Illinois State Capitol
The first legislative session was held in the new State Capitol in 1877. Today, it is the center of state government and houses several offices. Visitors are encouraged to sit in on Illinois politics in action from balcony-level seating when the legislature is in session.

Air Combat Museum
Through the displays of various military aircraft, visitors can learn about the brave souls who flew and maintained these machines. This museum is found at Springfield’s Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport. [ More ]

Camp Butler Cemetery
A final resting place for veterans and their dependents, Camp Butler was once the site of a Union Civil War training camp and Confederate prison. [ More ]

Dana-Thomas House
Springfield’s Dana-Thomas House is the best preserved and most complete of Frank Lloyd Wright’s early “Prairie” houses. The structure has changed little since its construction in 1902 for Springfield socialite and women’s activist Susan Lawrence Dana. [ More ]

Edwards Place
Built in 1833, this mansion was the center of Springfield’s social and political life. It was the site of a political rally for Stephen A. Douglas, and Abraham Lincoln once made an address from the upper windows. The home includes the “Lincoln Courting Couch” from the Ninian Edwards home where Lincoln and Mary Todd were married. [ More ]

Executive Mansion
This beautiful house has served as the official residence of Illinois’ governors and their families since Governor Joel Matteson took up residence here in 1855. The Illinois Executive Mansion is one of the oldest historic residences in the state. [ More ]

Henson Robinson Zoo
More than 300 animals from Australia, Africa, Asia, and North and South America find refuge at the zoo. Special events are held throughout the year, providing many hands-on experiences for children, as well as adults. Facilities include a gift shop, concessions, and a petting area. [ More ]

Illinois Korean War Memorial
Octagon granite walls provide the foundation for this breathtaking monument. The names of 1,752 Illinois veterans killed in action are engraved on the granite walls. This memorial is located in Oak Ridge Cemetery near the Lincoln Tomb. [ More ]

Illinois State Military Museum
The museum is committed to collecting, preserving, interpreting, and exhibiting military artifacts associated with the citizen-soldier of Illinois. This exhibit includes the state’s collection of military vehicles, weapons, uniforms, equipment and photographs. [ More ]

Illinois State Museum
This new museum holds assorted collections of artifacts, fossilized plants and animals, art, rocks and more to show the evolution of change in this area. Interactive elements, thrilling audio and video effects, life-sized dioramas and thousands of authentic fossils and specimens. [ More ]

Illinois Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Inscribed in this granite monument are the names of the 2,984 Illinois servicemen who died or are still missing in the Vietnam War. This memorial is located in Oak Ridge Cemetery near the Lincoln Tomb. [ More ]

Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices
Lincoln practiced law here with his two partners from 1843-1852 in offices above Seth Tinsley’s store. This is the only surviving structure in which Lincoln maintained working law offices. [ More ]

Lincoln Home National Historic Site
The Lincoln home has been restored to its 1860s appearance, revealing Lincoln as husband, father, politician, and President-elect. It stands in the midst of a four block historic neighborhood. [ More ]

Lincoln Memorial Garden
Composed of plants indigenous to Illinois, this memorial garden park includes five miles of wooded trails along Lake Springfield. [ More ]

Museum Of Funeral Customs
A rare opportunity to visit a 1870-era home funeral, a 1920’s embaling room, horse-drawn vehicles, etc., and to learn the history and development of a valued profession. A full-size reproduction of Lincoln’s coffin is also on display. [ More ]

World War II - Illinois Veterans Memorial
The Memorial was constructed to honor the 987,000 men and women from the State of Illinois who served our country during World War II. 22,000 Illinois citizens gave their lives in pursuit of liberty. [ More ]

New Salem
While touring the Springfield area sites, allow a few hours to explore New Salem, the pioneer village where Lincoln lived as a young adult. Costumed interpreters take on the roles of people who lived and worked here during Lincoln’s six-year stay, more than 160 years ago. [ More ]

Old State Capitol
The Old State Capitol served as the Illinois statehouse from 1839 to 1876. The building’s perfectly balanced design, majestic classical columns, and exterior details symbolize the ancient Greek example of orderly progress and democracy. [ More ]

Route 66
Tourists from around the world travel “America’s Main Street” to experience the legend of Route 66. Visit Shea’s Gas Station Museum filled with over half a century of gas station memorabilia. Enjoy great food from America’s past at the Cozy Dog Drive In, Joe Rogers Chili and the Just Off Route 66 Diner. [ More ]

Vachel Lindsay Home
Vachel Lindsay was one of America’s best-known poets and a Springfield native. His 1879 birthplace remained Lindsay’s only home until his death there in 1931. Acquired by the State of Illinois in 1991, the home reopened after an extensive, state-funded restoration project. [ More ]

Washington Park Botanical Garden
The Washington Park Botanical Garden contains 9,000 square feet of greenhouse area, plus a conservatory that houses over 150 species of tropical plants. Surrounding the conservatory are a variety of gardens, including a 5,000 plant rose garden, the largest of its kind in central Illinois. [ More ]