast collection of beautiful plants, featuring over 1800 species, as well as a cactus garden, peony collection, rose garden, shade garden, and Roman garden, among many other horticultural delights.

The park is also a great place for hiking, running, picnics, and other activities, including tennis and paddle tennis. If you’re visiting with children, don’t miss the large playground to the west or the ducks and geese in the pond. This is a perfect place to relax, unwind, and admire nature’s beauty.