Welcome to Springfield
Whether you’ve traveled from a faraway land, come in from the Windy City by train or driven in from another state, thanks for coming. We hope you find Illinois’ capital city a warm and welcoming place to visit. Springfield has a long and proud history, woven with threads of Abraham Lincoln, Frank Lloyd Wright, the carefree days of Route 66 and more recent visits from Illinois’ favorite son, Barack Obama.
If you’ve come for the Lincoln experience, your visit might well begin at the Presidential Library and Museum. 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. Just a short walk down Sixth Street is the Old State Capitol building, where Lincoln gave his famous “House Divided” speech; his law office is on the corner of Sixth and Adams. Visitors can also tour the only home Lincoln ever owned, the church where he and his family worshiped, 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. Just two blocks west of his Eighth Street home is Obed & Isaac’s, Springfield’s first microbrewery (where Abe might surely have stopped in if he’d had the chance). Walk just one block north of the tavern and turn left to see the “new” Illinois State Capitol, open daily to tourists. Around the corner from the Capitol building, on Edwards Street, is the Illinois State Museum, where visitors can explore the cultural and natural history of Illinois, including a charming new hands-on kids area that’s worth an afternoon. (Got fossils?) Downtown Springfield is home to dozens of locally owned shops, antique stores, art galleries, restaurants and bars. We highly recommend shopping then grabbing a bite to eat or an ice cream cone along the way. Many of the
fairs, festivals and other seasonal events mentioned in this edition take place downtown; if you’re in the neighborhood come join the fun.
The newly refurbished Dana-Thomas House is a pristine example of world-renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s Prairie Style. The house is a few blocks south of the governor’s mansion. (The governor doesn’t really live there but he has one beautiful garden.) For a peaceful retreat, visit Lincoln Memorial Garden, which showcases the work of landscape architect Jens Jensen. The garden is on Lake Springfield, south on I-55 then two miles east on East Lake Shore Drive.
Route 66 is another proud part of our heritage. The tour includes Bill Shea’s Gas Station Museum and the Cozy Dog restaurant – just two of the nearby sites for those intrigued by car lore. (The International Route 66 Mother Road Festival takes over downtown’s streets in late September. You might want to come back.) There’s also the Illinois State Fair in August.
When it’s time for food and fun, Springfield does not disappoint. This publication includes a comprehensive listing of restaurants and entertainment nightspots along with ads from many of the city’s most popular spots. In the center section are maps provided by the Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau to help you find your way.
For a fresh weekly guide to local arts and entertainment, pick up Illinois Times, the capital city’s free weekly newspaper. IT is available on newsstands around downtown and at area hotels, restaurants and government offices. The paper is also accessible on your iPhone, iPad and online at www.illinoistimes.com.
We’re glad you’re here. Have fun.
Sharon Whalen, publisher
