5 New Things in Springfield 2024 | Springfield, Illinois | Visit Springfield

  • April 10, 2024
  •      
  • Mike Riefler

Share this Blog

What's new and exciting 2024?

We have 5+ fun and exciting new things ranging from new guided outdoor tours to a new Route 66 attractions and of course fun events & exhibits too! 

Check them out, plan your visit, we are excited to see you in Springfield in 2024! 

1. New features during the 15th Annual History Comes Alive Summer Experience- May 31-August 5, 2024

NEW Summer Downtown Trolley Service – Experience the rich history of our downtown sites and attractions with this free, hop-on, hop-off historic site trolley service.  Available 10am-4pm, Wednesday-Saturday from May 31-August 4.

A DAY IN THE LIFE- Stop by the Visitors Center in the historic Lincoln-Herndon law office for a presentation on the life a local historian, museum curator, and state archivist.  Explore the responsibility of acquiring, cataloging, preserving, and presenting priceless artifacts, documents, and historical structures; all to ensure they are around for future generations to come.  This experience will include a visit from a local museum professional as well as a short walk to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library.  Total Experience will last approximately 1 hour

Bird Hike with John James Audubon Reenactor at the Adams Wildlife Sanctuary - Friday mornings at 8:30am.

Summer Fest at the Dana-Thomas House - Friday evenings from 5:30pm-7:30pm. 

“Date Night at the Dana” - Saturday evenings from 5:30pm-7:00pm.  Exclusive event requiring free ticket reservation.


Oh...don't forget to take a pic and share with us by using @visitspringfield. We can't wait to see your experiences!

2. Art Glass Adventure – June – August, 2024

As you enjoy the sites and attractions throughout the city, be sure to look for one of our limited edition, locally made, hand blown glass orbs!  These beautiful keepsakes will be placed around the city in various locations!  Find one and it’s yours to keep!  Simply snap a photo of you with your beautiful glass orb and @VisitSpringfield so we can celebrate your find.  This project is in celebration of the 120th Anniversary of the Dana-Thomas House! More details to come!


3. Springfield Horseshoe Trail – Year Round

What is a horseshoe you ask?  Springfield offers up one of the most filling sandwiches in the Midwest. This unique open-faced sandwich is definitely a must!! Just know, it will blow your diet…but, it is so worth it! This signature dish can be found at most local restaurants who serve pub & American-style food.

Our new Trail offers up 30 restaurants and their unique take on this Springfield classic culinary delight! Check it out here

4. Shea’s Gas Station – Year Round (coming Summer 2024)

Reminisce at Shea’s Gas Station and Museum, a Springfield and Route 66 landmark that welcomed travelers from around the world from 1946 – 2013.  Owners Bill, Helen and family extending four generations greeted travelers daily.  Take time for a photo opportunity at one of the original stations on the legendary Route 66 Mother Road!

5. Other Route 66 Attractions – New and Reimagined!

Visitors can soar down Route 66 on the 4-story, iconic giant slide at the IL State Fairgrounds on Saturdays, May-August.  Just around the corner from the slide is the Route 66 Gate 2 Experience, open to experience 365 days a year and lit up each night at dusk.   Walk the entire Illinois Route 66 corridor in microform.  Marvel at the Neon Sign Park with new and restored neon signs, a paved brick road, a 25’ tall, fiberglass Route 66 muffler man, a drive-in theater replica and interpretive signs highlighting each Route 66 community from Chicago to the Chain of Rocks Bridge.  

Not new in 2024, but now is the time to make plans for a weekend of food, fun and music in downtown Springfield!  The 23rd Anniversary International Route 66 Mother Road Festival roars into town September 27-29!  Registration now open, start your engine here!