Springfield, Illinois is the capital city of the state and is known as the Land of Lincoln. It offers an array of fun and interesting things to do in Springfield for everyone. The town is family-friendly and is great for a family, girlfriend getaway, or weekend visit.
This article is part of my Wander Like a Local series, where guest writers reveal the best-kept secrets, must-see spots, and unique experiences that only locals know. Discover hidden gems and authentic tips from those who call it home.
The featured image above is courtesy of Ryan Donnell for Meredith Corporation via Enjoy Illinois.
Have You Visited Springfield, Illinois?
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Lincoln Sites in Springfield, Illinois
Start with the early days when Lincoln was a young man, and proceed through his life in Springfield his hometown where he fell in love and raised a family. It was here in this Illinois capital city that he practiced law, and bought the only home he ever owned. After his assassination, Lincoln’s body came back to Springfield and he is now buried in Lincoln’s Tomb.
Lincoln’s New Salem
This is really where the Lincoln story begins in Illinois. Although outside of Springfield, this reconstructed village where Lincoln split rails, (supposedly) fell in love with Ann Rutledge, and opened his general store tells the story of his early adulthood. This is the perfect family stop with volunteers in period clothing and open areas where kids can roam and learn history through Lincoln’s eyes.
Edwards Place
While there are rumors of a romance between Ann Rutledge and Abraham Lincoln, it is Mary Todd that he married. Though a tumultuous romance, a bit of it took place at Edwards Place, which is the oldest house in Springfield on its original foundation. Abraham Lincoln celebrated many social events at Edwards Place. The owner of the home, Benjamin Edwards, was related to Ninian Edwards, who married Elizabeth Todd, Mary Todd Lincoln’s sister. There is the courting couch that Lincoln courted Mary Todd at this site.
Lincoln’s Home
One stop that is truly unique to Springfield is Abraham Lincoln’s home. While he lived in many places, this was the only house that Abraham Lincoln ever owned! He lived in the home from 1844 to 1861 before becoming president of the United States. The home and surrounding historic neighborhood are an Illinois Historic Site. The home offers new insight into our 16th President, showing him as a family man.
The Lincoln Herndon Law Office
While currently undergoing renovation, it is worth mentioning the office where Abraham Lincoln practiced law for about ten years. Seth Tinsley built a commercial building in the Greek Revival Architectural style around 1841 and Lincoln and his second law partner Stephen Logan moved in on the third floor above a federal courtroom. On the first floor was a post office. This is a place where Lincoln’s children often came to work with him and ran rampant through the rooms. While serving as a US Congressman, his partner William H. Herndon (1818-1891) maintained the practice. Until it opens, you can view the office in pictures, and a simile of the office is in the Visitor’s Center which is below the law office.
Old State Capitol
It’s fun to visit this beautiful property in downtown Springfield any time, but my personal favorite is at Christmas when it is decorated to the nines! This is where Lincoln gave his “A house divided against itself cannot stand…” speech prior to the Civil War. He tried cases in the Illinois Supreme Court here, and according to the website, “borrowed books from the state library, and read and swapped stories with other lawyers and politicians in the law library. This is the site where President Lincoln’s body lay in state from May 3rd-4th, 1865.
The Lincoln Depot
Lincoln’s Depot is where Honest Abe departed from Springfield when heading to Washington D.C. for the presidency. The Depot was opened in 1852 by The Great Western Railroad. He would never return to Springfield until his death when he arrived on the Funeral train. This is where on the rainy morning of February 11, 1861, Lincoln shared his farewell speech, Lincoln called upon God for guidance for the job he was taking on. Located just two blocks from the Lincoln home. On the side of the Depot is a beautiful mural of Lincoln giving his speech.
Lincoln’s Tomb
Lincoln’s final resting place is a place to honor the man who changed so many lives during his Presidency. While the site is historic, it is also fun to rub Lincoln’s nose on the bronze statue of Lincoln that stands before the tomb. This is the final resting place of Abraham Lincoln, his wife Mary, and three of their four sons: Edward, William, and Thomas (known as “Tad”).
You can’t visit Lincoln’s Tomb without making a stop at the temporary receiving vault that once held the bodies of President Abraham Lincoln and his sons Edward and William. They were placed here from December 1865 until September 1871. There are many stories and mysteries surrounding Lincoln. While many myths surround the man, one riveting true story is that in 1876 an attempt was made to steal his body and hold it for ransom. The culprits were caught, and as a result when the tomb was rebuilt thirty years later. They buried Lincoln under many feet of concrete.
Near the temporary tomb is a site I also enjoy: a tower called Melodies and Chime, built to preserve Abraham Lincoln’s memory. A bronze plaque states that this structure was erected in 1900.
The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum and Library
Perhaps the crown jewel of the Lincoln sites in town is the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. In this interactive museum, all aspects of Lincoln’s life are covered. They touch on the cabin where he grew up, to his courtship with Mary Todd. Then close with his political career and death. This museum is really for children in fourth grade and up unless you only visit the boyhood cabin and youth area. The museum has an amazing theater, an ever-changing Illinois exhibit, and a fun gift shop.
The Illinois State Fair Museum
If you are in town during the Illinois State Fair, you might like to see Abraham Lincoln’s hearse at the State Fair Museum. P.J. Staab of Staab’s Funeral Home made a replica of the hearse that carried Lincoln to his final resting place at Oak Ridge Cemetery, for the 2015 Lincoln Funeral Re-enactment that took place in Springfield.
Historic Mansions to Visit in Springfield, Illinois
Historic homes in Springfield offer insight into the history, culture, art and architecture that is part of the Springfield fabric. In these lovely homes you can view the Prairie style architecture of a young Frank Lloyd Wright, the poetry of Vachel Lindsay, and history of the Governor’s Mansion, and one of Springfield’s first settlers.
The Dana Thomas House
Famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright built an amazing house in Springfield for socialite Susan Lawrence Dana in 1902. The home is an amazing display of Wright’s design and is filled with furniture he created for the house. The home is the 72nd building designed by Wright and was his first “blank check” commission. With 35 rooms in the 12,000 square feet of living space there is even a bowling alley in the basement. This home is also amazing at Christmas!
Sage Advice: If you are road tripping between St. Louis and Chicago, Springfield, Illinois, is a great place to stop.
The Illinois Governor’s Mansion
Both the Illinois Governor’s Mansion and the grounds are worth a tour. I haven’t seen the renovations but learned that Michael S. Smith, interior designer for the Obama White House, recently redecorated the Illinois Governor’s Mansion in collaboration with First Lady MK Pritzker.
This is the 3rd-oldest state governor’s residence in the United States and the oldest gubernatorial residence in the Midwest. Designed by architect John Mills van Osdel, the Mansion was constructed in 1855. Reservations are required to visit.
Vachel Lindsay Home
The home of the famous poet Vachel Lindsay, who was born and lived in Springfield is open for tour. The poet’s home was purchased by his father in 1878 and in 1893 they added a rear addition. The home’s first floor includes an entry hall, two parlors, a library, a dining room, a kitchen, a bathroom, and a pantry. The second floor includes a central hall, sewing room, five bedrooms, bathroom, and trunk room.
Elijah Iles Home
Built in 1837, this is the oldest home in Springfield. Elijah Iles was one of the first four men to establish the city. Check on hours, with Visit Springfield. This is a very cool house to tour if you enjoy historical homes.
Museums in Springfield, Illinois
There is a great variety of museums in Springfield. The military museum appeals to anyone interested in military history, and machines, while the Illinois State Museum offers insight into Illinois nature, early history and more. The Ace Sign Museum is a beautiful walk through Springfield’s history through its advertising.The neon signs are works of art.
Illinois State Military Museum
The Illinois State Military Museum is all about preserving the heritage of the Illinois National Guard. Outside, kids will enjoy some of the BIG equipment. Located on Camp Lincoln, this building is the former Camp Lincoln’s Commissary-Building, or “Castle”. It is the oldest permanent building on site. On their website, they share what you find here. “The exhibit includes rare items such as the artificial leg of Mexican General Santa Anna, a target board shot at by President Lincoln, as well as vehicles, weapons, uniforms, equipment, and photographs. The Citizen-Soldier exhibit features the military experiences of famous Illinois soldiers such as Carl Sandburg, Robert McCormick, John A. Logan, and Abraham Lincoln.”
Illinois State Museum
This fun museum is always changing so each visit to me is different. With extensive collections, the museum literally tells the story of the land, life, people, and art of Illinois. This is a great museum for all ages.
Kidzeum
A kid-only museum, you must have a child along to enter this fun place designed for the small fry. This huge science museum for children offers a learning adventure where kids learn about health as they journey through a body and see how the brain, spine, nose, heart, lungs, and digestive system work!
Ace Sign Company Museum
If you want to look back at Springfield’s history and love neon, this is the place to go. This sign company has compiled a free museum filled with history through local advertising.
Parks and Gardens in Springfield, Illinois
Springfield offers open spaces for kids of all ages. Lincoln Memorial Gardens and Washington Park has a nice array of trails with the Gardens a more natural setting, and Washington Park more ornamental. Both offer fun things to see and do. Knights Action Park is a play day for any outdoor or sport slover.
Lincoln Memorial Gardens
One of my favorite places in Springfield, Lincoln Memorial Gardens is a beautiful park filled with Midwestern plants and wooded paths that are lovely during any season. Famous landscape architect Jens Jensen designed the gardens dedicated to Abraham Lincoln. Families can enjoy traversing the trails and visiting the visitor’s center, which is filled with educational displays. Located along Lake Springfield, this is a great place for kids of all ages.
Washington Park
A carillon festival is held at this beautiful park, which houses the 12-storey-high Rees Carillon, named for Senator Thomas Rees. Visitors can tour the carillon and get a bird’ s-eye view from the balcony, plus glimpse the 67 bells that make up the framework for the music played. There is also a rose garden, paths to walk, a lovely conservatory, and a few statues to view.
Knight’s Action Park
Last year I took the grandkids to this fun amusement park to play putt golf, but there is so much more to do. The park has the Big Wheel, driving range, water slide, and a lazy river to name a few of the fun things to do. It is a kid’s paradise.
Dining in Springfield, Illinois
Springfield has a wide array of dining options. While there are many wonderful chains, I prefer some of the mom-and-pop selections. If you have never had a horseshoe, (meat of any kind) over toast topped with French fries and cheese sauce, I dare you to try one! A couple of years ago my granddaughter suggested I do a poll and see what restaurants the family and friend favorites were. Here is what they came up with. One favorite has closed, and another is not a mom and pop, so I narrowed the list down.
Number one Darcy’s Pint, which is advertised as a “cozy neighborhood bar featuring authentic Irish fare”. Then there is the Old Lux steakhouse that dates to my dating days! The filet and lobster and shrimp are mainstays of this wonderful place along with baked potatoes with chive sauce.
Coz’s Pizza & Pub, this is a fun pizza place that also caters. Westwood’s Lodge offers a wide selection even of “wild” pickings. Findlay’s Tap House is a place where I have found the best Fish and Chips ever! Charlie Parkers, located in a Quonset hut with 1950’s decor, has a great breakfast and fun lunches. They offer the BIGGEST pancakes ever. Saputo’s Italian, and Chesapeake Seafood House also rank up with our favorites as well as the Springfield Carriage House and Incredibly Delicious.
The Cozy Dog Drive-In is a Route 66 stop and where the cozy dog was first invented!
For information on coming to Springfield, I recommend stopping in and contacting Visit Springfield Illinois for information about times, openings, and lodging options!
The Wrap Up
Whether you are looking for Abraham Lincoln Presidential history, a bit of art, or a chance to try a new type of cuisine, like the horseshoe, Springfield really is a city with something for everyone. Come for the history, stay for the art and parks, and return for those things you didn’t have time for!
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