Illinois Times Staff

You’ve been doing a lot of walking, mostly from one historic site to the next. It’s not really the legwork that wears you out — you’ve simply taken in all the details a mind can absorb. Tourism can be exhausting. If you need a change of pace, why not check out one of Springfield’s more […]

The Air Combat Museum showcases the role of military aviation with an array of aviation memorabilia, including the gun sight from a Messerschmitt 109, and historical aircraft, including a Beechcraft AT-11, used to train bombardiers in World War II; a P-51; a Vought F4U-5 Corsair; and a Soko Galeb, Yugoslavia’s first jet. Watch aircraft being […]

Springfield and Sangamon County aren’t just great places to visit; they’re also great places to live. The capital city and the nearly two dozen smaller communities located in and around the city make up a county that offers many attractive reasons for you to make the Land of Lincoln your home. In addition to being […]

ILLINOIS STATE CAPITOL Construction began on the sixth and current Capitol in 1868 after officials determined that more space was needed for government business. The building took 20 years to complete and cost $4.5 million. The first legislative session in the new Capitol was held in 1877, but the structure wasn’t finished for another decade. […]

Untitled Document HOOGLAND CENTER FOR THE ARTS Now named after the family that nurtured Family Video stores to nationwide prominence, the former Masonic Temple began its new life on Dec. 31, 2003, as the city’s premier arts venue. As home base for more than 15 arts organizations, with four performance sites, two art galleries, and […]

Here are some Springfield a events to check out. For the most complete list of area events, turn to Illinois Times, the free news and entertainment weekly of Springfield (217-753-2226, www.illinoistimes.com). Additional information also is available from the Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau (800-545-7300, www.visit-springfieldillinois.com). APRIL 1 The Star Keeper A performance from four puppeteers, […]

The entertainment nightlife of Springfield and surrounding communities is diverse and robust. In other words, if you want it, it’s here and it’s excellent. Blues, folk, jazz, rock, country, dance music, and karaoke are all well represented on any given night in central Illinois and the capital city. Solid local acts playing original and cover […]

You did the right thing, for sure. You brought them here to learn about history, Lincoln, the Civil War — yadda, yadda, yadda. But kids are kids. And it’s a fact: All Lincoln and no play make Jack and Jill dull youngsters! How’s about a wild ride down a water slide, a spin on a […]

Nearly 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. […]

There’s something about Route 66 that confounds the “more is better” school of thought. It may be Illinois’ biggest tourist draw, yet it’s so small-scale and affordable. You can spend a whole day on the Mother Road and not turn loose even $50. In the process you’ll probably make a friend or two. Almost certainly […]