Date Ideas in Springfield, IL. Among their selections are the Cubano, the Fifth Street Turkey, and the grilled cheese. Address: 1740 W Fayette Ave, Springfield, IL 62704, United States. It had previously been owned by Miss Margery Adams. Whatever you choose, this event is some of the most fun you can have in Springfield today. If you are looking for unique places in Illinois to visit, then take a peek at these 11 strange spots that will be sure to tickle your fancy and leave your eccentric heart singing. I kind of thought it would be stuffy, with too many facts and too much information for someone like me to take in. Address: 603 S 5th St, Springfield, IL 62703, United States. Shit Fountain: Um, yeah. 7. You can also get ciders. Once known as the Executive Mansion, this estate is absolutely key to see among Springfield attractions. The staff are clearly highly-trained and." more. Historic Sites. Seeing a drive-in movie is a lot of fun, and the Route 66 Drive In Theater is one of the coolest places to go for one. Its undergone some exterior renovations, but much of it is authentic to its origins. Learn about the incredible stories of African Americans in Springfield at this museum. Her notes about different" read more, "Amidst a pandemic emerged a fair. . You might think of seeing drive-in movies as a teenager. You can explore inside as well as looking around the outside grounds. Cant believe they actually had to be worried about that. It was built for Susanne Lawrence Dana and features unique architectural details, stained glass windows, and more. But that's what makes this state so fun and interesting to explore. Springfield has a selection of great breweries, and one of the most popular is Buzz Bomb Brewing. Young and old all have a way of thinking it through to solve the clues. Its open on weekdays, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., and on weekends, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. The only one who survived into adulthood, Robert, is buried in Arlington National Cemetery. If youve ever had the hot dog on a stick known as a Cozy Dog, you can thank Cozy Dog Drive In, as this is where that culinary delight originated. The gardens intend to mimic landscapes that Lincoln would have been around during his life in the Midwest. Attractions Map Leaderboards Lists Hotel Deals Unusual Attractions in Springfield Springfield, Illinois Lincoln Tomb When you visit his grave, be sure to rub the Great Emancipator's nose for. I stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton, right in the centre of the city. I ordered straight away, with one of the beers theyd brewed on site. 1. Engrained Brewery & Restaurant guests are at an advantage before they even look at the menu. Although its gone under some rehabilitation over the years, the classic charm is still there. While food isn't served, Buzz Bomb Brewing is happy for you to bring takeout or snacks into the bar. Founder Brent Schwoerer grew up on a farm, so he knows all about quality ingredients. Annnnddd a few million in todays money later and she got one. The atmosphere is a big reason why people love it. Aircrafts dating back to the 1920s are kept here, keeping their dignity and immense wow factor. However, Incredibly Delicious earns its name through its marvelous menu. The Illinois State Capitol looks gorgeous from the outside, especially with its prominent dome. Gabriel Iglesias made a great appearance here. This past year my two oldest kids finished up kindergarten and second grade where they learned about George Washington and Abraham Lincoln during their unit surrounding President's Day. Its a critical building in his life story. For this, it has many historic sites and monuments dedicated to the renowned man theyre mostly all free to enter for tourists. Why You Should Go A fantastic way to start a trip in Springfield indoors is to visit this presidential library. Some of the most popular types of these activities include: Military Museums, Bowling, Comedy Clubs and Movie Theaters. Enos Park Carnival. The retro diner is famous for its corn dogs but also serves some other dishes. The city is even referred to as "the home of the white squirrel." 1. Springfield sits on Route 66, and due to this, you can find many car-themed attractions in the area, like Route 66 Motorheads Bar & Grill. A variety of outdoor concerts are held throughout the year, covering a range of genres. Up until the afternoon I left it was pretty much a ghost town. By entering your email address you agree to our, Northfield Inn Suites & Conference Center, Explore the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Find out some interesting facts at the Vachel Lindsay Home, Look around the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, Learn something new at the Illinois State Military Museum, Travel back in time at the Elijah Iles House & Museum, See Lincoln's grave at the Oak Ridge Cemetery, Wander around the Washington Park Botanical Garden, Watch a concert at the Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon, Visit the Springfield and Central Illinois African American History Museum, See airplanes at the Air Combat Museum of Springfield, Walk around Camp Butler National Cemetery, Spot animals at the Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, Admire the architecture of Historic Union Station, Have a tour of the Illinois Governor's Mansion, Enjoy the amusements at Knight's Action Park, Visit the Daughters of Union Veterans Civil War Museum, See Lincoln's office at the Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices, Pay respects at the Illinois Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Eat and drink at the unique Route 66 Motorheads Bar & Grill, Expand your knowledge at Illinois State Museum, Immerse yourself in the 1800s at the Lincoln's New Salem, 50 Interesting & Fun Facts About Illinois State to Know, 17 Famous Landmarks in Chicago, Illinois to See, 35 Best Chicago Date Ideas for an Unbelievably Fun Date, Best Time to Visit Chicago for Weather, Prices, and Crowds, 60 Most Romantic Things to Do in Vegas for Couples, 20 Romantic Things to Do in Oahu for Couples, 30 Landmarks in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Visit, 12 Things to Do on the Central Coast of California, Top 17 Best Outdoor Activities in Berkeley, CA, 35 Best Free Things to Do in Oahu, Hawaii, 35 Fun Things to Do in Wichita Falls, Texas, 35 Fun Things to Do in Springfield, IL Visual Story, 35 Exciting Activities in Springfield, Illinois to Enjoy, 25 Famous Illinois Landmarks You Must Visit, The 16 Best Water Parks in the Midwest to Get Wet At, The 12 Best National Parks on the East Coast to Explore, The 25 Best National Parks on the West Coast. The new Illinois State Capitol opened in 1888 and is the location of the legislative and executive branches of government for the state of Illinois to this day. As you enjoy a croissant or quiche at this French bakery/caf, you can admire the vintage building and all the great art adorning it. Remember also, that you have what it takes to make history, whether through standing up for the right cause or helping people in a time of need. What are some highly rated haunted houses in Springfield, IL? The Secret Mermaid: This strange mermaid showed up one day, carved out of a block of stone in a public area in. In this blog post, we will discuss 12 of our favorite activities for families. Subscribe for discounts on tickets and hotels and our latest guides. Address: 413 S 8th St, Springfield, IL 62701, United States. You likely recognize Springfield as the capital of Illinois, as well as where Abraham Lincoln spent some very formative years before being elected to the House of Representatives. Military-based points of interest such as the Air Combat Museum really show how fantastic American fighting power is. read more. Whether you want something sweet or savory, you should come away from this Springfield shop licking your lips. Touring it is what to do for anyone who wants to see how an important writer lived. The bar has a vast array of beers on tap, including classic brews and more unique flavors. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. All things to do Category types Attractions Tours Outdoor Activities Concerts & Shows Food & Drink Shopping Traveler Resources Types of Attractions Sights & Landmarks Nature & Parks Museums Fun & Games Zoos & Aquariums Water & Amusement Parks Traveler rating & up Good for Good for Kids Budget-friendly Free Entry Good for Big Groups 30 Best & Fun Things To Do In Idaho Falls (Idaho), 41 Fun Things To Do & Places To Visit In Indiana, Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices State Historic Site, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Daughers of Union Veterans Civil War Museum, 30 Best & Fun Things To Do In Frankenmuth (Michigan), 21 Best & Fun Things To Do In Athens (Georgia), 31 Best & Fun Things To Do In Bentonville (Arkansas), 20 Best & Fun Things To Do In Tybee Island (Georgia), 30 Best & Fun Things To Do In Jackson (Mississippi). 25 Best Things to Do in Springfield, Illinois By VacationIdea Staff on June 20, 2023 - Updated Courtesy of rruntsch - Fotolia.com Springfield, Illinois, might be best known for its most famous resident, President Abraham Lincoln. You can check it out from Tuesdays to Fridays, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., and on Saturdays, between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. You can tour inside to see its amazing bells and catch great views of the area from the observation deck. One of the largest carillons in the world, this giant instrument has 67 cast-iron bells played by a keyboard. Visit this Springfield museum for a great education on the American Civil War. Its a great opportunity to eat at a historic restaurant (Maldaners) and the actors are great. You can tour it and imagine Lincoln working hard, doing his best to make a difference for his community and its people. There are tours available that let you explore all around this great building. Incredibly Delicious sits inside the Howard K Weber House, an Italianate building that dates back to the 19th century. Olney is known for its unusual occurrence of albino squirrels. For two days in a row, NASCAR has given out race tickets to thousands of people at events on the South, West Sides. If youre studying Abraham Lincoln, youll have numerous sites to see. Last updated: October 29, 2022 Amid all the stunning cities which stand out for vacations, choose Springfield. May 07, 2023; 12 Fun Activities to Enjoy in . You'll receive your first newsletter soon! 1. Check it out! I hope you are into Lincoln because his historical sites and museums are the main attraction and they are all over the place. The Dana-Thomas House in Springfield is a perfect example of this phenomenon. This is definitely one of the more interesting Springfield activities the Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon. The interior and exterior design of the Greek-Revival building is stunning. Flickr/Doug Kerr. Things To Do In Springfield, Illinois In 2023 In a hunt for some extraordinary and fun things to do in Springfield, Illinois in 2023? Standing 31 feet tall, made from 5,000 bricks, and containing about 276 spiraling steps, this tower is home to some, Goat Tower Farm, 1968 N 2500 E Rd, Windsor, IL 61957, USA, Standing over 55 feet high and boasting over eight tons, you'd better like the sound of wind chimes if you are headed over to the southeast part of Illinois. Company number: 12574148. Lots of fun stuff to do. We can't wait to try another awesome room at Amazing Xscapes! This article will show you the best of what to do in Springfield, Il. His creative spirit and singular poetry made him a star of the medium. One of the best places to enjoy the outdoors in Springfield is at Washington Park. Having said that, I took mine to go to keep my hands warm in December in the city. In the 1930s, the city of Springfield got busy building a lake. What are people saying about haunted houses in Springfield, IL? Things like Camp Butler National Cemetery puts Springfield as one of the top places to travel. Constructed in 1841, the Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices are the former location of Abraham Lincoln's law practice. There will be bounce . Case in point, the Edwards Place Historic Home. All "weird attractions" results in Springfield, Illinois, "Five stars are easily deserved for this FREE attraction. These are some haunted houses with a large number of reviews in Springfield, IL: Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum (295 reviews), Pere Marquette Lodge & Conference Center (106 reviews), Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum. If you are taking a trip along historic Route 66, Henrys Rabbit Ranch, 1107 Historic Old Rte 66, Staunton, IL 62088, USA, When you think about leaving behind something you may think about a credit card or even your cell phone, but certainly not your prosthetic leg! Many of the places to visit in Springfield have to do with Abraham Lincoln. There's a tropical greenhouse and a glass conservatory too. The event will take place from 1-3 p.m. at The Edwards Place Lawn, 700 N. 4th St. Even today, the Dana-Thomas House represents something incredible when it comes to nuanced architecture. As long as theres not a session in service, youre free to wander around and soak up the history. Address: 5 W Old State Capitol Plaza, Springfield, IL 62701, United States, Daughters Of Union Veterans Civil War Museum. If you go in summer theres a great space outdoors for al fresco dining too. You are in. You can get a flavour of Route 66 in Springfield, seeing as it starts in Chicago and winds down. Along with admiring the design details, you can take a tour of the Capitol. The Illinois State Museum is one of the most popular Springfield, IL, tourist attractions. I hope you enjoy exploring again! Woolly Mammoth curiosity shop: Not only a celebration of the Woolly Mammoth but all kinds of oddities to capture your interest in the weird. Look up upcoming tours with Springfield Walks, and prepare to be amazed by whats happened in this city. Theres no charge for admission, and theyre open on weekdays, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., as well as on weekends, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. President Obama also announced his candidacy at the Old State Capitol in February 2007 and returned in August 2008 to announce his Vice Presidential running mate, Joe Biden. We will be in touch soon with discounts on tickets and hotels and our latest guides. Its a very poignant place, as Union soldiers trained and Confederate soldiers were imprisoned as the Civil War raged. The park hosts events throughout the year too. Why not check out some of the fun things to do in Galena, IL? Crazy to think that someone with such humble and penniless beginnings could go on to be president. Christmas Things to Do in Chicago in Winter: 21+, week-long festival at the Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon. It reaped one of the greatest comics of this era. Lincoln lived in the residence between 1844 and 1861 when he became president. Visit Great Western Depot if youre looking for fun historic sites in Springfield this weekend. At this Springfield train station, Lincoln gave a stirring speech before heading to Washington, D.C., where he was to begin his presidency. Expect flower beds, rose gardens and over 1200 species of plants. Of course, the city loves to take that moniker to heart by celebrating the albino squirrels in town with its own Squirrel Appreciation Day celebrations in January. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum 212 N 6th St Springfield, IL 62701 (217) 558-8844 Opened in 2005, this downtown museum beautifully documents and details the life of President Abraham Lincoln. On every day except Sunday, you can stop by here, from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. Menu items include hot dogs, burgers, breakfast dishes, and sides like onion rings and potato salad. Many of the best things to do in Springfield, IL can be found at Washington Park. Head out for a drink at Obed and Isaacs Microbrewery & Eatery, the Craft Beer Bar, and Boones Saloon to start. A passion for cocktail creation, international travel and decadent foodie experiences, enjoy Stephanie's romp through the Land of Lincoln. 1. Constructed in 1848, it was notably owned by poet Vachel Lindsay. Address: 1100 E Lake Shore Dr, Springfield, IL 62712, United States, Its definitely bold to name an eatery Incredibly Delicious.. Some of the most popular Illinois attractions are The Willis Tower and John Hancock Center. The classic car-themed restaurant serves bar snacks like burgers, pretzel bites, and breaded shrimp. "This is a go-to spot for special occasions or date nights. Springfield, IL, is known as the home of the late Abraham Lincoln. Want to know what else there is to do in Springfield? Sure, its not the White House, but its a remarkable home in its own right. Theres also a gift shop, which sells many books on the Civil War. If you love learning about Lincoln, you know visiting his home stands among the top things to do in Springfield, IL. Its one of the top museums in Springfield IL to look round while youre there. Read on for 35 suggestions! You can sign up for a tour to learn more about the carillon, and to go up in to enjoy the 360 views from the top. For more than 160 years, it's been the home of Illinois governors. Old State Capitol 7. I had fun exploring the room with my daughter and our friends as we tried to figure out what to do and how to solve the next object. If youd like to find out more about Illinois, just click this link. Theyre some of the best attractions Springfield IL has to offer. Used between 1839 and 1876, the Old State Capitol still has plenty of significance. You can also visit the memorial garden, designated in honor of people who founded and support the museum, as well as those who have fought for this country. From the outside, this building can look pretty humble. Registered office: 71-75 Shelton Street, London, Greater London, United Kingdom, WC2H 9JQ. So, let's explore. Read more articles about the United States: More visual stories related to this article: allisewell The Washington Park Botanical garden makes you feel so good to feel so much. There are exhibits for world-renowned figures like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and President Barack Obama here. The tours and film about Lincoln provide additional important context. The Air Combat Museum of Springfield is another unique attraction in Springfield, IL. History comes alive in Springfield, home to more Lincoln sites than anywhere else in the nation. I like the spicy yellow sauce but they have white or yellow classic sauces in the more mild type. Located in downtown Chicago, Millennium Park is part of the much larger Grant Park. This is a review for haunted houses in Springfield, IL: "Five stars are easily deserved for this FREE attraction. Our docent provided an engaging tour with interesting commentary that". Reviews on Things to Do With Kids in Springfield, IL - Wacky Fun Time Center, Ergadoozy, Sky Zone Trampoline Park, Bounce Tag, Illinois State Museum Sometimes, important places to visit are significant not for who lived there but for who designed them. On the way back stop in at the Route 66 Motorheads Bar, Grill and Museum. The library closes at 4:30 p.m., and isnt open on weekends. We saw the servants area, the bathroom and the kitchen. The name says it all. Here are our favorite things to do in Springfield, IL with kids and adults! The Lincoln Home National Historic Site is the actual house where Lincoln lived with his young family for 17 years, before they got the call to go to the White House. The Illinois Historic Preservation Agency has kept it in fine shape. Address: 401 S 2nd St, Springfield, IL 62701, United States. Inside, you can see rooms decorated as they would have been in the 1800s and discover a variety of artifacts. There are some great museums in Springfield IL enjoy! Definitely wouldnt happen now! There are plenty of fun things to do in the city and the surrounding areas. But I guess if you were escaping as quickly as Alamo antihero Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, then you might. Destguides may receive commissions from purchases made through affiliate links in this article. It's the perfect place to work out, spend time with friends or family, and walk your dog. Constructed in 1837, the structure was owned by Elijah Iles who was one of the first residents of Springfield, Illinois. Even if the Lincoln connection wasnt there, the Old State Capitol would still be worth visiting for things like its historic libraries and excellent restoration. Not the one off The Simpsons, as I kept getting asked. Lincoln worked out of this office between 1843 and 1852. Use the map to explore all the things to do. And if you want a good value dinner, check out the menu. These oddities and obscurities pique our curiosity and make us believe that anything is possible. ((:: Ive gone from weekend traveller, to solo digital nomad, to owning a home in sunny Southsea, UK holidaying when I can. Vans Coffee House. Adults can enjoy outdoor activities, history, and booze in Springfield, IL. Engrained Brewery & Restaurant shows theres always a place for food made with care and that fresh and local is best. The Oak Ridge Cemetery is a 365-acre cemetery that's most well-known for being the final resting place of Abraham Lincoln, his wife, and most of their children. Here are a few unique places to visit in Illinois: Olney Illinois has its own strange and wonderful oddity. This article should have given you some great ideas about what to do in Springfield, IL. Accommodation However, they do serve delicious hot dogs. This is a review for fun things to do in Springfield, IL: "This was my first escape room experience and I am glad I went. The holographic and special effects theatre gave me the basic knowledge to build on for the rest of my two days in Springfield, and I loved the recreation of Abes childhood home. Union Station was built at the end of the 1800s and today sits opposite the Presidential Library and Museum. He and Mary Todd spend 17 years living here. Address: 2935 S 6th St, Springfield, IL 62703, United States. A great place to enjoy the outdoors and spot some wildlife is the Adams Wildlife Sanctuary. The Elijah Iles House is perfect if youre looking for significant places to visit in Springfield, IL. This museum is open only on weekdays, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. VAT registration number: 347471777. Another of the museums in Springfield is Edwards Place Historic Home. Youll definitely understand why theyve been in business for more than 20 years when you try things like their duck enchiladas, Canadian lobster, and sushi. Vans Coffee House has two locations in Springfield, and there could very well be more to come. I play an RPG every Friday night with friends, and I'm sure if you check out local game shops you could find a board/card/RPG game group to join. The museum is open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. every day of the week. If you're looking for adventure and fun in Springfield, IL with your kids, then the Adventure Village at Lincoln's New Salem is worth checking out! At the sanctuary, you can follow trails and see woodland animals like squirrels, chipmunks, and birds.