Attractions and Places To See around Springfield - Top 15

Springfield is rich in Abraham Lincoln's legacy. You can explore the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, tour the only house he ever owned at the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, and visit his final resting place at the Lincoln Tomb in Oak Ridge Cemetery. Other significant sites include the Old State Capitol State Historic Site, where Lincoln delivered his 'House Divided' speech, and the Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices State Historic Site.

Yes, Springfield offers several beautiful natural areas. You can visit Sequiota Park Pond and Waterfall, known for its pond with ducks and a protected cave. Washington Park features botanical gardens and walking trails, while the Lincoln Memorial Garden and Nature Center offers over 6 miles of trails through woodlands and prairies. Lake Springfield provides opportunities for boating and fishing, and Carpenter Park Nature Preserve is excellent for birdwatching and hiking.

Beyond Lincoln's legacy, Springfield has diverse cultural sites. You can visit the Illinois State Museum to explore the state's natural history and cultural heritage. Architecture enthusiasts will appreciate the Dana-Thomas House, a Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece. The Illinois State Capitol offers tours, and the Vachel Lindsay Home State Historic Site celebrates the poet's life. For a unique experience, check out the Cozy Dog Drive In, famous for inventing the corn dog, or the Route 66 Experience at the Illinois State Fairgrounds.

Many attractions in Springfield are suitable for families. Sequiota Park Pond and Waterfall is great for picnics and observing wildlife. Nathanael Greene Park, with its botanical gardens and ponds, is also very family-friendly. The Henson Robinson Zoo, located on the shores of Lake Springfield, is home to over 80 species of animals, providing an engaging experience for children.

Springfield offers several popular trails. The South Creek Greenway is a paved National Recreation Trail winding through the city, connecting historical and natural areas. The Frisco Highline Trail stretches 35 miles through the scenic Ozarks, connecting Springfield to Bolivar. Additionally, the Sangamon Valley Trail is an 11.5-mile multi-use paved path perfect for walking and cycling.

Yes, the South Creek Greenway is a designated National Recreation Trail that is wheelchair accessible, offering a paved path through various parts of Springfield. Many museums and indoor attractions in Springfield are also designed to be accessible.

Springfield attractions can be enjoyed year-round, but spring and fall offer particularly pleasant weather for exploring outdoor sites like the Lincoln Memorial Garden and various trails. Summers can be hot and humid, while winters can be cold, making indoor attractions like the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum or the Illinois State Museum more appealing during those seasons.

Absolutely. For easy hikes, consider the Springfield Conservation Nature Center Trail Loop or the Ritter Springs Nature Trail. The Fulbright Spring Greenway also offers an easy route. You can find more details and routes for easy hikes around Springfield on our dedicated guide page: Easy hikes around Springfield.

Springfield is great for cycling. The South Creek Greenway and the Frisco Highline Trail are popular choices. You can also explore routes like the Galloway Creek Greenway or the Wilson's Creek National Battlefield loop. For more cycling options, including road cycling, visit our guides: Cycling around Springfield and Road Cycling Routes around Springfield.

Beyond Lincoln's home, Springfield boasts other significant historical residences. The Dana-Thomas House is a must-see for its Frank Lloyd Wright architecture. You can also visit the Illinois Governor's Mansion, one of the oldest in the U.S., and the Edwards Place Historic Home, one of Springfield's oldest homes dating back to 1833.

Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site is a reconstructed 1830s log cabin village. It offers a unique glimpse into the community where Abraham Lincoln lived as a young man, providing insight into his early life and experiences before his political career.

For wildlife spotting, the Carpenter Park Nature Preserve, with its diverse ecosystems including forests and wetlands, is an excellent choice for birdwatching. The Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, an urban woodland and prairie preserve, also offers trails for birdwatching and observing local wildlife. Even Sequiota Park Pond and Waterfall is home to ducks, geese, swans, and a protected bat colony.