bigtravelbuzzSpringfield is the capital city of Illinois and is located in the central part of the state. Here are some things you can do in Springfield:
Visit Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum: The museum offers a glimpse into the life and legacy of the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. It includes interactive exhibits, artifacts, and documents related to Lincoln’s life and presidency.
Tour the Lincoln Home National Historic Site: This site offers a chance to see the home where Abraham Lincoln and his family lived before he became President. You can take a guided tour of the house and learn about the Lincoln family’s life in Springfield.
See the Illinois State Capitol: The Illinois State Capitol is located in Springfield and is home to the state government. You can take a guided tour of the building and see the legislative chambers and historical artifacts.
Visit the Dana-Thomas House: This Frank Lloyd Wright-designed house is a National Historic Landmark and is open for public tours. The house features an impressive collection of original Wright-designed furnishings and art glass.
Explore the Henson Robinson Zoo: The Henson Robinson Zoo is a small zoo located in Springfield and features a variety of animals from around the world, including big cats, primates, and reptiles.
Enjoy outdoor recreation at Washington Park: Washington Park is a large park located in Springfield and offers a variety of outdoor activities, including walking and biking trails, a lake for fishing, and picnic areas.
Taste local cuisine: Springfield has a variety of restaurants that serve local specialties, including the famous horseshoe sandwich, which is an open-faced sandwich topped with meat, french fries, and cheese sauce.
These are just a few things you can do in Springfield. There are many other attractions and activities in the city and surrounding areas to explore!
Places to Visit in Springfield
here are some other places to visit in Springfield, Illinois:
Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site: This site is the final resting place of Abraham Lincoln, his wife Mary Todd Lincoln, and three of their four sons. The tomb is a National Historic Landmark and includes a museum with exhibits related to Lincoln’s life and death.
Old State Capitol: This historic building was the seat of Illinois government from 1839 to 1876 and was where Abraham Lincoln gave his famous “House Divided” speech in 1858. The building has been restored to its 1850s appearance and is open for tours.
Illinois State Museum: This museum showcases the natural and cultural history of Illinois, with exhibits on geology, biology, art, and more. The museum also hosts temporary exhibits throughout the year.
Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices State Historic Site: This site was once the law office of Abraham Lincoln and his partner William Herndon. The building has been restored to its 1840s appearance and offers guided tours.
Dana-Thomas House: This Frank Lloyd Wright-designed house is a National Historic Landmark and is open for public tours. The house features an impressive collection of original Wright-designed furnishings and art glass.
Route 66: Springfield is located on the historic Route 66, and there are several landmarks and attractions related to the famous highway in the city, including the Cozy Dog Drive-In and the Route 66 Twin Drive-In Theater.
Adams Wildlife Sanctuary: This 40-acre wildlife sanctuary is located in the heart of Springfield and offers a chance to see a variety of native plants and animals, including birds, turtles, and beavers.
These are just a few of the many places to visit in Springfield. The city has a rich history and culture, with many museums, historic sites, and natural areas to explore.
Best Time To Visit Springfield
The best time to visit Springfield, Illinois, depends on your preferences and interests. Here are some factors to consider:
Weather: Springfield experiences four distinct seasons, with hot summers and cold winters. Spring and fall can be unpredictable, with temperatures varying greatly from day to day. If you enjoy outdoor activities, you may want to visit in the summer when temperatures are warm and there are many events and festivals.
Festivals and Events: Springfield hosts many festivals and events throughout the year, including the Illinois State Fair in August and the Old Capitol Art Fair in May. If you want to attend a specific event, you should plan your visit accordingly.
Crowds: The busiest time to visit Springfield is during the summer months when school is out and many people are on vacation. If you prefer fewer crowds, you may want to visit in the spring or fall.
Lincoln-related Sites: If you are interested in visiting sites related to Abraham Lincoln, you may want to visit in February when the city celebrates Lincoln’s birthday with special events and exhibits.
Overall, the best time to visit Springfield depends on your interests and preferences. The city has something to offer throughout the year, so you can plan your visit accordingly.
Things to Do in Springfield
here are some more things to do in Springfield, Illinois:
Visit the Lincoln Memorial Garden and Nature Center: This 100-acre nature preserve features gardens, trails, and a nature center. The site was designed to honor the memory of Abraham Lincoln and is a great place to relax and enjoy nature.
Take a tour of the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Dana-Thomas House: This beautiful home is considered one of the best examples of Wright’s early Prairie-style architecture. The house features original furnishings and art glass designed by Wright himself.
Explore the Illinois State Fairgrounds: The fairgrounds host the annual Illinois State Fair in August, but they are also open throughout the year for other events and activities. The site includes a variety of buildings, exhibition halls, and outdoor areas.
See a performance at the Hoogland Center for the Arts: This performing arts center hosts a variety of theater productions, musical performances, and other cultural events throughout the year.
Visit the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum: This museum offers a fascinating look into the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln, with interactive exhibits, artifacts, and documents related to his life and presidency.
Check out the Lincoln Home National Historic Site: This historic site includes the only home that Abraham Lincoln ever owned, and it is open for tours. You can see where Lincoln and his family lived before he became president and learn about their daily lives.
Go to the Illinois State Capitol: This building houses the state government, and it is open for guided tours. You can see the legislative chambers, historic artifacts, and other features of this impressive building.
These are just a few of the many things to do in Springfield, Illinois. The city has a rich history and culture, with many museums, historic sites, and outdoor activities to explore.
How to get around in Springfield
Springfield is a city located in the state of Illinois in the United States. There are several transportation options available for getting around the city:
Car: The most convenient way to get around Springfield is by car. There are several car rental companies in the city, and taxis are also available.
Bus: The Springfield Mass Transit District operates a network of buses that serve the city and the surrounding areas. The bus system is reliable and affordable, with routes covering most parts of the city.
Bicycle: Springfield has an extensive network of bike paths and lanes, making it easy to get around on a bicycle. Several bike rental companies are available in the city.
Walking: Many of Springfield’s attractions are within walking distance of each other, and the city is generally pedestrian-friendly.
Ride-sharing services: Ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft are available in Springfield, offering a convenient and affordable way to get around the city.
Where to stay in Springfield
Luxury accommodation
here are some options for luxury accommodations:
The President Abraham Lincoln Springfield, a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel – This hotel is located in the heart of downtown Springfield and offers luxurious guest rooms, a fitness center, an indoor pool, and a restaurant.
Inn at 835 Historic Bed and Breakfast – This elegant Victorian mansion offers luxurious suites with modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs and Wi-Fi. It also features a garden and a gourmet breakfast served daily.
Wyndham Springfield City Centre – This hotel offers upscale accommodations in the heart of downtown Springfield. It features a fitness center, an indoor pool, a restaurant, and a lounge.
State House Inn – This boutique hotel is located in the historic district of Springfield and offers luxurious guest rooms with modern amenities. It also features a fitness center, a restaurant, and a lounge.
The Mansion View Inn & Suites – This hotel is located near the Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and offers luxurious guest rooms with modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs and Wi-Fi. It also features a fitness center, a pool, and a complimentary breakfast.
Where to eat in Springfield
If you’re looking for places to eat in Springfield, Illinois, here are some options:
D’arcy’s Pint – This Irish pub is a local favorite and offers a variety of burgers, sandwiches, and pub fare. They also have a great beer selection.
Cafe Moxo – This casual eatery is a popular spot for breakfast and lunch. They offer a variety of sandwiches, salads, and baked goods.
Cozy Dog Drive In – This historic restaurant is known for its famous hot dogs on a stick, called “Cozy Dogs.” It’s a must-visit spot in Springfield.
Charlie Parker’s Diner – This retro diner serves up classic American breakfast and lunch dishes, including pancakes, waffles, and burgers.
Obed and Isaac’s Microbrewery and Eatery – This restaurant offers a variety of craft beers and a menu of comfort food with a modern twist.
La Piazza Cucina Italiana – This family-owned Italian restaurant serves up classic dishes like lasagna and spaghetti and meatballs, as well as more contemporary fare.
Long Nine Junction – This farm-to-table restaurant offers seasonal, locally-sourced cuisine in a charming setting.
Famous street stalls in Springfield
Springfield, Illinois is not particularly known for its street food scene, but there are a few food trucks and street vendors that are worth checking out:
Holy Crepe – This food truck serves up sweet and savory crepes, including options like Nutella and banana, and chicken pesto.
Rock N’ Rollz Sandwich Co. – This food truck offers a variety of gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, including options like the “Bacon Mac & Cheese Grilled Cheese.”
Empanadas by Luis – This food truck specializes in empanadas with various fillings like beef, chicken, and vegetarian options.
3 Twisted Sisters – This food truck serves up creative dishes like “Cajun Shrimp and Grits” and “Mexican Street Corn.”
Wm. Van’s Coffee House – This coffee truck offers a variety of coffee drinks and baked goods, including vegan options.
Loukinens’ on 4th – This local shop sells homemade fudge, caramel corn, and other sweets.
Old Capitol Farmers Market – This seasonal outdoor market offers a variety of local produce, baked goods, and food vendors.
Where to stay in Springfield
Budget accommodation
If you’re looking for budget accommodation in Springfield, Illinois, here are some options:
Red Roof Inn Springfield, IL – This hotel offers comfortable and affordable guest rooms with free Wi-Fi and parking.
Motel 6 Springfield – This motel offers basic and affordable accommodations with free Wi-Fi and parking. Pets are also welcome.
Howard Johnson by Wyndham Springfield – This hotel offers affordable guest rooms with free Wi-Fi and parking. It also features a fitness center and a restaurant.
Quality Inn & Suites – This hotel offers comfortable guest rooms with free Wi-Fi and parking. It also features a fitness center and a complimentary breakfast.
Super 8 by Wyndham Springfield East – This hotel offers affordable and comfortable guest rooms with free Wi-Fi and parking. It also features a fitness center and a complimentary breakfast.
Travel Tips Springfield
Sure, here are some travel tips for visiting Springfield, Illinois:
Plan your visit around the season: Springfield has four distinct seasons, with cold winters and hot summers. Plan your visit accordingly to make the most of the weather.
Visit the Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum: Springfield is known as the “Land of Lincoln,” and the museum is a must-visit for history buffs.
Explore the historic sites: Springfield has many historic sites, including the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, the Old State Capitol, and the Dana-Thomas House.
Attend a local event: Springfield has a variety of local events throughout the year, including the Illinois State Fair, the Route 66 Festival, and the Downtown Bacon Throwdown.
Try the local food: Springfield has a variety of restaurants offering classic American fare, as well as local specialties like the “Cozy Dog” at the Cozy Dog Drive-In.
Get around the city: While Springfield is a walkable city, it’s also easy to get around by car or public transportation.
Take a day trip: Springfield is located near many other interesting attractions, including the Lincoln Tomb in nearby Oak Ridge Cemetery and the historic town of New Salem.
Dress appropriately: Depending on the season, Springfield can experience extreme weather, so make sure to bring appropriate clothing.
I hope you find these tips helpful and enjoy your visit to Springfield, Illinois!