25 Things to do in Springfield Illinois

April 21, 2025
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25 Fun and Fantastic Things to Do When you Plan Your Trip to Springfield Illinois

Learn about the Man, the Myth and the Legend that was our 16th President, Mr. Abraham Lincoln

1. Go back nearly two centuries in time as you walk the streets of Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site

2. Visit Lincoln’s Home and learn about Lincoln as a husband, father, neighbor and politician

3. Explore the Old State Capitol where Lincoln spoke the immortal words “A house divided against itself cannot stand…”

4. Visit the state-of-the-art Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum

5. View Lincoln’s final resting place at Lincoln’s Tomb

Hit the Mother Road

6. Follow the Route 66 Mural Trail and Wayside Exhibits

7. Experience the glow of the Legends Neon Sign Park at the Illinois State Fairgrounds Route 66 Experience and don’t forget to Slide Down 66 while there

8. Take a selfie with Big Ron at Route 66 Motorheads

9. Learn about Bill Shea and be transported back in time at this outdoor museum

10. This summer, we're excited to unveil a hidden gem from the past: the Carpenter Park Original Route 66 Pavement. Nestled beside the Sangamon River, this quarter-mile

stretch of road has been hidden away, untouched and overgrown, for nearly 90 years, Opening July 2025

11. Celebrate the nostalgia and culture of Route 66 at the limited time Bob Waldmire Art Exhibit and David J Schwartz The Road That Takes You Exhibit at The Pharmacy Gallery and Art Space.

Flavors That Tell a Story

12. Taste the first ever corn-dog invented at Cozy Dog Drive In

13. Download our Horseshoe Trail and dive into Springfield’s famous dish

14. Grab a loose meat burger and homemade root beer float at Maid Rite

15. Savor one of Café Moxo’s famous cookies

16. Enjoy a rooftop to table dining experience at Maldaner’s

17. Enjoy a brew from one of our local breweries or sip on a glass of wine from a local winery

Some Events You Just Can’t Miss

18. Enjoy Memorial Day weekend with family-friendly entertainment at the 64th Annual International Carillon Festival, May 21st-24th

19. Move and groove at the Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series, Thursdays May 28th – July 30th

20. Join us this summer for our interactive History Comes Alive program, June 4th – August 8th

21. Enjoy a week long Juneteenth Celebration, June 12th – 19th

22. Watch FREE, LIVE professional golf at the Memorial Health Championship, presented by LRS, June 22nd – 28th

23. Get ready for all the fun, food and excitement at the Illinois State Fair, August 13th – 23rd

24. Watch the excitement Labor Day Weekend as top athletes go 140+MPH at the Springfield Mile, September 5th - 6th

25. Get your kicks at the 25th Annual International Route 66 Mother Road Festival, September 25th – 27th

Follow us on social to find more inspiration and make sure to tag us in any of your #alwayslegendary experiences @visitspringfield!”