SpringfieldIllinois

Basking in the glow of Route 66 Legends Neon Park

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A Lincoln look-alike in the Old State Capitol, during the city’s History Comes Alive festival

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Live music at Boondocks Pub, honored as Nightclub of the Year in the 51st annual Academy of Country Music Awards

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Water sports thrills on Lake Springfield

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Inside the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum

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Classic neon signage at the Route 66 Drive In

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Major Airports:
Lincoln Capital/Springfield (SPI)
Chicago O'Hare (ORD)
Chicago Midway (MDW)
States:
Illinois

History comes alive in the Land of Lincoln

Springfield, the capital of Illinois, is located just over three hours from Chicago. Begin your journey in Chicago, the starting point of historic U.S. Route 66, and travel the Mother Road, visiting retro diners and roadside attractions on your way. Once you arrive in Springfield, you’ll find a destination rich with history and culture. Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the USA, lived in Springfield with his wife and family before moving to Washington, D.C., as President in 1861. From its Route 66 legacy and Lincoln history to its state-of-the-art museums, unique architecture, wonderful art galleries and exciting food scene, Springfield is a charming capital city.

Americana on Route 66

Route 66 cruises through the heart ofSpringfield with unique stops like the Route 66 Motorheads Bar, Grill & Entertainment Complex and the Legends Neon Park at the Illinois State Fairgrounds. There's the Cozy Dog Drive In, where the Waldmire family has served the classic Cozy Dog on a stick since 1949, and the Horseshoe Trail where you can eat your way through the capital city while enjoying the signature Springfield open-face sandwich created in 1928. Pick up an Explorer Passport at the Springfield Visitors Center to discover 26 must-see sites, attractions and culinary treats not to be missed. More than a dozen locally-owned wineries and breweries populate the Springfield area with locally crafted beer, wine and beautiful outdoor settings. Be sure to snap a selfie on the historic hand-laid stretch of Route 66 brick road dating back to 1931.

Lincoln’s Legacy

Immerse yourself in the legacy of one of the USA's most beloved presidents. Begin with a free, ticketed tour of the Lincoln Home National Historic Site to experience the only home Lincoln ever owned. Fully restored to its 1860 splendor, this historic home and the adjacent four-block neighborhood feature exhibits illustrating Lincoln as a husband, father, neighbor and politician. At the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, exhibits bring Lincoln's life and the complexities of his era into focus. Additionally, visitors can pay their respects at the former president's final resting place, the Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site. Don't forget to rub the nose of the Lincoln bust at the entrance for good luck, a tradition embraced by visitors worldwide. Finally, find tranquility at the Lincoln Memorial Garden on Lake Springfield to discover woodland trails and prairies reminiscent of Lincoln's time.

Exquisite Architecture and Museums

Impressive structures and museums abound in Springfield. The Illinois State Capitol, the sixth to house the center of the state’s government, is known for its Renaissance Revival and Second Empire style. With its stunning glass dome, the building stands higher than any other in Springfield. It’s even taller than the U.S. Capitol inWashington, D.C. While at the Capitol Complex, explore 500 million years ofIllinois’ natural history at the Illinois State Museum, home to three floors of exhibits that tell the story of the state’s land, life, people and art.

The Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Dana-Thomas House offers a look inside Wright’s early Prairie Style architecture. Nearly complete with original furnishings, the home is full of Wright’s trademark art glass, furniture and fixtures. With 35 rooms and 1,114 square meters of living space, the Dana-Thomas House is a favorite of architecture fanatics. Edwards Place, an Italianate mansion and one of the oldest homes in Springfield, was a center for social activity in Lincoln’s era. Newly restored in 2015, Edwards Place was owned by Mary Todd Lincoln’s sister and husband, Elizabeth and Benjamin Edwards, and houses the “courting couch” where a young Abraham Lincoln wooed Mary Todd.