Things To Do
in Springfield
Springfield, Illinois is a mid-sized Midwestern city known as the longtime home of Abraham Lincoln and a hub for state government. The city mixes historic sites and museums with green parks, a navigable riverfront and a compact downtown. Visitors find a comfortable small-city pace with a strong civic identity, seasonal festivals and family-friendly attractions.
It’s an accessible base for exploring central Illinois and Route 66 nostalgia.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, where immersive exhibits bring the 16th president's life to vivid detail. Wander through the meticulously recreated Lincoln Home National Historic Site to see where he lived with his family. Engage with interactive displays that showcase key moments from the Civil War era.
Head to the Old State Capitol building, where Lincoln once served as a legislator, and take a guided tour to learn about Illinois political history. Enjoy lunch at a nearby café offering classic Midwestern dishes. Spend some time at the nearby Edward's Place, a charming historic district filled with unique shops and galleries.
Dine at one of Springfield’s farm-to-table restaurants, savoring locally sourced ingredients in a cozy atmosphere. After dinner, take a leisurely stroll along the Sangamon River Trail, watching the sunset paint the sky over the water. Finish the evening with a performance at the Hoogland Center for the Arts, experiencing Springfield’s vibrant cultural scene.
Start at the Springfield Art Association to view contemporary and regional art exhibits in a bright, inviting gallery space. Participate in a morning art workshop or simply enjoy a coffee while browsing local artisan crafts. Capture photos of the stunning murals scattered throughout downtown Springfield, each telling a unique story.
Visit the Illinois State Museum to explore natural history and cultural artifacts that trace the state’s rich heritage. Grab lunch at a food truck in the museum plaza, sampling local flavors. Spend the afternoon at the Dana-Thomas House, admiring Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural masterpiece and its stunning stained glass windows.
Experience an intimate jazz session at a local music venue, soaking in the soulful rhythms and cozy ambiance. Enjoy dinner at a nearby bistro known for its creative menu and excellent wine selection. End the night with a walk through Washington Park, where soft lighting creates a peaceful retreat under the stars.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-5 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (pint) at a bar | $4-7 |
| 🚕Taxi / Rideshare short trip | $8-20 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $90-150 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich Abraham Lincoln history and well-preserved historic sites
- Affordable, compact city with easy driving and parking
- Good access to outdoor recreation (lakes, trails, parks)
- Friendly Midwestern hospitality and family-friendly attractions
- Limited international flight options — often requires driving or connecting flights
- Smaller nightlife and cultural scene compared with larger metro areas
- Weather can be extreme in winter and humid in summer
- Some attractions have seasonal hours—plan ahead
Places to Visit in Springfield
Visit one of these nice places.
Striking exhibits and a modern façade; prime for history-themed shots and exterior architecture photos.
Neoclassical building with photogenic columns and historic political significance; great for golden-hour photos.
Frank Lloyd Wright architecture and decorative details offer compelling architectural photography opportunities.
River views, bridges and waterfront paths that are especially atmospheric at sunrise and sunset.
Classic Americana scenes—neon signs, vintage motels and diners along the Mother Road make for nostalgic shots.
Lakeshore vistas, boating scenes and wildlife—good for nature and landscape photography.
Food in Springfield
Springfield Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
An open-faced sandwich of toasted bread, meat (often ham or hamburger), a fried egg and a cheese sauce—a regional specialty best sampled at local diners.
Must-Try!
The Cozy Dog Drive In is famous for its signature battered hot dog-on-a-stick—an iconic, nostalgic snack associated with Springfield.
Smoked or grilled meats with classic sides like mac-and-cheese, baked beans and coleslaw—findable at family restaurants and barbecue joints around town.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal market offering local produce, baked goods and prepared foods; great for sampling local honey, cheese and seasonal treats.
A roadside institution where you can get a quick, classic corn-dog-style snack that’s beloved by visitors and locals.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Residents are generally polite and conversational—use please/thank you, greet shop staff and respond to small talk.
Lincoln-related memorials and historic sites are treated with formality—observe signage, photography rules and quiet areas.
Lines are common and respected; maintain normal personal space and avoid loud phone conversations in confined public areas.
Casual attire is acceptable almost everywhere, though business or government settings call for more formal dress.
Safety
Tipping in Springfield
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is customary: 15–20% in restaurants (pre-tax) for full service, $1–2 per drink at bars or 10–15% for counter service if desired, and 15–20% for taxis or rideshares. Housekeeping and other service workers typically expect modest tips.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments and mobile wallets are common. Cash is useful for small vendors, farmer’s markets and some diners.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid with temperatures often in the 80s–90s°F (27–35°C); ideal for outdoor festivals, lake activities and patios—pack sun protection and light clothing.
Crisp, comfortable weather and colorful foliage—one of the best times to visit for scenic drives, outdoor walks and harvest festivals.
Cold with possible snow and icy conditions; temperatures frequently drop below freezing—bring warm layers and be prepared for reduced hours at some attractions.
Unpredictable weather: cool to mild with occasional late frosts and showers; wildflowers and park paths come alive—bring a rain jacket and layers.
Springfield at Night
Hiking in Springfield
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Wooded, accessible trails and native-plant gardens close to the city—excellent for short hikes, birdwatching and quiet nature walks.
Trails circling portions of the reservoir with mixed terrain for walking, running and casual hiking; good views of the water and wildlife.
A state park about 30–40 minutes away offering longer trails, camping, fishing and more rugged outdoor opportunities.
A larger regional park about 1.5–2 hours away with scenic bluffs, extensive hiking trails and river overlooks—great for a full-day wilderness escape.
Airports
How to reach Springfield by plane.
The local airport serving Springfield with regional flights; convenient taxi or rental-car connections to downtown (about 10–20 minutes by car).
Major international airport about 75–90 minutes southwest by car—offers many domestic and international connections and is a common option for international travelers.
Large international hub about 3–4 hours by car or accessible via Amtrak/bus connections; useful for a wider selection of flights and international routes.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
As the state capital, many residents work in government, public administration and related services.
A large portion of the population consists of families living in suburban neighborhoods around the city.
Springfield attracts retirees who value a moderate pace of life, medical services and community amenities.
College students from the University of Illinois Springfield and local community colleges contribute to the city's cultural and social life.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
High school football is a major local pastime with strong community support on Friday nights in the fall.
University teams and campus athletics draw local interest, especially basketball and baseball.
Summer collegiate baseball and local leagues provide family-friendly games and community events.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Springfield.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available in cafés and many restaurants but may be limited at traditional diners; ask for grilled veggie plates, salads, or cheese-based versions of local dishes.
Vegan choices are fewer but growing—look for dedicated menu notes, cafés offering plant-based milks and some restaurants that will modify dishes; grocery stores carry staples if you need to self-cater.
Most restaurants can accommodate gluten-free requests, but cross-contamination is possible—ask servers and choose places familiar with dietary needs.