Special Issues

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 […]

Haven’t you seen enough sights? How about some fun? Take it from the locals – here are 18 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 Caribbean Water Adventure – Prepare to get wet […]

Not to be missed during a visit to Springfield is the Illinois State Museum, just a few blocks west of downtown in the State Capitol complex. People of all ages will enjoy this free museum, which has been called “world-class” and “a gem in its own right.” It tells the story of the land, life, […]

 Illinois State Capitol  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 20 years to complete and cost more than $4.5 million. The first legislative session in the new Capitol was held in 1877, but the structure wasn’t finished […]

AeroKnow Museum Anyone looking for a complete parts manual for a World War II Martin B-26 Marauder – or another obscure relic from the aeronautical past – should visit AeroKnow Museum. The unique collection of historic photographs, model aircraft and kits dating back to the 1930s, aviation books and periodicals dating back to 1910, and […]

 Hoogland Center for the Arts  The city’s premier arts venue, the Hoogland Center for the Arts, is a magnet for 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 space galore, […]

DEMO Project – This alternative gallery is actually a small cottage on the grounds of the Springfield Art Association which took its name from the fact that it was originally slated for demolition. Now a fixture of the local contemporary fine arts scene, DEMO showcases site-specific exhibits, often by a single artist. These can range […]

  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 […]

  Freeways may offer easier and faster ways to travel from A to Z, but The Mother Road provides an historic and charming weekend getaway or a fun day trip.  As a thoroughfare for Dust Bowl immigrants, Route 66 saw its heyday in the 1930s, spanning more than 2,450 miles between Chicago and Los Angeles. […]

Ready, set, go, for a one-tank trip! These destinations are just a hop, skip and jump away – within three to four hours of Springfield. Head out to find the amazing sites in the corners and edges of Illinois on the roads less traveled.   Mitchell Museum in Mt. Vernon Head south for a day […]

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 […]

  Alamo 115 N. Fifth St. (523-1455) Alamo II  310 N. Main St., Chatham (483-6699)  American Legion Post 32  1120 Sangamon Ave. (523-3415) American Legion Post 809  1800 E. Capitol (522-3110) Atomic Tunes Sports Bar  145 Illini Trail, Virden (627-9304)  Bar None/Gin Mill  427 E. Monroe St. (523-3050) Black Sheep Café 1320 S. 11th St.  […]