We spent all of the year 2009 celebrating Abraham Lincoln’s 200 th birthday; it was a lot of fun and brought a great many visitors to the area. The year before that we were consumed with worldwide attention as then candidate Barack Obama announced his run for the presidency from the steps of our Old State Capitol. We guess it is safe to say that Springfield, Ill., is “on the map”… and we’re happy you’ve decided to visit us. Whether you’ve traveled from a faraway land or just a few hours by car, we hope that you find Illinois’ capital city a warm and welcoming place to visit.
If you’ve come for the Lincoln experience, for most that will begin at the Presidential Library and Museum, which is not quite five years old this year. The museum’s interactive displays, live performances and theatrical re-creations nearly bring Abe back to life, and the adjacent library is a one-of-a-kind resource for scholars and students. It is a short walk down Sixth Street to the Old State Capitol building, where Lincoln gave his famous “House Divided” speech; nearby is his law office. Visitors can also tour the only home Lincoln ever owned, the church where he and his family worshipped, and his tomb. A short drive from Springfield is New Salem, the rustic 1830s village where Lincoln lived before his days in the legislature.
Of course, Abe isn’t the only attraction in town. On the west side of downtown is the “new” Illinois State Capitol, open daily to tourists. Just around the corner on Edwards Street is the Illinois State Museum, where visitors can explore the cultural and natural history of Illinois, including all the fossils your kids can handle. On nearby Fourth Street is the Governor’s Mansion, home to Illinois Gov. Patrick Quinn. Downtown is also home to dozens of locally owned shops, antique stores, art galleries, restaurants and bars. We hope you’ll get off the tourist track long enough to explore!
Just a few blocks outside of downtown is the Dana-Thomas House, a pristine example of world-renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s Prairie Style. It is open for tours and well worth a visit. For a peaceful retreat, take a drive out to Lake Springfield to explore the legacy of landscape pioneer Jens Jensen at the Lincoln Memorial Garden.
Route 66 is another proud part of our heritage; don’t miss Bill Shea’s Gas Station Museum and the Cozy Dog restaurant — just two of the nearby sites for those intrigued by “car lore.” If you can’t get enough, please come back for the International Route 66 Mother Road Festival in late September. The capital city also hosts the Illinois State Fair in August and the weeklong International Carillon Festival in October. Look for the calendar of fairs, festivals and other seasonal events inside this edition.
When it is time for food and fun, Springfield does not disappoint. We’ve provided a directory of entertainment nightspots along with a comprehensive listing of restaurants to help you enjoy your visit. The center pages feature maps provided by the Springfield Convention and Visitor’s Bureau to help you find your way.
For a fresh weekly guide to local entertainment, pick up a copy of Illinois Times, the capital city’s free weekly newspaper. You’ll find newsstands around downtown and at area hotels, restaurants and government offices. A complete digital copy of the weekly paper is also available at www.illinoistimes.com.
Enjoy your visit and come back soon.
Sharon Whalen, publisher
