Fun things to do in Springfield, Illinois
When I started writing this it was our last week living in Springfield, Illinois. We lived there for 6 years so I figured a good way to say good-bye would be to make a guide for it. As I continued to write this I kind of realized the irony of it because I'm not from the area and apparently I didn't end up doing half of the things I wanted to do while I was there. Still this is a fun local guide if you are ever in the area and want fun things to do:
Fun Facts about Springfield:
It is famous for Abraham Lincoln- he lived and worked here before he became president.
It is the capital city of the state of Illinois (not Chicago)
It has a population of about 117,00 people and serves as a main hub for many surrounding little towns
It is famous for "Horseshoes" or just "shoes" if you are a true native. This is a meat of your choice (traditionally hamburger) with texas toast underneath and then smothered in fries and cheese sauce. If you are going to Springfield you should try one. There is some debate about the original owner of the shoe.
Lincoln Based Activities
So Springfield is the home of Abraham Lincoln- it's where he spent most of his adult life. Downtown Springfield is obsessed with Lincoln and there are few things you can do if you want to learn more about the 16th president.
My nephews and niece trying on Lincoln hats
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
This is the main Lincoln attraction in the area located in downtown Springfield.
Cost: $15 per adult, $6 per kid. They do have discounts for students, seniors, and military.
They have a few permanent Lincoln exhibits as well as a video and a play about Lincoln's life and the presidential library. They also have a nice kids play area that has Lincoln themed toys. This can be nice if the kids are bored but someone wants to take their time through the museum, one person can stay with them in the play area. There is also a subway connected to the museum. They also have rotating exhibits depending on the time of year
Website: https://presidentlincoln.illinois.gov/
Pro Tip: Don't let your GPS confuse this with "Lincoln Library" this is the public library of Springfield which is down the street from the presidential library and it is not as impressive.
There is a dedicated garage for the museum a block up the street from it. I would recommend parking in there. You can find street parking but be careful because it is near St Johns Hospital and they will ticket you for parking in the wrong spot. Plus it's a busy road.
Lincoln's House
This is designated as a National Historic Site. It is down the street from the Presidential Library and easy to do together as a Lincoln filled day.
It is free to visit and tour the home. You must go to the service desk and get physical tickets to go into the home for the tour. These are first come first serve so depending on the day you may have some time in between when you get there and when your tour time is. The tour is led by a national parks ranger.
There are other homes in the "neighborhood" that have been converted into museums that you can explore while waiting for your tour to start.
There is parking on site here for a small fee of $2 per hour.
Website: https://www.nps.gov/liho/index.htm
Lincoln's Tomb
This is on the north side of Springfield about 7 minutes away from the Presidential Library by car. It is situated in a nice pet friendly park- however I don't think to the tomb itself allows pets.
In addition to Lincoln the tomb also holds Mary (his wife) and sons Edward, Tad and Willie. It is very cool to walk around the tomb.
Outside the tomb are some neat Illinois Military Memorials as well.
Website: https://lincolntomb.org/
Lincoln New Salem Historic Site
This is a reconstruction of the village where Abraham Lincoln spent his early adulthood before moving into Springfield proper. This is a fun village to tour and learn about life in the 1800s. There is no admission fee just a suggested donation
This is a bit of a day trip- it is 20 miles northwest of Springfield- on country roads.
Website: https://www.lincolnsnewsalem.com/
Abraham Lincoln Memorial Gardens
Ok this isn't truly "Lincoln based" but it is named after him and there are benches around the entire park with quotes from Lincoln. This is located in the south of Springfield right on lake Springfield. It is a beautiful walk/nature hike. It is free but pets are not allowed. There is free parking on the premises.
Website: http://lincolnmemorialgarden.org/
Capital Based Activities
Tour the state capital- I just checked and the capital tours are closed due to covid but if they ever open up again I would recommend it. It's an informative tour about Illinois history and its legislation. You have to go through a medal detector to get through
Tour the old capital- I've never actually toured this capital but it looks interesting. It's down the street from the main one and near the presidential library. It's a free 30 minute self guided tour.
Breweries, Wineries and Restaurants
Obed and Issac's- My personal favorite restaurant and brewery in Springfield. They have rotating craft beer and great food including Springfield's famous "Horseshoes." They also have a pet and kid friendly outdoor beer garden next to the restaurant. If you sit outside you get nice views of the Illinois State Capitol. They also have a great Sunday brunch! They do not take reservations ahead of time and they are pretty popular. Either be prepared to get a beer at the bar or in the beer garden while you wait or I have checked in and walked around downtown Springfield while we waited. Website: https://www.connshg.com/obed-and-isaacs/springfield/
Buzz Bomb Brewery- This is a more recently brewery in downtown Springfield. They are not a restaurant but do allow you to bring in your own food. Great beer and cool atmosphere. Website: https://buzzbombbrewingco.com/
Charlie Parkers- This is a cool local 1950s diner restaurant. They only serve breakfast and lunch. Their normal pancakes are huge but they also serve 16" pancakes if you are feeling really ambitious. They also have a breakfast horseshoe. Website: https://www.charlieparkersdiner.net/
Above: Max attempted the pancake challenge by accident at Charlie Parkers- unfortunately he was not successful but I had pancakes for lunch at work for the next few days
Max and our nieces at Charlie Parkers
Darcy's Pint- Irish pub restaurant also known for their horseshoes. They also don't take reservations. Website: http://www.darcyspintonline.com/
Hunan- This is our go to sushi place. They have changed a little bit over the years but they are still our favorite. They have a lunch/dinner special of $25 for as many sushi rolls as you can eat- you have to pay if you don't eat them all though. Website: http://www.hunanspringfield.com/
Sheedy Shores Winery- To be fair this is labeled as a winery but they don't actually grow their own grapes or make their own wine (as far as I know this might have changed). They do sell some nice wine and have great atmosphere. You can bring your own food and games and its a great place to have a fun afternoon with friends. This is not your place if you are a wine snob. Website: https://sheedyshoreswinegarden.com/
Three Twigs- This is a locally owned coffee shop and bakery. So good! Great place to meet a friend for coffee. Website: https://www.threetwigsbakery.com/
Pease's at Bunn Gourmet- This is a really great local restaurant on Springfield's west side it specalizes in desserts and they are delicious!! Website: https://gourmet.bunn.com/
Danenburger Winery- This is a little bit outside of Springfield. This winery they do actually grow their own grapes and make their own wine. They have a nice venue with lots of live music. Website: https://danenbergerfamilyvineyards.com/
Hand of Fate Brewery- This is also outside of Springfield in Petersburg. This is a brewery with a restaurant attached to it. Fun place to hang out with friends and good food! Website:https://www.handoffatebrewing.beer/
Other fun things:
Route 66 Drive in- this is a fun summer time activity. Typically they have two different screens each showing two movies every night. They have snacks but we always brought our own. People either sit in their cars or bring lawn chairs. Website: http://www.66drivein.com/
Sky Zone- Fun jumping place for adults and kids. They have giant trampolines and other ropes courses and jumping games. You have to purchase their special socks to jump. Website: https://www.skyzone.com/springfieldil
It's Scrapticated- a local metal craft place. You can do and paint your own work there with friends. They also sell pre-painted things if you aren't super crafty- but I wouldn't know what thats like :) Website: https://itsscrapicated.com/
Washington Park- a big park in Springfield. Great for a nice walk and it also has a really cool lily garden that is featured there in summer
Things I wish I would've done but never got to
Illinois State Museum- to be fair this was closed for like 2 of the years that I lived in Springfield. It's supposed to be an interesting museum. Website: http://www.illinoisstatemuseum.org/
Knights Action Park- I've driven past it 100 times. It looks to be a fun water park- one of the larger ones in the area. Website: https://www.knightsactionpark.com/
The Muni- This is one that I'm super upset about because I had wanted to go to it since moving to Springfield. It is an outdoor theater and they do shows in the summer. I always forgot about it during summer and then covid came. Website: http://www.themuni.org/
Henson Robinson Zoo- Again I've driven past it multiple times. A small local zoo. It looked pretty cool though. Website: https://www.springfieldparks.org/facilities/hensonrobinsonzoo/
Grab a Java- Seriously this one I've driven past thousands of times. This is a local coffee drive up place. Its the size of a shed but their coffee is supposed to be great. Website: https://grabajavacoffee.com/
Anvil and Forge (Coffee) Brewing and Distillery- One doctor brought in cold brew coffee from this place to work one day and it was delicious. I always meant to go there but never had time. Website: https://anvilandforge.com/
I'm sure the native Central Illinois people reading this are rolling their eyes but I hope this is helpful for people. It was a nice way to say good-bye looking back at all the photos.
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