WALK, HIKE AND BIKE HISTORY - PRESENTED BY ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
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.
2024 Walk, Hike and Bike History tours include:
1908 Race Riot Downtown Walking Tour
Black History Walk at Oak Ridge Cemetery
Design Like Frank Lloyd Wright Walking/Drawing Tour
Designing for Change Women's History Walking Tour
Friends of Lincoln Oak Ridge Cemetery Hike
History Bike Tour
Military History Hike at Oak Ridge Cemetery
historicspringfield.dnr.illinois.gov
DANA-THOMAS HOUSE - A FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT DESIGN
Celebrating 120 years in 2024, 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
UNIQUE ROUTE 66 EXPERIENCES
Celebrate the Mother Road with new attractions, restored and preserved iconic landmarks including:
Slide down 66 on the 40 foot high Giant Yellow Slide*
Bask in the light of the Legends Neon Sign Park and marvel at the 25' tall steel giant on the grounds of the historic Illinois State Fairgrounds
Reminisce at Shea's Gas Station and take time for a photo opportunity at one of the original stations on Route 66
*Giant slide operational seasonally May - IL State Fair, check the website for more information.
VisitSpringfieldlllinois.com 217-789-2360 x5520
AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY
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. Book your Route History Metaverse Virtual Reality experience and take a journey like no other through the eyes of the Black traveler from Chicago to the Chain of Rocks Bridge and through sundown towns. Locations throughout Springfield VisitSpringfieldlllinois.com/blogs
HORSESHOE TRAIL
Springfield offers up one of the most filling sandwiches in the Midwest. This unique open-faced sandwich is definitely a must!!
Just know, it will blow your diet...but, it is so worth it!
Start off with two thick slices of toasted Texas Toast, topped with your choice of meat, then cover that with a heaping pile of crispy French fries and drench with homemade cheese sauce!! WOW!!
This signature dish can be found at most local restaurants who serve pub & American-style food. History Behind the Recipe - The Signature Horseshoe Sandwich was created in 1928 at the Old Leland Hotel by Joe Schweska. The idea came about with the help of Elizabeth, Chef Schweska's wife, after he came home saying he was in need of a new lunch item for the Leland Hotel Restaurant. The name "horseshoe" was derived from the shape of the cut of ham used in the original sandwich. The French fries represent the nails of the shoe, and the sizzle platter represents the hot anvil.
We hope you enjoy the trail and the tasty shoes!
HANDMADE, HOMEMADE, LOCALLY MADE, ILLINOIS MADE
Illinois Made is a program developed by Enjoy Illinois with the purpose of showcasing the makers, creators, artists, family-owned businesses, small-batch 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 Engrained Brewing Company
Jones Boys Market
Obed & Isaacs Microbrewery & Eatery Buzz Bomb Brewing
Custom Cup Coffee
Hand of Fate Brewing Company Maldaner's
Pease's Fine Candies & Nuts
Cocoa Blue Chocolates
Danenberger Family Vineyards
Incredibly Delicious
Mel-o-Cream Donuts
Wooden It Be Lovely
VisitSpringfieldlllinois.com 217-789-2360 x5520
