10 Top Rated Things to Do in Springfield, Illinois
Photograph by Daniel Schwen, via Wikimedia Commons
Lincoln Home
#1 in Best Top 10 Places to Visit in Springfield
Lincoln Home National Historic Site preserves Abraham Lincoln home where he lived from 1844 to 1861. The historic site known as presidential memorial includes the four blocks surrounding the home and a visitor center. There are several other structures within the area including Dean House and the Arnold House that are open to visitors. The first tour of Lincoln Home begins at 9am, with the last tour beginning at 4:30pm.
Photograph by Rogerd, via Wikimedia Commons
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
#2 in Best Top 10 Places to Visit in Springfield
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is located in the state capital of Springfield, Illinois. It is one of the most visited presidential libraries. The museum documents the life of the 16th U.S. President, Abraham Lincoln. The Lincoln Presidential Library is a research library which houses books, papers and artifacts related to Lincoln's life and the American Civil War. The museum plaza has life-size figures of Lincoln's family welcoming visitors with the White House as a backdrop. Museum collection include pictures, artifacts and other memorabilia related to key events in Lincoln's life.
Photograph by David Jones, via Wikimedia Commons
Lincoln Tomb
#3 in Best Top 10 Places to Visit in Springfield
The Lincoln Tomb located in Oak Ridge Cemetery is the final resting place of the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln , his wife Mary, and three of their four sons: Edward, William, and Thomas. The site also has public receiving vault, where final funeral services were held for President Lincoln. The granite tomb has base that is 72 feet square with large semi-circular projections on the north and south sides. Double sets of stairs lead to a terrace, above which rises the 117-foot-tall obelisk.
Photograph by Teemu008, via Wikimedia Commons
Dana Thomas House
#4 in Best Top 10 Places to Visit in Springfield
Dana-Thomas House is a historic site designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright in 1902 for Susan Lawrence Dana, a forward-thinking socialite living in Springfield, Illinois. The home features the largest collection of site-specific, original Wright art glass and furniture. The historic home has 35 rooms in the 12,000 square feet of living space which includes 3 main levels and 16 varying levels in all.
Photograph by Daniel Schwen, via Wikimedia Commons
Illinois State Capitol
#5 in Best Top 10 Places to Visit in Springfield
Illinois State Capitol is the tallest non-skyscraper capitol with height of 361 ft. The current state capitol is the sixth such building in the history of Illinois. The interior of the dome features a plaster frieze painted to resemble bronze that illustrates Illinois history. The interior stained glass windows includes a stained glass replica of the state seal in the oculus of the dome.
Photograph by Shadow2700, via Wikimedia Commons
Old State Capitol
#6 in Best Top 10 Places to Visit in Springfield
Old State Capitol was the fifth state capitol building that served from 1840 to 1876. The Greek Revival style building was the site of candidacy announcements by Abraham Lincoln and Barack Obama. The building was also the county courthouse of Sangamon County from 1876 to 1966. Now, Old State Capitol grounds are used as the venue for the annual Springfield Old Capitol Art Fair. 30 minute self guided walk through tour of the site offers opportunity to experience the Old State Capitol.
Illinois State Museum
#7 in Best Top 10 Places to Visit in Springfield
Illinois State Museum is located just one block southwest of the Illinois State Capitol. The museum features art of the State of Illinois from past and present. The Illinois State Museum is headquartered in Springfield with branch facilities near Lewistown and Lockport. Admission is free to all locations. Collection of the museum focus on the Midwestern U.S. with an emphasis on Illinois include Fine and Decorative Arts, Botany, Geology, History, Library and Archives, and Zoology. The Museum’s collections are held at the Illinois State Museum, Research and Collections Center, and Dickson Mounds Museum.
Photograph by Robert Lawton, via Wikimedia Commons
Henson Robinson Zoo
#8 in Best Top 10 Places to Visit in Springfield
Henson Robinson Zoo located on the eastern shore of Lake Springfield is home to more than 300 animal specimens representing over 80 species of native and exotic animals. Admission to the zoo is free. The zoo features animals native to Australia, Africa, Asia and North and South America. Zoo animals include African Penguins, Eurasian Vulture, African Painted Dogs, American Black Bears, Cougars, Spider Monkeys, Langurs, Boa Constrictor, Naked Mole Rats, and Lemurs.
Photograph by hakkun, via Wikimedia Commons
Illinois Governor's Mansion
#9 in Best Top 10 Places to Visit in Springfield
Illinois Governor's Mansion located in the state capital is the official residence of the Governor of Illinois. The Italianate style mansion is one of the oldest historic residences in the state of Illinois. Designed by Chicago architect John M. Van Osdel, the historic mansion serves as an official residence of the First Family. Free tours led by professionally trained staff and volunteers is available by reservations.
Photograph by N9LXI, via Wikimedia Commons
Washington Park
#10 in Best Top 10 Places to Visit in Springfield
Washington Park located on the west side of Springfield is a popular 150 acre historic park. It features Washington Park Botanical Garden, Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon, and Velasco Tennis Center. Park also includes walking trails, duck pond, and rose garden. The botanical garden has greenhouse and conservatory. The garden features over 1200 species with over 150 species of tropical plants.
Springfield Museums
Springfield Parks
- Washington Park