Springfield Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Springfield Travel & Tourism, Free Springfield Travel Guide Online

Springfield Travel Guide: Discount & Cheap Springfield Travel & Tourism, Free Springfield Travel Guide Online

Springfield, Illinois is the site of a number of attractions through which the life and times of President Abraham Lincoln are vividly represented. Lincoln began his political career in Springfield. Included are a national park site, his family home, and the conserved neighborhood surrounding it. The four-block Lincoln Home National Historic Site is closed to automobile traffic, forming a pedestrian court within the neighborhood in which the Lincoln home is situated.

This historic area has been authentically restored in every detail and even has streets with gas lamps and wooden sidewalks. In East Old State Capitol Plaza, visitors can view an original ledger of Lincoln's account with Springfield Marine & Fire Insurance Co. The Old State Capitol is the site of Lincoln's "House Divided" speech from his debate as a presidential candidate with his opponent, Stephen Douglas. The Herndon-Lincoln law office, the old capitol building; the newly built Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, the train depot from which he departed to Washington are all sites to be visited. Lincoln's burial mausoleum is north of Springfield, near the village of Petersburg. There is also a restored settlement of log cabins recreating Salem, the village in which Lincoln lived as a young man.

Springfield is the capital of the U.S. state of Illinois and the county seat of Sangamon County. The city was founded in 1819, became the county seat in 1823, and received its city charter in 1840. It was made the capital of Illinois in 1837, and the Legislature convened there for the first time in 1839. Springfield is now an important government center. Its Governor's Mansion, at Fifth and Jackson streets, is the oldest continuously occupied governor's mansion in the nation and a center of Springfield's social life since 1855. The city lies along two interstates, one of which was formerly known as highway 36; the other was historic Route 66.

Springfield was the birthplace of poet Vachel Lindsay. It was also the point of origin for the Donner Party, a group of pioneers who were tragically stranded in the Sierra Nevada during severe winter storms lasting many weeks. Springfield's Dana-Thomas House is among the best preserved and most complete of Frank Lloyd Wright's early "Prairie Houses". It was built in 1902-04 and contains many of the original furnishings designed for it by Wright. In August, Springfield is the site of the Illinois State Fair. Springfield is also home to the Bunn Company, known for the manufacture of coffee-makers and supplies.

The Springfield campus of the University of Illinois is located on the southeast side of the city.

The corn dog on a stick originated in Springfield, where it was (and still is) called a Cozy Dog. For many years the popular Reisch Beer was brewed in Springfield. Another Springfield culinary invention consists of two pieces of thick, buttered Texas toast, topped with two hamburger patties, surrounded by a pile of French fries, with the entire creation being completely covered by mounds of cheese sauce. To order: just ask for a horseshoe sandwich.

Springfield Attractions: Springfield Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Springfield Travel & Tourism, Free Springfield Travel Guide Online

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library/University

112 North 6th Street

Springfield, 62701

(217) 558-8844

Mon, Tue, Thurs, Fri 9am-4:30pm; Wed 9am-8:30pm, Sat 8:30am-3:30pm

Free

This library is home to the State of Illinois' 46,000-item Lincoln Collection and also contains the Illinois State Historical Library and its 12 million items.

Edwards Place

700 N. 4th St.,

Springfield, IL 62702

(217) 523-2631

Tours: Thurs. 7pm, Fri. 1 & 3pm. Admission.

Art Gallery: Mon.-Fri. 10am-5pm, Sat. 10am-3pm

Closed on Major holidays

Donation suggested.

Once the home of Benjamin and Helen Edwards, this beautifully preserved Italianate mansion, built in 1833, is located in a park-like setting. In 1913, Edwards Place was deeded to the Springfield Art Association which now extends into the adjoining complex, housing an art gallery, school of art, and the Michael Victor II Art Library.

Executive

Mansion

410 E. Jackson,

Springfield, IL 62701

(217) 782-6450

Tue. & Thur. 9:30am-11am & 2-3:30pm

Sat. 9:30-11am

Closed on Major holidays

Free.

Home of the Illinois governor, seven U.S. Presidents, including Abraham Lincoln, have been received here. Three levels are open to the public including four formal parlors; a state dining room; ballroom; four bedrooms, including the Lincoln bedroom; and a library handcrafted from native American Black Walnut. (Mansion closed during official State functions.)

Lincoln

Depot

999 E Monroe St

Springfield, IL 62701,

(217) 544-8695 or (217) 788-1356

Daily Apr.-Aug. 10am-4pm.

Free.

"No one, not in my situation, can appreciate my feelings of sadness at this parting." These words were spoken by President-elect Abraham Lincoln as he embarked on his journey from his Springfield home to Washington, D.C. to serve as president of the United States. The Depot contains restored waiting rooms, exhibits of people and places dear to Lincoln, and a state-of-the-art video presentation recreating the 12-day journey to his inauguration.

The Lincoln Home Visitor's Center

426 South Seventh St

Springfield, IL 62701

217-492-4241

8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily except January 1st,

Thanksgiving, and December 25th.

Donations accepted

The Lincoln home, the centerpiece of the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, 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 which the National Park Service is restoring.

Vachel

Lindsay Home

603 S. 5th St.,

Springfield, IL 62703

(217) 524-0901

Tue.-Sat. Noon-4pm.

Closed: on Major holidays

Free.

Group tour by appt.

The 1879 birthplace of the native Springfield poet/artist, this house remained Lindsay's only home until his death there in 1931. The house was built in the late 1840s; an early owner was C.M. Smith, whose wife, Ann, was the sister of Mary Todd Lincoln. Both Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln were frequent visitors.

Adams Wildlife Sanctuary - Springfield - Garden/Nature Park/Area

2315 E. Clear Lake Ave.

Springfield, 62702

(217) 544-5781

Admission is free.

Open dawn-dusk

A green oasis located in the center of town, the sanctuary is open for hiking or walking. The one mile nature trail is open from sunrise to sunset.

Combat

Museum

835 Capital Airport Dr.

Springfield, 62707

(217) 544-6122

M-F: 9am-5pm

Closed Holidays

This museum showcases the role of military aviation

Illinois

State Capitol

2nd & Capitol

Springfield, 62701

(217) 782-2099

Free

Hours of Operation: M-F: 8am-4pm S, Su: 9am-3pm

Closed on Holidays

The center of state government which houses offices of Governor, Secretary of State, Comptroller and Treasurer as well as House of Representative and Senate Chambers. Visitors can watch politics in action from balcony-level seating when legislature is in session.

Springfield Events: Springfield Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Springfield Travel & Tourism, Free Springfield Travel Guide Online

February

Downtown Mardi Gras Celebration

Downtown Springfield

Pre-Lenten Fun! Evening Sidewalk Parade-participation encouraged! Dress up and join the parade! Promotions and free beads at many locations (purchase may be required.) New Orleans foods and chicory coffee offered at many eateries.

Information: 217-391-0101 or 217-528-2234

March

Shamrock Games

Illinois State Fairgrounds Coliseum

Athletes in traditional Celtic kilts from across the United States participate in events including: the caber toss, hammer throw, weight for height, stone throw & sheaf toss. Admission charged for competition which begins at 9am, Music at 4pm provided by the St. Andrew's Pipes and Drums. Information: 217-415-8324

Late April, early May

Springfield Air Rendezvous

Abraham Lincoln Capitol Airport

Springfield Air Rendezvous features the BLUE ANGELS! The air show is affordable family fun for all. In addition to the action in the air with aerobatic performers & military demonstrations, the air show provides lots of fun and action on the ground too. Ground activities are everywhere from rock wall climbing to motion rides to great food to pedal airplanes for the smallest of air show fans to visiting with people from all over the world. Information: 217/789-4400

Early May

Pied Piper Downtown Architectural Walking Tour

Begins in front of Lincoln Herndon Law Office at 5 p.m.

Join Anthony Rubano of IHPA in a walking tour discussing the architectural styles, materials, and treatments that make up historic Downtown Springfield. Information: 217-544-1723

3^rd Week in May

Illinois Highland Games and Celtic Festival

State Fair Grounds

Celebrate Celtic history, spend a day and go back 400 years in history. Dance, music, athletics, vendors and food. Largest ethnic festival in downstate Illinois.

Information

: 217-546-9800

Third week in May

Old Capitol Art Fair

Captial Plaza, Springfield, IL

Rain or shine, the Old Capitol Art Fair is held on the plaza in downtown Springfield. Two days filled with fine art with nearly 200 artistsFood vendors, live entertainment all weekend.

Information: 217.391.0140

Early June

Hot Rod Power Tour

Illinois State Fairgrounds

The Hot Rod Magazine Power Tour is the ultimate Hot Rodders' vacation. Imagine cruising across America with the staff and editors of Hot Rod Magazine, along with all the icons of the automotive industry. The attention of over 40 million automotive enthusiasts will focus on these seven days in June where the rubber meets the road and the pages of the magazine come alive. Over 3000 cars will stop in Springfield at the Illinois State Fairgrounds. The Hot Rod Power Tour is a family event and is free to the public. Information: (317) 236-6522

Early June

International Carillon Festival, featuring concerts by international carillonneurs Information: Phone: 217-753-6219

Late June

Washington Street Jazz

between 5th and 6th Street on Washington St. in Springfield

Several jazz and blues bands play on two outdoor stages, entertaining audiences of all ages. Festive summertime cuisine is available for purchase. Chance to win prizes. Silent Auction and 50/50 raffle.

Admission charged.

For information: 217-753-3519

Late August

Hot Rod Super Nationals

Illinois State Fairgrounds

For Information: (317) 236-6522

Hot Rod Super Nationals boasts over 3000 cars, consisting of 4 different types: Street Machines-personalized or customized two-wheel drive vehicles encompassing the years of 1949 to the present day; Street Rods–vehicles manufactured prior to1949, designed for street use; Hot Rods-American made vehicles, rebuilt or modified for a higher performance and distinctive functional appearance; Custom Cars-Restyled for a more distinct appearance.

Participants have thirty seconds to perform and the competition is judged by crowd reaction. Admission is charged.

Late August

Old Capitol Blues & BBQs

Washington Street Downtown

Full line-up of local and national blues bands. Sample BBQ from over 20 contestants in a baby-back rib cook-off. Admission charged.

Information: 217-544-1723

Late August-early September

LPGA State Farm Classic

Rail Golf Course

LPGA State Farm Classic is held annually at the Rail Golf Course. Over 140 of the best women golfers in the world convene in Central Illinois to compete for a $1.,300,000 purse. There are many ways

Information: 217-787-5742

Late September-early October

International Route 66 Mother Road Festival

Downtown Springfield, Illinois

Hundreds of high quality vintage cars from around the U.S. and Canada fill the streets of historic downtown Springfield for a 3-day celebration of the cars, food, music, & friends of the heyday of U.S. Route 66. Information: 1-866-RTE-66IL or 217-422-3733

Late October

Harvest Celebration

at the Old Capitol Farmers' Market presented by St. John's Hospital

Adams Street Downtown

In celebration of another successful market season, we are hosting a fun, family event featuring Jack-o'lanterns on display, musical entertainment by Second Harvest, Trick-or-Treat the Market, and seasonal crafts for sale. Free.

Information:: 544-1723

Mid-December

Evenings at the Dana-Thomas House

Dana-Thomas House State Historic Site

The fully decorated Frank Lloyd Wright designed mansion is open for evening viewing until 8 p.m. on each of three nights. On the Sunday before Christmas the site is lit with 850 luminary sacks. Live music each evening.

Information: 217-782-6776

Arts and Entertainment

Sangamon Auditorium

University of Illinois at Springfield

One University Plaza, MS PAC 397

Springfield, IL 62703-5407

Ticket Office: 217.206.6160

Sangamon Auditorium is the venue for a wide variety of cultural and educational professional arts activities of high quality. It serves audiences on the campus of the University of Illinois, in Springfield, in Sangamon County and in the surrounding areas, reflecting a broad representation of music, theater and dance in all their forms. Groups performing include the
Illinois Symphony Orchestra and
Springfield Ballet Company.

The Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon

Washington Park

Springfield, IL

Within the open tower hang 67 cast bronze bells covering a range of 5 1/2 chromatic octaves. The total weight of the bells is 82,753 pounds; the largest weighs 7 1/2 tons, while the smallest weighs 22 pounds. Regularly scheduled concerts are given each Sunday afternoon throughout the year, with the addition of a Wednesday evening concert during the summer months. Tours of the tower are given on a daily basis (Closed Monday and Tuesday) from Memorial Day to Labor Day and on weekends after September if weather permits. An annual festival in early June features concerts by internationally known carillonneurs.

Springfield Facts: Springfield Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Springfield Travel & Tourism, Free Springfield Travel Guide Online

Population

: 111,454

Time Zone

: Springfield is in the central time zone.

Average Temperatures:

Month	High	Low
January	36F	21F
February	40F	23F
March	49F	30F
April	63F	42F
May	74F	52F
June	83F	63F
July	88F	66F
August	86F	65F
September	79F	56F
October	68F	45F
November	51F	32F
December	39F	24F

When to Visit:

Springfield enjoys
moderate year-round temperatures. Average temperatures range from 70-80° in the summer months to 30-40° in the winter months.

Holidays Observed in Springfield:

New Year's Day Jan. 1

Martin Luther King, Jr., Day 3rd Mon. in Jan.

President's Day 3rd Mon. in Feb.

Memorial Day last Mon. in May

Independence Day July 4

Labor Day 1st Mon. in Sept.

Thanksgiving Day 4th Thurs. in Nov.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Dec. 24 and 25

New Year's Eve Dec. 31

How to Get There

By Air

Getting to Springfield is easy. By plane, Springfield's Abraham Lincoln Capitol Airport is linked with the international gateway airports of St. Louis Lambert and Chicago O'Hare for daily flights, as well as Midway Airport in Chicago.

By Train

Amtrak offers daily stops in Springfield between Chicago and St. Louis.

By Car

By car, take Interstate 55 (a.k.a. Route 66 for nostalgia lovers), just 200 miles from Chicago, and 100 miles from St. Louis.

Getting Around

Springfield Trolley

: An old-fashioned, open-air trolley (closed and heated in the winter) with regular stops at the major historic attractions. Tickets are sold at several downtown locations. For a list of stops, ticketing locations and days of operation, call (800) 545-7300 or (217) 789-2360.

Mass Transit Buses

: Public buses are available to most areas of the city. The buses run from 6am - 6pm, Monday through Saturday, except for holidays. For bus schedules and maps, stop by the Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau at 109 N. 7th St., or call the mass transit office at (217) 522-5531.

Taxis:

Several taxi companies offer service to and from the airport and train station, as well as to all areas of the city. Check the local yellow page listings for phone numbers.

Springfield Kids Activities: Springfield Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Springfield Travel & Tourism, Free Springfield Travel Guide Online

Jungle "O" Fun

3031 Koke Mill Rd.

Springfield, 62704

(217) 787-0707

Admission Price(s): Call for details

Hours of Operation: M: 10am-6pm T-S: 10am-9pm Su: 11am-6pm

Children's indoor playground with 21-foot, 3-story soft play system, slides, ball pits and air bounce. One price,unlimited play.

Knight's Action Park and Caribbean Water Adventure

1700 Recreation Dr. & Chatham Rd.

Springfield, 62707

(217) 546-8881

Waterpark - Adult: 16.95 Under 48": 12.95 Dry Park - Varies w/ activity - Call

Dry Park Hours - Daily: 9am-9pm Waterpark Hours - 10am-7pm

Opening Date: 05/13/2002

Closing Date: 09/02/2002

Two parks at one location - A dry park and water park in one.

Henson Robinson Zoo

1100 East Lake Dr.

Springfield, 62707

(217) 753-6217

Adults: 3.00 Group adult: 1.50 Child: 1.25 Group child: .75 Senior citizen: 1.50

June-August - Daily: 10am-8pm Other months - Daily: 10pm-5pm

The Henson Robinson Zoo is home to over 300 animals and 90 species of animals.

Adventure Village - Amusement Park/Entertainment Center

Sangamon Ave. & Peoria Rd.

Springfield, 62702

(217) 528-9207

May through mid-September, Sat.-Sun. open Noon

Adventure Village is located inside the Main Gate at the Illinois State Fairgrounds. There is everything from Ferris wheels to carousels and many thrill rides.

Omaha Travel Guide |Venice Travel Guide |New Orleans Travel Guide |Des Moines Travel Guide |Dayton Travel Guide |Greenville Travel Guide |Annapolis Travel Guide |Vancouver Travel Guide |Bangkok Travel Guide |Mexico City Travel Guide |Lake Louise Travel Guide |Marseille Travel Guide |Santa Barbara Travel Guide |Key West Travel Guide |Aspen Travel Guide |Sedona Travel Guide |Oklahoma City Travel Guide |Wellington Travel Guide |Philadelphia Travel Guide |Las Vegas Travel Guide |Biloxi Travel Guide |Fort Myers Travel Guide |St. Thomas Travel Guide |Chattanooga Travel Guide |Clearwater Travel Guide |Lake Tahoe Travel Guide |Naples Travel Guide |Rome Travel Guide |Williams Travel Guide |Alexandria Travel Guide |