Ongoing Spring Migration Bird Hikes Thursdays, 8-9:30am. Through May 15. Matt Hayes of the Illinois Audubon Society will lead hikes looking for migratory species as well as resident species. Free. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 Clear Lake Ave., 217-544-2473. April April Wildflower Walks Saturdays in April, 10am and 2pm. Guided walks on Elkhart Hill presented by […]
Illinois Times Staff
Posted inWatch Public Meetings
Council dedicates funds to east side growth
The Springfield City Council meeting was packed with big decisions and some heated moments: – Emotional farewells for the police and fire chiefs after nearly three decades of service each. – A zoning request for a longer dock on Lake Springfield drew strong warnings about changing the rules — yet the council approved the extension […]
Posted inWatch Public Meetings
Council debates public comment rules and a bus bench contract
Public comment rules are under scrutiny. Corporation Counsel Greg Moredock explained the Open Meetings Act and answered questions about what changes might be allowed. – Ward 3 Ald. Roy Williams raised questions about political signage on bus benches. Could new regulations be on the horizon? – Ward 2 Ald. Shawn Gregory emphasized the need for […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Museums and historic sites
DOWNTOWN AREA Dana-Thomas House – A Frank Lloyd Wright design 301 E. Lawrence Ave. 217-782-6776 http://historicspringfield.dnr.illinois.gov/ Facebook.com/StateHistoricSitesOfSpringfieldIL Donations accepted A visit to Springfield is not complete without touring the magnificent Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Dana-Thomas House. The home contains the largest collection of site-specific, original Wright art glass and furniture befitting Wright’s first “blank check” commission. […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
This year’s big events
ONGOING Small Beginnings Various dates through June 6, 1:30 p.m. This short play tells the story of Robert Smalls. Smalls, enslaved from birth, commandeered a Confederate ship in Charleston, South Carolina, and used it to take family and friends to freedom. Reggie Guyton portrays Smalls and Randy Erwin provides a moving musical soundtrack for each […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Springfield Art Association
The Springfield Art Association is at the heart of Springfield’s thriving arts and culture scene. Boasting two art galleries, an art school, a Lincoln-era historic house museum and a calendar packed with family-friendly events, there is always something to see or do at the SAA. For the art aficionado, the Springfield Art Association offers two […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Visual and performing arts
Copper Coin Ballet Company 420 S. Sixth St. coppercoinballet@gmail.com coppercoinballet.org Reimagines the context and potential for dance in our community to create unique collaborations in artistic expression among burgeoning artists nurtured by experienced artists. CCBC stages annual performances of “Rockballet” and Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker.” Grant Conservatory of Music and Dance 501 S. Elliott Ave. grantconservatory@gmail.com […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
The capital city
Illinois State Capitol 401 S. Second St. 217-782-2099 Illinois boasts a stunning State Capitol, and in recent years 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 […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
What the locals do for fun
Haven’t you seen enough sights? How about some fun? Take it from the locals – here are many ways to have a good time in the capital city that don’t involve learning anything at all. Just enjoy. FAMILY-FRIENDLY ENTERTAINMENT Amazing Xscapes 1650 Wabash Ave. 217-679-6396 amazingxscapes.com Choose from several different escape room themes and book […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Walk, Hike and Bike History
Illinois Department of Natural Resource’s State Historic Sites in Springfield invite you to check out Walk, Hike and Bike History, an exciting way to explore history in the capital city. Walk, Hike and Bike History is a series of inspiring outdoor experiences that connect you to “must-see” museums and monuments in the capital city. Guided […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
The outdoors
Boating and fishing Lake Springfield 217-757-8660 x1011 cwlp.com Public boat launches are available from a variety of locations. Try your hand at fishing from the shoreline or from your boat in a private cove. Lake Springfield Marina 17 Waters Edge Blvd. 217-483-3625 lakespringfieldmarina.com Full-service marina with slip rental by day, week, month or season. Rent […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
The nightlife
The nightlife of Springfield and surrounding communities is diverse and robust. Blues, folk, jazz, rock, country, hip-hop, dance music, open mic events and karaoke nights are 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 […]
