History Comes Alive | Springfield, Illinois

May 31-August 4, 2024

History Comes Alive returns for its 15th Season!

This summer, embark on a captivating journey in Springfield, Illinois as you encounter Mr. & Mrs. Lincoln and an entire cast of characters. Hop on board our free trolley and explore multiple historic sites where you’ll delve into the lives of some of Springfield’s most fascinating people. Step into the very home where Abraham & Mary raised their family before he became the United States 16th President. Witness historic portrayals and gain insights into Lincoln’s legal career while visiting the Lincoln-Herndon Law Office. Attend a breathtaking flag-lowering ceremony at the Lincoln Tomb, where a civil war union infantry pays tribute and commemorates the legacy of Abraham Lincoln and the great sacrifice he paid with his life. Experience the power of Abraham Lincoln’s words as he delivers some of his most famous speeches. From the House Divided speech to the Gettysburg Address, immerse yourself in his eloquence and conviction that helped shaped the nation’s history. A summer not to be missed!

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE FULL SCHEDULE OF HISTORY COMES ALIVE EVENTS IN 2024

HISTORY COOKS IS BACK!

Calling all foodies! By popular demand, HISTORY COOKS is back for another season of History Comes Alive. Hosted at the Lincoln Home Historic Site, you can enjoy live cooking demonstrations by local chefs each week inspired by some of Springfield’s most famous “fooderies” over the past 100+ years. In partnership with Lincoln Land Community College’s Culinary School, recipes will be available after the demonstration so you can try our famous food at home! Check out the 2024 History Cooks schedule.

View the 2022 Recipe Collection!
View the 2023 Recipe Collection!

SUMMER DOWNTOWN TROLLEY SERVICE

Experience the rich history of our downtown sites and attractions with our free historic site trolley service! Our hop-on, hop-off air-conditioned trolley is the perfect way to explore most of our major attractions. Available from 10am-4pm Wednesday-Saturday, board the trolley from any of our designated stops, hop off at the attractions you want to visit, and simply hop back on when you want to continue. For more details visit the Springfield Visitors Center in the Historic Lincoln-Herndon Law Office. 217-789-2360 Runs May 31st thru August 4th.

Get your Kicks...on Route 66!

ACE SIGN COMPANY - Learn about the evolution of the Signs including NEON at Ace Sign Museum
ROUTE 66 EXPERIENCE - Soak in the NEON at the Legends Neon Sign Park as it illuminates the sky each evening at dusk. Located on the IL State Fairgrounds.
The ROUTE HISTORY MUSEUM integrates history and technology through exhibits, storytelling, and a virtual reality experience that highlights the significant roles of Black businesses, the Negro Motorist Green Book, the Great Migration, and sundown towns along the Illinois leg of Route 66during the Civil Rights and Jim Crow eras.
SHEA’S GAS STATION - You won’t want to miss your Instagrammable moment at this Route 66 ICONIC stop!
ROUTE 66 MOTORHEADS BAR, GRILL, & MUSEUM is home to the world’s largest Route 66 shield and is a great place for lovers of Route 66, old cars, and vintage Signs.