Capital City Visitor

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 […]

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 […]

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. […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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, […]

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 […]

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum Photo by E. Jason Wambsgans 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 […]

Illinois State Fair features animals, rides, tractors, concerts and attractions between Aug. 13-23. Photo by Ericka Hine 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 […]