Best Things to Do in Springfield, Illinois

Do you enjoy visiting the hometowns of the world’s biggest historical figures? If you do, you’ll want to know about Springfield, Illinois.

▬Contents of this video▬
00:00 - Intro
00:29 - Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
00:52 - Lincoln Home
01:12 - Lincoln Tomb
01:50 - Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices Historical Site
02:21 - Lincoln’s New Salem
02:53 - Dana-Thomas House
03:23 - Vachel Lindsay Home
03:50 - Old and New State Capitol
04:25 - Illinois State Museum
04:50 - Springfield and Central Illinois African-American History Museum
05:11 - Air Combat Museum
05:41 - Washington Park Botanical Gardens
06:04 - Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon
06:24 - Outro

Like this content? Subscribe here:

Or, watch more videos here:

Abraham Lincoln is one of the most beloved presidents of all time. His story has been told in several movies and Stephen Sondheim’s hit musical Assassins. The city of Springfield has several attractions made to honor its most famous resident. Check out his tomb, restored law offices, or the replica of the town of New Salem where he grew up.

Springfield also has a range of museums that focus on other historical topics. These include the Illinois State Museum, the Air Combat Museum, and the Springfield and Central Illinois African-American History Museum. Historic buildings round out your trip back in time, including the Governor's Mansion, Dana-Thomas House, and Vachel Lindsay Home. One major factor that makes them the best things to do in the city is that many are free to visit.

Natural beauty is plentiful in Illinois. Experience a bit of it by visiting the Adams Wildlife Sanctuary or the Henson Robertson Zoo while you’re in Springfield.

Many of the best things to do in Springfield, Illinois also involve food and drinks. Try Custom Cup Coffee for the exact drink you’ve been looking for, have a bit of fun at Obed and Isaac’s Microbrewery, or go to Engrained Brewery and Restaurant for a fresh and sustainable meal.

Remember to stop at Springfield’s section of Route 66 before you find your way home. It has the original Cozy Dog and the Route 66 Motorheads Bar, Grill, and Museum. It also hosts an international festival that motorheads are sure to love.

Like and subscribe to ViewCation for more travel tips for visiting other towns with residents that became their “pride and joy.”. Watch our video to learn about the best things to do in Springfield, Illinois.

Best Things to Do in Springfield, Illinois

[ryanhogge]

I knew that this video would reference Abraham Lincoln, but I never guessed that his name would be uttered within two seconds. There is more to Springfield than just Lincoln, and I wish the city would lean away from him at least a little bit.

[markfisher]

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum was opened in 2005, 140 years after his 1865 death (not nearly 200 years as stated in the video) but who's counting? It is a great museum. Also, Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site is located 17 miles northwest of Springfield, just south of Petersburg, Illinois. Vachel Lindsay's first name is pronounced as if it rhymes with "satchel".

[buzzpoluchi]

I think a worthwhile addition would be the Springfield Mile motorcycle race. Of course this is a niche attraction, but it is the fastest and most historical mile track in the world.

[speedlearner]

And a hearty good morning to you from Illinois. What did you like the most about the Abraham Lincoln museum? At the 1:59 mark of this video you show a blue and white sign hanging on a pole. I know a neat story about that sign. If you want to know my story, feel free to contact me.

[mariocisneros]

The home is original, as is his office, home depot, and the old Court House

[treponemapallidum]

Lincoln s new salem is like the setting of Resi V

[cathnu]

Lived near here and here for years. Didn't know about the air combat museum. True story. I knew a lady who lived in the area of the Dana Thomas home who actually knew her! Apparently didn't like her.

[unsegregatedsouls]

You should include New Salem which is nearby. It's where Lincoln lived in his 20's.