Did you know that Chicago is NOT actually the State Capitol of Illinois? Well, as it turned out, our brief trip through Springfield, Illinois, was the most surprising and, in many ways, most enjoyable. Being poly-sci geeks it wasn’t too difficult, this place is coming down with politics and history and is well worth the visit, even just for a day trip!
What to do in Springfield?
Well, it’s mostly a city paying homage to this dude…
…honest Abe. Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States. And very worthy homage it is, he was a great man – a very interesting man – and this city, by extension, is a very interesting city.
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library
Website: http://www.illinois.gov/alplm/Pages/default.aspx
Cost: $12
Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM DAILY
This is not my first presidential library, but by George, it was my favourite! It was moving, inspiring, educational and fun. There wasn’t too much going on, it wasn’t heavy and boring and I feel like I got a real insight into this legendary president.
The exhibitions are thought provoking and much of what you see/read is still largely applicable to today. There are 4 main exhibition ‘halls’ and they are all separate, yet intertwined at the same time.
Lincoln tomb and war memorial
Website: www.lincolntomb.org/
Cost: Free
Hours: www.lincolntomb.org/tomb_directions.php
When my friend said ‘visit the tomb’, I thought she meant go to the grounds and have a walk around. I had no idea that you could go inside, walk around, see sculptures, read about the legend, take pictures, see his actual tomb – it’s amazing, it’s awe-inspiring, it gave me goosebumps.
It’s free, so that’s good, though there should be big collection boxes everywhere cause it’s awesome in the true sense of the word. I told my hubby I wanted a tomb just like that when I die, he just laughed at me. I’m serious, it’s epic. GO!
Illinios State Capitol Building
Website: http://www.ilstatehouse.com/
Cost: Free
I LOVED the IL state capitol, it was definitely one of my favourites! There’s lots to look at, both inside and outside the building, lots of interesting statues, exhibitions, information – we spent a while here and took tonnes of pictures. They have a cool map that lists all of the points of interest, inside the building and on the surrounding grounds –
Would you go back to Springfield, Illinois?
Had we more time, there was a never-ending list of places we’d have gone to visit, Lincoln’s home (national historic site), Old State Capitol building, Illinois State Museum, Illinois State Military museum, Camp Butler national cemetery, Shea’s Gas station museum and the Grand Army of the republic Memorial museum – were all on our ‘short list’ of places to try and squeeze in during our time there.
Aside from politics, our short trip to Springfield included a quick blurt down a section of Route 66 (which neither of us expected and we both thought was pretty cool), but Springfield also has a lot to offer for those non-politics people out there. From shopping and art galleries, to tours and outdoor fun, I’m confident that should you find yourself, for whatever reason, in Springfield Illinois, you’ll find something fun to keep you occupied!