Capital City Visitor

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. […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

American 66 Mother Road Diner (inside Route 66 Hotel and Conference Center) 625 E. St. Joseph St. 217-529-6626 Abe’s Hideout 2301 S. Dirksen Pkwy. 217-679-2044 abeshideouts.com Applebee’s Grill & Bar 2554 Sunrise Dr. 217-528-7021 applebees.com Aunt Lou’s Soul Food 524 E. Monroe 217-717-1916 auntlous.com Big Sharks Fish & Chicken 330 South Grand Ave. 217-717-9700 Bob […]

Microbreweries Anvil & Forge Brewing and Distilling 619 E. Washington St. (downtown) 217-679-1195 anvilandforge.com One of a burgeoning number of craft breweries in the capital city, Anvil & Forge opened in late 2018. The place has a no-nonsense vibe, with walls made from metal siding and reclaimed barn wood, a cement floor and a mix […]

Antiques and Flea Markets Abe’s Old Hat Antiques & Country Store 111 N. Sixth St. 217-414-3320 Abe’s Tradin’ Post 2704 Peoria Rd. 217-753-2237 Barrel Antique Mall 14266 Frazee Rd, Divernon. 217-628-9192 Hilda’s Antique Mall 5850 S. Sixth St. Rd. 217-585-1438 barrelantiquemall.com Northfield Flea Market 3226 E. Sangamon Ave. 217-306-1873 Sangamon Antique Mall 3050 E. Sangamon […]

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 […]