Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Springfield, IL for 2025

The state capital of Illinois since 1839, Springfield is the second-largest city outside of the Chicago Metropolitan Area. It is impossible to discuss this city without mentioning Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, who resided here from 1837 until 1861 when he departed for Washington.

You will discover ample information about this monumental figure in American history at the residence he occupied for 17 years, at the old state capitol where he practiced law, and at his contemporary presidential library and museum.

Springfield’s allure also transcends its most notable resident and includes Frank Lloyd Wright’s groundbreaking Dana-Thomas House and the current State Capitol, renowned for its impressive zinc dome.

I have visited Springfield multiple times over the past few years (it’s less than a three-hour drive for me) and have explored many of its attractions and historical sites. Here are, in my opinion, the best activities to engage in while in Springfield.

1. Lincoln Home National Historic Site

The only residence that Abraham Lincoln ever owned is located in Springfield. He lived in this Greek Revival-style home at the intersection of Eight and Jackson Streets for 17 years before departing for the White House in 1861.

During my visit, I found that the historic site is overseen by the National Park Service and has been restored to its 1860 appearance. I recommend participating in the tour conducted by National Park Service rangers, which provides insights into Lincoln not only as a politician and president but also as a husband, father, and neighbor.

After exploring the various rooms of the house, including Lincoln’s bedroom, formal parlor, sitting room, and dining room, I ventured into the park. The grounds include the Dean and Arnold Houses, both of which are accessible to visitors, along with several outdoor exhibits highlighting Lincoln along Eight Street.

2. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum

Inaugurated in 2005, the presidential library and museum dedicated to Abraham Lincoln is the most frequented institution of its kind in the nation. This establishment markedly differs from other presidential libraries, narrating the life journey of the 16th president in innovative and unexpected manners. I appreciated that the exhibits are enriched with artifacts from Lincoln’s life, including the quill pen he used to sign the Emancipation Proclamation, his original handwritten copy of the Gettysburg Address, and the gloves that were found in his pocket at the time of his assassination.

I also encountered various personal belongings of Mary Todd, such as her wedding dress, a music box, and porcelain items she kept at the White House. These artifacts are part of a continuously curated collection that includes tens of thousands of items, ensuring fresh displays. The exhibits feature detailed reproductions of significant environments from Lincoln’s life, such as his youth home, the White House during 1861, and the presidential box at Ford’s Theater.

3. Dana-Thomas House

The distinguished Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959) was only beginning his celebrated Prairie period when he designed this magnificent residence for the vibrant heiress and socialite Susan Lawrence Dana (1862-1946). Completed in 1902, the Dana-Thomas House is regarded as the most well-preserved example of Wright’s work from this era and stands as a symbol of American design.

The architect meticulously controlled the finest details, and the property showcases over 100 pieces of Wright-designed oak furniture, 100 lighting fixtures, and 250 examples of art glass, most of which display a stunning sumac motif.

During my tour, I was impressed by the iconic barrel-vaulted dining room and the 60-foot-long pergola hallway, which is situated above a billiard room, bowling lane, and walk-in vault.

4. Lincoln Tomb & War Memorials

Abraham Lincoln’s final resting place is located on the north side of the city at Oak Ridge Cemetery. This granite monument is rich with symbolism and consists of a single-story platform bordered by a balustrade.

On this terrace stands an obelisk, 117 feet tall. Completed in 1874 after six years of construction, the memorial was created by Larkin Goldsmith Mead, featuring a recast of Lincoln’s head from the bust installed in the United States Capitol crypt.

I noted that the nose has been polished by countless visitors who have rubbed it for good luck. The interior, adorned with rich marble, centers around a rotunda with 16 pilasters, one for Lincoln alongside each of the 15 presidents who preceded him.

The burial room, located at the rear of the monument, is dominated by a 7-ton cenotaph carved from reddish marble.

Oak Ridge is the most visited cemetery in the nation after Arlington, and in close proximity to Lincoln’s tomb are memorials honoring Illinoisans who served and sacrificed in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam.

5. Illinois State Capitol

As the state expanded during the 19th century, Illinois required a new, sixth state capitol, which commenced construction in 1868 and was finalized 20 years later. The architecture combines French Renaissance and Italianate styles, recognized for its soaring dome, which rises 405 feet above the city streets and spans 92.5 feet in width. Like the building’s other rooftops, this is adorned with zinc, providing an unusual gleam in sunlight.

Visitors can explore the core of government in Illinois to admire intricate details, such as the dome’s interior, which features a frieze illustrating scenes from the state’s history, and a stained glass replica of the state seal in the oculus.

Moreover, when the legislature is in session, you are welcome to observe political proceedings from the balcony.

6. Illinois State Museum

Explore 500 million years of natural and cultural history at the state museum, which boasts a vast collection of 13.5 million objects.

Across three stories, these items are showcased to the public through engaging exhibits that incorporate interactivity and audiovisual elements.

The “At Home in the Heartland” exhibition documents domestic life in the state over 300 years, “Peoples of the Past” vividly portrays a Native American village, while “Changes: Dynamic Illinois Environments” offers a hands-on exploration of Illinois’ natural history, highlighting the unique species that inhabited this region during the Paleozoic Era. I appreciate that they walk you through the geological history of Illinois.

Families with younger children will find joy in the Mary Ann MacLean Play Museum, an interactive space where kids can excavate fossils, assemble a baby mastodon, explore a cave, and much more.

7. Old State Capitol Historic Site

A must-visit location on Springfield’s Old Town Square is the elegant Greek Revival structure that served as Illinois’ state house from 1840 to 1876. It was here that Abraham Lincoln announced his candidacy for the presidency in 1858, as did Barack Obama in 2007.

Lincoln argued cases before the state supreme court in this building since 1840 and delivered his renowned House Divided speech during his candidacy announcement in 1858.

In May 1865, his remains were brought back to this same chamber to lie in state. Until the 1960s, the building served as the Sangamon County courthouse, and it was restored to its 19th-century appearance in preparation for the Civil War centennial. Visitors can enjoy a 30-minute self-guided tour throughout the day, and staff are available throughout the building to address questions.

Tip: After our visit to the building, I explored the taproom at the nearby Anvil Forge Brewing & Distilling, which is a must if you appreciate craft beer.

8. Washington Park

Designed in the early 20th century, this expansive park on the west side of Springfield is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Washington Park spans over 150 acres and was originally envisioned as a terminus for the trolley line that operated at the time.

This area is bordered by grand homes in historic neighborhoods, and many elements from the park’s original design have been preserved. A key attraction within the park is the botanical garden, which cultivates more than 1,800 different plant species and features a conservatory with a 50-foot glass dome.

You can explore a rose garden with 5,000 plants and enjoy seasonal displays of poinsettias, Easter lilies, orchids, and Japanese bonsai trees. One landmark that I personally found remarkable is the 132-foot Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon towering over the north side of the park, one of the largest of its kind globally, featuring 67 bells.

9. Route 66

The original path of one of the world’s most renowned roads traverses through the center of Springfield on its 2,448-mile journey west from Chicago to Santa Monica, CA.

Remembered for the westward migration during the Depression, followed by innovative roadside attractions and businesses post-war, Route 66 continues to represent a significant aspect of Americana long after its removal from the highway system in 1985.

At the Springfield Visitors Center, you can acquire an Explorers Passport, which can be stamped at businesses embodying the spirit of the highway’s golden age.

Some of these “Living Legends” include the Cozy Dog Drive In, established in 1946, and the Maid-Rite Sandwich Shop (1921), which claims to have the nation’s first drive-thru window.

10. Illinois State Military Museum

Near the National Guard base and the Illinois Military Academy lies a top-notch military museum, established in 1878 and located in a building resembling an artillery fort. This museum is filled with various curiosities that depict the military history of the state, from its early citizen-soldiers to present-day armed forces.

Among the notable exhibits, you will find the artificial leg of Mexican General Santa Anna (1794-1876) and a target board previously used by Abraham Lincoln.

Additionally, you can examine an extensive collection of uniforms, weapons, vehicles, flags, equipment, and photographs while uncovering intriguing stories from 19th-century citizen-soldiers, including Lincoln, John A. Logan, and Carl Sandburg.

11. Illinois Governor’s Mansion

Springfield houses the third-oldest continuously occupied governor’s mansion in the United States. This residence has existed in the city since the capital was relocated here in 1839, and the current Italianate structure was completed in 1855, with Joel Aldrich Matteson (1808-1873) taking residence in 1856.

Over the past 170 years, this property has undergone remodels, restorations, and repairs in 1889, 1897, 1917, and 1971, the latter occurring after a prolonged period of disrepair.

The mansion was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976, symbolizing leadership for the Illinois State Government and serving as an exquisite house museum.

The 19th-century interiors have been preserved, and public tours are conducted on most weekdays from 1 PM to 4 PM. During the festive season, the entire mansion is elegantly decorated for Christmas.

12. Abraham Lincoln Memorial Garden

Located on the east shore of Lake Springfield, this 100-acre woodland and prairie garden serves as a living memorial first designed in the 1930s by landscape architect Jens Jensen.

The concept was to cultivate the estate in a naturalistic style that would recreate the Illinois scenery that Abraham Lincoln would have experienced in his youth.

Accordingly, only plant communities native to Illinois, Kentucky, and Indiana can be found in this garden. The area features more than five miles of trails that change with the seasons. Spring brings the bloom of dogwoods, summer showcases prairie wildflowers, and autumn splendidly displays vibrant red and gold hues. A map of the area is available by the entrance, where visitors can plan their walks (free parking is also offered).

13. Edwards Place Historic Home

The esteemed lawyer and politician Benjamin S. Edwards (1818-1886) owned this grand Italianate residence, one of the two oldest in Springfield. In his lengthy and distinguished career as an attorney, Edwards interacted with notable figures such as Edward Dickinson Baker, Stephen A. Douglas, and of course, Abraham Lincoln.

This home served as a venue for rallies and gatherings, and Lincoln himself delivered a speech from a second-story window. On a guided tour through the meticulously restored first and second floors, I encountered sophisticated period decor and authentic Victorian furniture, much of which belonged to Edwards.

A particularly compelling piece of authentic Lincoln memorabilia on display is the “Lincoln Courting Couch,” from the home of Edwards’ father Ninian, where Lincoln and Mary Todd were married in 1842, accompanied by a piano believed to have been played at the ceremony.

14. Knight’s Action Park

One of those family-friendly attractions that offers a diverse range of activities, Knight’s Action Park has a history dating back to 1930 and is now in its third generation.

The park’s initial facility was a driving range that remains operational year-round. It features seasonal attractions including a water park with eight slides, carnival rides such as the Big Wheel, an 18-hole mini golf course, an arcade (also operational year-round), batting cages, and go-karts.

Recently, a twin drive-in movie theater was added, screening films and serving delectable snacks from April through September.

15. Horseshoe Sandwiches

The Leland Hotel, located at the corner of 6th and Capitol, and now serving as an office building, is recognized as the birthplace of Springfield’s most famous culinary invention: the Horseshoe Sandwich. This dish was created in 1928 by the hotel’s chef, Joe Schewska, and is now featured on the menus of casual dining establishments throughout the city.

This open-faced sandwich typically consists of Texas toast topped with a hamburger patty, rich cheese sauce, and French fries. The cheese sauce is more intricate than one might assume, as it contains beer, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and cayenne pepper.

As evident from the ingredients, this is not a light meal (it definitely filled me up), but if you’re looking for something substantial, Obed & Isaac’s Microbrewery (500 S 6th St) is renowned for its superb interpretation of the Horseshoe sandwich.