Illinois Department of Natural Resources State Historic Sites in Springfield invite you to Walk, Hike, and Bike History. Come explore Illinois’ capital city through a series of inspiring outdoor experiences. History comes to life as you hear inspiring stories from eras past.
2023 Walk, Hike and Bike History tours include:
Friends of Lincoln Hike
1908 Race Riot Walking Tour
Black History Hike
Women’s History Walk
History Bike Tour
Military History Hike
Design Like Wright Walking Tour
historicspringfield.dnr.illinois.gov
The Dana-Thomas House is one of the most unique and lavish structures designed by Frank Lloyd Wright during his early Prairie period. The home was built for Springfield socialite Susan Lawrence Dana. She was known for her hospitality, unforgettable parties, and concerts as well as community, social, and political involvement. Visitors can tour perhaps the most complete of all early Wright dwellings. It was never significantly altered and has over 100 pieces of original Wright-designed oak furniture and 250 examples of art glass windows, light fixtures, and lamps. Connecting the main living quarters to the gallery and library is a sixty-foot long pergola hallway beneath which is a bowling lane, billiard room, and walk-in vault.
301 E. Lawrence Ave.
217-782-6776
historicspringfield.dnr.illinois.gov
Celebrating this historic location of the Illinois State Fairgrounds along Route 66, as well as the 100th anniversary of the Mother Road in 2026, new attractions have been added to this landmark for all to enjoy! Slide Down 66 on the iconic, yellow Giant Slide that is quickly becoming a highway favorite.*
Then swing by Gate 2 for a blast from the past and immerse yourself in the history of Route 66 throughout Illinois. Don’t forget to snap a pic in front of resurrected original Illinois Route 66 neon signs that can only be seen here! This is the place to get in a true Route 66 state of mind.
*Giant slide operational seasonally May – IL State Fair, check the website for more information.
VisitSpringfieldIllinois.com · 217-789-2360 x5520
Embark on a historical and emotionally filled journey through Springfield with a self-guided walking tour exploring the events that led to Springfield’s 1908 Race Riot and the birth of the NAACP. View Artist Preston Jackson’s Race Riot inspired sculptures, Acts of Intolerance, in Union Square Park and the 1908 Race Riot mural inside HSHS St. Johns Hospital. The Springfield and Central Illinois African American History Museum, located on Monument Ave., tells the stories of African American life in central Illinois and hosts several temporary exhibits. Route History, on Cook St., sheds light on the black journey, local tragedy, and resilience along Route 66 in Springfield. Set to be completed by June 2023, the Route History Metaverse Virtual Reality Experience will allow visitors to experience Route 66 through the lens of the Black experience. This experience will highlight Black-owned businesses, cover sundown towns, and include inspiring stories from Chicago to the Chain of Rocks Bridge.
Locations throughout Springfield · VisitSpringfieldIllinois.com/blogs
Home is more than a structure. It’s a feeling of belonging and finding a sense of self and community. Whether by immigration, migration, or residency, Illinoisans from Cahokia to Lincoln into the presentday have experienced and imagined home in different ways. The ALPLM invites visitors to explore stories of home in a new exhibit, Here I Have Lived: Home in Illinois. Representing diverse experiences across the prairie state, this exhibit will inspire visitors to connect through artifacts, videos, and interactive features with how people have imagined, created, and found home in Illinois.
March 23, 2023 - January 21, 2024
212 N. 6th St.
217-558-8844
presidentlincoln@illinois.gov
Illinois Made is a program developed by Enjoy Illinois with the purpose of showcasing the makers, creators, artists, family-owned businesses, smallbatch breweries, distilleries, foodies, and farmers that make Illinois thrive.
Make sure to visit our Illinois Makers right here in Springfield and the surrounding area!! Each Illinois Made – Springfield Maker has a unique visitor experience for everyone to enjoy and learn more about their amazing business. Learn more on our website as you plan your next trip!
Ace Sign Company & Museum
Cozy Dog Drive In
Danenberger Family Vineyards
Hand of Fate Brewing Company
Jones Boys Market
Mel-o-Cream Donuts
Pease’s Fine Candies & Nuts
Cocoa Blue Chocolates
Custom Cup Coffee
Engrained Brewing Company
Incredibly Delicious
Maldaner’s
Obed & Isaacs Microbrewery & Eatery
Sangamon Reclaimed
VisitSpringfieldIllinois.com · 217-789-2360 x5520