Early in 2007, several hundred journalists from
around the globe came to record U.S. Sen. Barack Obama’s announcement
of his intention to seek election to the U.S. presidency. In the weeks that
followed this media frenzy, thousands of images of our fair city appeared
on countless television programs and in magazines across the continents,
serving as an invitation to the world to come explore our historic past and
experience our thriving present. Whether you’ve traveled a few days or just a
few hours to visit us, we sincerely hope that you find Illinois’
capital city a warm and welcoming place. For many, a visit to Springfield centers on our most
famous and favorite resident. The cornerstone of the Lincoln experience is
the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, with its interactive
displays, live performances, and re-creations of Lincoln’s world. The
library is a haven for scholars and students from around the globe. To
complete the Lincoln experience, visit the only home Abraham Lincoln owned;
the office where he practiced law; the church where he and his family
worshiped; the Old State Capitol building, where he gave his famous
“House Divided” speech; and the tomb where his and his
family’s remains are interred. A short drive from Springfield is New
Salem, the rustic 1830s village where Lincoln lived. Don’t be fooled into thinking that Abe is the
only attraction in town, though. On the west side of downtown is the
recently refurbished new Illinois State Capitol, open to tourists daily. Just around the
corner is the Illinois State Museum, which provides a glimpse into the
cultural and natural history of Illinois, including all the fossils your
kids can handle. Turn yet another corner to find an excellent example of
world-renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s prairie style, in the
Dana-Thomas House. Fans of the famous Route 66 have Bill Shea’s Gas
Station Museum, the original Cozy Dog Restaurant, and dozens of other
Mother Road attractions nearby. The legacy of landscape pioneer Jens Jensen
lives on at Lincoln Memorial Garden.
If it’s a party you’re after, Springfield
will not disappoint. Downtown streets come alive each summer with countless
weekend events, including the Old Capitol Art Fair, a wide array of July 4
events, the Taste of Downtown, and numerous festivals featuring jazz and
blues. Each Wednesday and Saturday during the warmer months, local farmers
and craftspeople sell their wares at the downtown farmers’ market.
Springfield also hosts the Illinois State Fair in August, the International
Route 66 Mother Road Festival in September, and the weeklong International
Carillon Festival in October. Along with a whole lot of history, Springfield offers
eclectic restaurants, art galleries, amusement parks, theaters, parks,
nature preserves, and golf courses. The city has a vibrant music scene
boasting jazz, blues, country, rock, and other live-music venues. For a fresh weekly guide to local entertainment, pick
up Illinois Times,
the capital city’s newsweekly. The paper is free at more than 475
newsstands across the area or online at www.illinoistimes.com. Have fun!
— Sharon Whalen, Publisher
This article appears in Jun 3-9, 2004.
