Living here
Springfield and Sangamon County aren’t just ideal places to visit; they’re also great places to live. The capital city of Illinois and the two dozen smaller villages and townships around it offer several intriguing reasons why you should call the Prairie State home. In addition to being the center of state government, the area has…
What the locals do for fun
Haven’t you seen enough sights? How about some fun? Take it from the locals – here are 17 ways to have a good time in the capital city that don’t involve learning anything at all. Just enjoy. Family-friendly entertainment Wet, wild family fun: Knight’s Action Park and Splash Kingdom – Prepare to get wet and…
Food and drinks
Telephone area code is 217 unless otherwise specified. BEST BURGER Krekel’s Custard and Hamburgers2121 North Grand Avenue, 525-4952 Not sure where to find Krekel’s – just look for the chicken. But it’s the beef burgers that have been Krekel’s claim to fame since 1949 – fresh, never frozen, smashed onto a sizzling hot griddle and…
Local live music and entertainment
All phone numbers are area code 217 Alamo115 N. Fifth St. (523-1455) Alamo II 310 N. Main St., Chatham (483-6699) Always After Five2741 S. Sixth St. (528-0970) American Legion Post 32 1120 Sangamon Ave. (523-3415) American Legion Post 809 1800 E. Capitol (522-3110) AMF Strike N Spare Lanes 2660 W. Lawrence Ave. (787-6111) Apothecary Bar &…
The nightlife
The nightlife of Springfield and surrounding communities is diverse and robust. Blues, folk, jazz, rock, country, hip-hop, dance music, open mics and karaoke are all well represented on any given night in central Illinois and the capital city. Solid local acts playing original and cover material mix with national touring bands on the road from…
Heart of Illinois
Want to hit the road? These destinations are just a hop, skip and jump away. Head out to find the amazing sites in the corners and edges of Illinois on the roads less traveled. Discover more about Illinois history You can learn more about Abraham Lincoln’s life and times in Illinois through the Looking for…
Mother Road
From John Steinbeck, who coined the term “Mother Road,” to Paul McCartney, who answered nature’s call at a Springfield gas station back in 2008 while road-tripping incognito in a Ford Bronco, the allure of Route 66 is timeless. If you want to see America, there’s no better place than the road that once spanned more…
The outdoors
Washington Park Washington Park is a popular spot for locals. Located just a couple miles from downtown Springfield, it is also a great place to go for a break from being a tourist. Designed by Ossian Simonds, noted for his naturalistic style of landscape design, Washington Park is on the National Register of Historic Places.…
Visual and performing arts
Hoogland Center for the Arts The city’s premier arts venue, the Hoogland Center for the Arts is a magnet for both practitioners and supporters of the arts. Named after the family that nurtured Family Video stores to nationwide prominence, the venue houses 18 different arts organizations. With four performance sites, two art galleries and meeting…
Historic Edwards Place
Stepping through the front door of Edwards Place is like stepping back in time. Recently restored to the grandeur of its 1850s appearance, this gracious Italianate mansion evokes an era when hoop skirts were heard rustling in the parlor and Abraham Lincoln’s laugh rang out from the dining room. Built in 1833, Edwards Place is…
The capital city
Illinois State Capitol Illinois boasts a stunning State Capitol, and recently the legislative chambers and multifloor west wing were magnificently restored. It is well worth visiting this National Historic Landmark. Construction began on the sixth and current Illinois Capitol in 1868 after officials determined that more space was needed for government business. The building took…
Uniquely Springfield
Cozy Dog Drive-In An icon in Springfield is the Cozy Dog Drive-in, home of the original batter-covered hot dog on a stick. This landmark, located on historic Route 66, features a great collection of Route 66 memorabilia. Although corn dogs are popular at state fairs, you have to go to the Cozy Dog drive-in for…
Besides Abe
DOWNTOWN AREA Frank Lloyd Wright’s Dana-Thomas House State Historic Site A visit to Springfield is not complete without touring the magnificent Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Dana-Thomas House, now an Illinois State Historic Site. The home contains the largest collection of site-specific, original Wright art glass and furniture and was Wright’s first “blank check” commission. In 1902,…
Abe’s hometown
Two centuries after his birth, Springfield’s best-known resident remains a revered icon, a leader who bore the weight of destiny to his untimely demise. Born in dire poverty and self-educated, Abraham Lincoln rose to lead our nation during its darkest time. His words inspired Americans during the Civil War, and they inspire us today. Lincoln…
About the cover
Estefania Loret de Mola I am currently a Graphic Design and Marketing student at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Since starting school I have been experimenting with different styles and techniques. A lot of what I have been making is digital, including the work I submitted for Illinois Times. In “Abraham Lincoln in Geometric Space”…
