Overview
Springfield is a city in the center of the state of Illinois. It is the state's capital — not Chicago — and the county seat of Sangamon County. Springfield is best known for its most famous resident, Abraham Lincoln, and there are several historic sites that are dedicated to him.
16 sights · 9 things to do · 10 places to eat · 4 bars & cafés · 9 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Springfield
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum
This stunning museum features extremely rare artifacts to Lincoln & others around him. Completely 21st-century (in a good way), this has to be a must see. The museum features an orientational Fourth-dimensional theat…
Lincoln Home National Historic Site
The site features Abraham Lincoln's residence of 17 years, beautifully restored to its 1860 appearance. Entry to the home itself is only by ranger guided tour, but tickets can be obtained at the Visitor Center desk, and …
Lincoln-Herndon Law Office
Featured here is the only surviving structure where Lincoln maintained working law offices. It has been restored and features an historical exhibit on the first floor. Guided tours are available, with a suggested donatio…
Old State Capitol
This building served as the seat of the Illinois state government from 1839-1876. It was here that Mr. Lincoln served his final term in the Illinois House of Representatives, and where he gave his famous "House Divided" …
Lincoln Tomb
Lincoln's Tomb is located within Oak Ridge Cemetery, the second most visited cemetery in the United States, after Arlington National Cemetery. Within the large monument is the final resting place of Lincoln and most of h…
Lincoln Depot
This restored railroad depot, located a few blocks from Abraham Lincoln's home, was where he started his inaugural journey to Washington, D.C. On 11 February 1861, a large crowd gathered outside to watch him board a spec…
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Apr–Oct. Summer highs reach about 86°F; winter lows dip to about 18°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: May and Apr. (climate data from nearby Peoria)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- SPI Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport, Springfield — 3 mi away. Directions
- DEC Decatur Airport, Decatur — 41 mi away. Directions
- STL St. Louis Lambert International Airport, St Louis — 82 mi away (major hub). Directions
I-55 approaches from the north and south. US-36 and I-72 approach from the east and west. Downtown has readily available curbside metered parking as well as an underground garage beneath the Old State Capitol. Most attractions have ample parking in adjacent lots or garages.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $20–$25 a night (typical $25), from 3 listed prices.
- Typical meal: about $5 per person at listed restaurants.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$40, mid-range ~$70, comfortable ~$120.
Options are grouped as Camping in the Sleep guide ↓.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum, Old State Capitol, Lincoln-Herndon Law Office
- Lunch Maldaner's Restaurant
- Afternoon Hoogland Center for the Arts, Lincoln Home National Historic Site
- Dinner Saputo's
- Evening Celtic Mist Pub
Day 2
- Morning Lincoln Memorial Garden, Henson Robinson Zoo
- Lunch Cozy Dog Drive In
- Afternoon Lake Springfield, The Muni
- Dinner Old Luxembourg Inn
- Evening Obed & Isaac's Microbrewery
Day 3
- Morning Knight's Action Park
- Lunch Gateway to India
- Afternoon Route 66 Drive-in
- Dinner Darcy's Pint
- Evening Floyd's Thirst Parlor
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
One of the legendary food items that is part of the heritage of Springfield is the horseshoe sandwich. The horseshoe sandwich originated in Springfield, Illinois sometime in the early 20th century at the Leland Hotel. You can get horseshoe sandwiches at most Springfield restaurants, at some restaurants in central Illinois, and at a few restaurants in other parts of the state. Horseshoes are not generally served outside of Illinois.
A traditional horseshoe is two hamburgers each on a piece of toast with fries and cheese sauce over the top. Variations now include broiled(or deep fried) tenderloins, shaved ham, shaved chicken and even vegetarian variations. A pony shoe is half a horseshoe - a sufficient quantity for most people.
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Etymology
The city was founded as "Calhoun", after John C. Calhoun. In 1832, the city was renamed to Springfield, derived from Spring Creek, a tributary of the Sangamon River.
History
In the early 1830s, Abraham Lincoln moved to Springfield and lived here for a long time until he became president in 1861. He and his associates (commonly known as the "Long Nine") were largely responsible for making the city the capital of the state.
Springfield has grown from a small city to one of the largest cities in Illinois, with a population of almost 115,000 people (2020).
As the capital of Illinois, the state of Illinois is one of the city's major employers. Springfield also has a significant regional presence in healthcare and education, as the location of Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Memorial Hospital Springfield, HSHS St. John's Hospital, Springfield Clinic, and the University of Illinois Springfield.
Tourist information
- Visit Springfield website
Get in
By car
I-55 approaches from the north and south. US-36 and I-72 approach from the east and west. Downtown has readily available curbside metered parking as well as an underground garage beneath the Old State Capitol. Most attractions have ample parking in adjacent lots or garages.
By plane
Go Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport (SPI)
The airport is on the northwest side of the city. United Airlines offers regular flights from Chicago O'Hare International Airport. American Airlines offers regularly scheduled flights from Dallas/Fort Worth DFW. Allegiant Airlines offers flights from Mesa Arizona AZA and Punta Gorda, Florida PGD. From the airport, rental cars or taxis are available to get into the city. Many of the hotels also have courtesy shuttles. No city bus service is available.
By train
Amtrak has five daily trains from Chicago via Bloomington-Normal and Joliet with its Lincoln Service. Additionally, the once-daily Texas Eagle between Chicago and San Antonio, Texas (with carriages continuing to Los Angeles three times a week) stops here. Springfield station is centrally located at 100 North 3rd St and is within walking distance of downtown and several local bus routes. Taxi service is usually available outside the station.
By bus
Get around
Go SMTD
The Sangamon Mass Transit District operates local mass transit as well as a paratransit service, Access Sangamon, six days per week, Monday-Saturday, except major holidays. 17 fixed routes cover the city in the daytime. After 6PM, night service routes 901-905 cover the city on an hourly basis but night service only operates Monday-Friday. Each bus is equipped with a bike rack that can hold up to 2 bikes.
- Due to ongoing state budget uncertainty the district has had to enact some cuts to night service (all schedules will end an hour earlier, no night service on Saturdays, and route 904 is cut entirely) and could see more cuts in the future so refer to the website for any sudden developments.
- Fare is $1.25 and includes a free transfer that you should request from the driver when boarding. Daytime buses all meet at the downtown on-street transfer center located at 5th Street & Capitol Avenue, while night service buses meet on the north side of the Old State Capitol on Washington Street between 5th Street and 6th Street.
- The website has online schedules for each route. SMTD also provides their schedule data to a number of web/mobile apps including Google Maps, Bing Maps, Moovit, and TripGo which can be used to plan trips. SMTD does not provide real-time information.
See
Springfield is home to numerous attractions.
See Lincoln Home National Historic Site
The site features Abraham Lincoln's residence of 17 years, beautifully restored to its 1860 appearance. Entry to the home itself is only by ranger guided tour, but tickets can be obtained at the Visitor Center desk, and admission is free. The Visitor Center also offers an orientation film, along with other exhibits that change periodically. In addition to the home, a four-block area has been preserved to look as it would in Lincoln's time period. Several of the other homes feature exhibits as well.
See Lincoln-Herndon Law Office
Featured here is the only surviving structure where Lincoln maintained working law offices. It has been restored and features an historical exhibit on the first floor. Guided tours are available, with a suggested donation. The building is located just a stones throw away from the old state capitol, a great convenience for both Lincoln and the modern traveler.
See Old State Capitol
This building served as the seat of the Illinois state government from 1839-1876. It was here that Mr. Lincoln served his final term in the Illinois House of Representatives, and where he gave his famous "House Divided" speech. He used some rooms in the capitol as his presidential campaign headquarters. On 3–4 May 1865, an estimated 75,000 mourners filed past Lincoln's body as it lay in state in Representatives Hall, located in the capitol building. Guided tours are available, the last one will begin 45 minutes before closing. The tour takes about 30 minutes, and a 15-minute orientation video is also available. The entire building is handicap accessible.
See Lincoln Tomb
Lincoln's Tomb is located within Oak Ridge Cemetery, the second most visited cemetery in the United States, after Arlington National Cemetery. Within the large monument is the final resting place of Lincoln and most of his immediate family. The small receiving vault where Lincoln's casket was originally placed is also located nearby. The tomb's interior is handicap accessible, but the exterior upper deck is not.
See Dana-Thomas House (Susan Lawrence Dana House)
Prairie style house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright that has been fully restored and preserved as a museum. Decorated with hundreds of pieces of original art glass and furniture designed by Wright for this location. The house was designed as a showplace for a Springfield socialite and it continues to impress visitors today.
See Lincoln Memorial Garden
Informal woodland garden designed by Jens Jensen. Consists of one hundred acres (40 hectares) along Lake Springfield with more than five miles (8 km) of nature trails populated by native Illinois wildflowers and trees. Also includes the Ostermeier Prairie, which is a restored century old farmstead.
See Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site
This reconstruction of over two dozen 1830s log cabin houses at their original sites where Lincoln lived as a young man for over six years. Period costumes, oral historians and an attached evening theatre (see Performances link at this site) make this village of interest for all ages.
Do
Entertainment
Springfield has been the home of several influential artists who have contributed immensely to American culture. Staying true to this, there are numerous entertainment opportunities in the city. The Illinois Times is a free newspaper that details entertainment throughout the city each week.
Do The Muni (Springfield Municipal Opera)
This non-profit community theater stages four musicals each summer at their outdoor amphitheater. The organization has been active at this location for more than 50 years, which testifies to the fine productions. Park-like setting has areas for pre-show picnics. Reserved seats and lawn are both available.
Do Hoogland Center for the Arts
A wide variety of music, dance and drama performances are staged at this downtown arts center. There is also art gallery space and a local artisans shop. Free evening and weekend parking in the ramp next door. Within walking distance of several restaurants downtown
Learn
There are quite a number of learning opportunities in Springfield.
Universities and colleges
Buy
Shop Pease's Candy
A local candymaker still run by the original family now in its fifth generation. Chocolates, caramel, fudge, nuts, hard candy, etc.
Eat
One of the legendary food items that is part of the heritage of Springfield is the horseshoe sandwich. The horseshoe sandwich originated in Springfield, Illinois sometime in the early 20th century at the Leland Hotel. You can get horseshoe sandwiches at most Springfield restaurants, at some restaurants in central Illinois, and at a few restaurants in other parts of the state. Horseshoes are not generally served outside of Illinois.
A traditional horseshoe is two hamburgers each on a piece of toast with fries and cheese sauce over the top. Variations now include broiled(or deep fried) tenderloins, shaved ham, shaved chicken and even vegetarian variations. A pony shoe is half a horseshoe - a sufficient quantity for most people.
Budget
Eat Charlie Parker's
Extra tasty American diner food served in a quonset hut decorated with rock-n-roll memorabilia.
Eat Cozy Dog Drive In
One of the original restaurants on historic Route 66. Their specialty is the Cozy Dog, a cornbread-encased wiener known elsewhere as a corn dog.
Eat The Chili Parlor
One of the classic Springfield chili parlors. It used to be known as Joe Roger's Chili and still uses the same chili recipe. Their chili is mixed to order with or without beans, with or without meat and available with six different levels of spiciness. Eat a bowl of the hottest style, the JR Special, and get your name on the wall. Yes, in Springfield it is proper to spell it with only one "l".
Eat Maid-Rite Sandwich Shop
Classic fast food restaurant serving distinctive loose meat sandwiches of spiced ground beef. Claims to have the first drive-thru window in the country.
Mid-range
Eat Darcy's Pint
Typical Irish-style pub with better than typical fare. They make a little extra effort with the food and it shows. Well known for their horseshoe and have been featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives for this. Very busy at typical meal times.
Eat Incredibly Delicious
French inspired bakery and cafe with artisanal bread and tempting desserts located in an old Italianate house. Sandwiches, salads and quiches also served for lunch. All-butter croissants are a specialty.
Eat Saputo's
Serving the same well-made basic southern Italian food that has remained a local favorite for decades.
Splurge
Eat Gateway to India
Indian cuisine. The lunch buffet is tasty and economical.
Eat Maldaner's Restaurant
Landmark fine dining (since 1884) convenient to many of the historic sites. Menu emphasizes local and organically grown foods. Seasonal al fresco dining available. Lunch is a particularly good value with a special menu of soups, salads and sandwiches. Reservations recommended for dinner.
Eat Old Luxembourg Inn
Family-owned steak house popular with locals and visiting politicians. In the more than 60 years this restaurant has been open, the surrounding neighborhood has had ups and downs, but the Old Lux has remained consistently good.
Drink
Drink Floyd's Thirst Parlor
Two-level bar in the heart of downtown that tends to attract a younger crowd. Great drink selection. Upstairs has a few pool tables, air hockey, and skee-ball.
Drink Obed & Isaac's Microbrewery
Good place to stop for a drink and some grub while in the Lincoln Home area. It has a spacious, dog-friendly beer garden with picnic tables and bocce ball courts.
Drink Celtic Mist Pub
One of the few bars in town open until 3 AM sees most of its business after 1 when the other bars close. Lots of out-of-town folks tend to go here since it's in walking distance of several hotels.
Sleep
Camping
Stay Riverside Campground
Run by the Springfield Park District, with campground hosts on-site. 87 campsites, dump station, accessible restroom and shower house. Reservations accepted May 1- Oct 31.
Stay safe
The city has seen a dramatic rise in panhandlers in the downtown area, especially near bars. Most are harmless but be cautious and use common sense. Don't wander down dark alleys or leave valuables clearly visible in a parked vehicle and you should be fine.
Emergency services
Dial 911 to get emergency help.
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