• What is Springfield best known for?
    • Springfield might be best known for its most famous resident, President Abraham Lincoln.
  • Why did Abraham Lincoln move to Springfield?
    • The city is where Lincoln chose to move to pursue a career in law, where he met his wife, and where he lived while holding a position in the House of Representatives.
  • When did Lincoln leave Springfield?
    • It wasn’t until he was elected president that he left Springfield, and upon his departure, many of the residents saw him off.
  • What can visitors experience in modern-day Springfield?
    • Modern-day Springfield is a destination filled with rich Civil War history, museums, and monuments dedicated not only to Abraham Lincoln, but also to the work he considered of the utmost importance.

Things to Do:

1. Abraham Lincoln Memorial Garden

Abraham Lincoln Memorial Garden
© Courtesy of Stas - Fotolia.com

2. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
© Courtesy of Henryk Sadura - Fotolia.com

3. Old State Capitol

Old State Capitol
© Courtesy of rruntsch - Fotolia.com

4. Springfield and Central Illinois African-American History Museum

Springfield and Central Illinois African-American History Museum
© Springfield and Central Illinois African-American History Museum

5. Lincoln's New Salem

Lincoln's New Salem
© Lincoln's New Salem

6. Vachel Lindsay Home

Vachel Lindsay Home
© Vachel Lindsay Home

7. Washington Park Botanical Garden

Washington Park Botanical Garden
© Courtesy of licvin - Fotolia.com

8. Adams’ Wildlife Sanctuary

Adams’ Wildlife Sanctuary
© Courtesy of olga - Fotolia.com

9. Cozy Dog Drive In

Cozy Dog Drive In
© Cozy Dog Drive In

10. Dana-Thomas House

Dana-Thomas House
© Dana-Thomas House

11. Daughters Of Union Veterans Civil War Museum

Daughters Of Union Veterans Civil War Museum
© Courtesy of Kenneth Keifer - Fotolia.com

12. Edwards Place Historic Home

Edwards Place Historic Home
© Edwards Place Historic Home

13. Engrained Brewery & Restaurant

Engrained Brewery & Restaurant
© Engrained Brewery & Restaurant

14. Executive Mansion

Executive Mansion
© Courtesy of majorosl66 - Fotolia.com

15. Southwind Park

Southwind Park
© mdyn/stock.adobe.com

16. Great Western Depot

Great Western Depot
© Courtesy of rruntsch - Fotolia.com

17. Henson Robinson Zoo

Henson Robinson Zoo
© Courtesy of Adam - Fotolia.com

18. Illinois State Capitol

Illinois State Capitol
© Courtesy of Brian Scantlebury - Fotolia.com

19. Illinois State Museum

Illinois State Museum
© Illinois State Museum

20. Lincoln Herndon Law Offices

Lincoln Herndon Law Offices
© Courtesy of robynmac - Fotolia.com

21. Lincoln Home National Historic Site

Lincoln Home National Historic Site
© Courtesy of rruntsch - Fotolia.com

22. Lincoln Tomb

Lincoln Tomb
© Courtesy of Henryk Sadura - Fotolia.com

23. Kidzeum of Health and Science

Kidzeum of Health and Science
© Kidzeum of Health and Science

Weekend drive from Chicago to Springfield, Illinois is 3 hr 45 min (218.6 miles via I-57 S and I-72 W).


Plan Your Trip