Capital City Coupon Book now available for visitors and locals alike.
Please enjoy these savings and offers from area restaurants, attractions, hotels and retail shops. Download Capital City Coupon Book
About the cover artist Lynn Snyder-Hinds
Cover is by Lynn Snyder-Hinds of Springfield, winner of this year’s Capital City Visitor cover art contest, which drew more than 40 entries. Synder-Hinds and others who competed were honored at a reception held Feb. 23 at the Springfield Art Association, where cash prizes were awarded to the winners. Lynn Snyder-Hinds is a graduate from…
Abe’s hometown
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…
Besides Abe
DOWNTOWN AREA Dana-Thomas House – A Frank Lloyd Wright design301 E. Lawrence Ave.217-782-6776dana-thomas.org AdmissionA 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”…
The capital city
Illinois State Capitol 101 S. Second St.217-782-2099Illinois 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 needed for…
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 history lovers, the Art Association offers the opportunity to…
Visual and performing arts
Performing arts Hoogland Center for the Arts 420 S. Sixth St.217-523-2787hcfta.orgThe Hoogland Center for the Arts is a magnet for both practitioners and supporters of the arts, housing 18 different arts organizations with four performance sites, two art galleries and meeting space galore. The Hoogland Center is also home to the Springfield Area Arts Council,…
Always Legendary
Are you ready to discover your legendary couple’s getaway, family vacation or weekend with your best girlfriends? Check inside to uncover what’s new in Springfield for 2019. Learn about History Comes Alive, celebrating 10 years this summer, and the iconic Route 66, a classic American road trip. You’ll also find a complete listing of lodging…
History comes alive
Come celebrate 10 years of History Comes Alive this summer. Step into 19th Century America with live performances, storytelling and moving ceremonies from Abraham Lincoln and a huge cast of historical characters. It’s a trip to the past you won’t want to miss. Learn more about a man who would become one of the most…
VISITOR INFORMATION
Looking for assistance while you’re here? Stop by our new visitors center and let one of our travel experts help you. Be sure to ask how you can park free! Springfield Visitors Center at Lincoln-Herndon Law OfficeOne S. Old State Capitol Plaza (on the corner of 6th & Adams)217-789-2360 • VisitSpringfieldIllinois.comOpen Monday – Friday: 9…
ROUTE 66
Historic Route 66 goes right through the heart of Springfield. For a complete listing of Route 66 stops in the area visit IllinoisRoute66.org. International Route 66 Mother Road FestivalSeptember 27-29, 2019866-783-6645 • route66fest.comEach year hundreds of cars and spectators travel to downtown Springfield for live music, entertainment, and to simply cruise. This family friendly event…
LODGING & ACCOMMODATIONS
PLACES TO STAY DOWNTOWN HotelsCarpenter Street Hotel525 N. 6th St.217-789-9100carpenterstreethotel.com Mansion View Inn & Suites529 S. 4th St.217-544-7411mansionview.com President Abraham Lincoln Springfield — A DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel701 E. Adams St.217-544-8800866-788-1860PresidentAbrahamLincolnSpringfield.DoubleTree.com Red Roof Plus — State House101 E. Adams St.217-528-5100redroof.com/property/Il/ SpringfieldRRI592# Wyndham Springfield — City Centre700 E. Adams St.217-789-1530877-999-3223wyndham.com BED & BREAKFASTS INN AT 835835 S. 2nd St.217-523-4466888-217-4835innat835.com Pasfield House Inn217-525-3663525…
TRAVEL TOOLS
GETTING HERE BY PLANEAbraham Lincoln Capital AIRPORT1200 Capital Airport Dr.217-788-1060flyspi.comUnited Airlinesunited.comAmerican Airlinesaa.comAllegiant Airlinesallegiantair.com BY TRAINAMTRAKWashington St. and 3rd St.amtrak.com BY BusGreyhound bus lines(BUS STOP ONLY)2815 N. Dirksen Pkwy.greyhound.com GETTING AROUND TownSangamon Mass Transit System (SMTD)Public buses are available to most areas of the city, including a route around the downtown historic sites. Buses run Monday…
CONVENTIONS & MEETING
Springfield hosts hundreds of gatherings each year of all sizes and interests. With nearly 4,000 hotel rooms and state of the art facilities, we have the flexibility to create unique events your attendees will love. You might already know that Springfield is a great choice for your event, but did you know our full service…
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 AMF Strike N Spare Lanes2660 W. Lawrence Ave.217-787-6111amf.com/strikensparelanesilTraditional bowling on 36 lanes, plus a game room.…
The outdoors
Boating and fishing Lake Springfield217-757-8660 x1011cwlp.comPublic 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 Marina17 Waters Edge Blvd.217-483-3625lakespringfieldmarina.comFull service marina with slip rental by day, week, month or season. Rent a pontoon boat, personal watercraft or…
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…
Uniquely Springfield
Cozy Dog Drive-InAn 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 the…
Food and drinks
American 3Sixteen Wine Bar316 N. Main St.,Chatham217-697-85693sixteenwinebar.com Abe’s Hideout2301 S. Dirksen Pkwy.217-679-2044abeshideouts.com Alexander’s Steak House620 Bruns Ln.217-793-0440alexanderssteak.com Anchors Away518 E. Capitol Ave.217-679-0166anchorsawayil.com Applebee’s Grill & Bar2554 Sunrise Dr.217-528-70213335 Veterans Pkwy.217-698-0550applebees.com Arlington’s210 Broadway St.217-679-6235arlingtonsspi.com Bakers Square3434 Freedom Dr.217-787-5555bakerssquare.com Barrel Head1577 W. Wabash Ave.217-787-2102thebarrelheadspringfield.com Bob Evans4221 Conestoga Dr.217-698-38003050 Stevenson Dr.217-529-1909bobevans.comBoyd’s New Generation Restaurant1831 S. Grand Ave. E.217-544-9866…
Drink up
Microbreweries Anvil & Forge Brewing and Distilling619 E. Washington St. (downtown)217-679-1195anvilandforge.comThe newest edition to 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 of fluorescent…
Shopping/Retail
Antiques and Flea Markets Abe’s Old Hat Antiques & Country Store111 N. Sixth St. 217-414-3320 Abe’s Tradin’ Post2704 Peoria Rd.217-753-2237 Barrel Antique Mall5850 S. Sixth St. Rd.217-585-1438barrelantiquemall.com Hilda’s Antique Mall14266 Frazee Rd., Divernon217-628-9192 Lisa’s Antique MallI-55 & Rte. 104, Divernon217-628-1111Merchant House625 E. Monroe St.217-744-3735merchanthouse.net Northfield Flea Market3226 E. Sangamon Ave.217-306-1873 Rusty Star Marketplace14335 Frazee Rd., Divernon217-628-1122…
This year’s big events
MARCH McKinney, Hennessy and O’Hare (Irish Song Fest)March 14, 7pm Thu. Join McKinney, Hennessy and O’Hare as they perform Irish folk songs including songs by the Clancy Brothers, traditional Irish-American songs and story songs. $12. hcfta.org. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787. Springfield Winter Farmers MarketMarch 16, 9am-1pm Sat. Seasonal farmers market…
