While Springfield may be the capital of Illinois, it is a smaller city packed with traces of Abraham Lincoln. It is the perfect city to stop while driving between Chicago and St. Louis. I would recommend spending one day in Springfield as a day trip from St. Louis. It is the perfect budget-friendly city for the traveling teacher.
US Ghost Adventures is an awesome company that offers a variety of guided tours and haunted experiences across different cities in the United States. Visitors can learn the compelling history and stories of the paranormal and the city’s darker side. Make sure to check out the variety of tours offered in Springfield here. They are very affordable too!
How to Get to Springfield, Illinois
Visitors can take the train from Chicago or St. Louis or rent a car and drive. It is about a two-hour ride from St. Louis or a three and a half-hour ride from Chicago. Once in Springfield, many of the main sites are within walking distance of each other. In order to get to the Lincoln Tomb, you will need to Uber or have a rental car to get around.
What to See in One Day in Springfield
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
Cost: $15 General Admission
Hours: 9am-5pm
Start your one day in Springfield at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. This Lincoln Museum showcases the life of Abraham Lincoln. There are several interactive exhibits with a plethora of information about Lincoln. Plan to spend at least an hour wandering through the exhibits. Teachers get reduced admission by showing a teacher ID.
Abraham Lincoln National Historic Site
Cost: Free
Hours: Winter: 8am-5pm, Summer: 8am-6pm
Next, head to Abraham Lincoln National Historic Site. This National Park showcases where Abraham Lincoln lived before he became president. The site takes up a four block radius and several of the houses besides Lincoln are also preserved. Visitors can get free timed tickets to tour Lincoln’s house from the Visitor’s Center. Some of the other buildings house free exhibits. Plan to spend an hour or two exploring the area.
Obed and Isaac’s
Cost: $$
Hours: 11am-7pm
Grab lunch at Obed and Isaac’s, a microbrewery and restaurant. This restaurant is located within an old mansion and also has a gorgeous patio. Make sure to try a Horseshoe, a type of open-faced sandwich invented in Springfield and do not forget a brew with it!
Art Alley
Cost: Free
Hours: 24/7
Walk through Art Alley on your way to the Old State Capitol. This small alley contains a few murals from local artists that are quite unique. It only takes a few minutes to walk through but the murals are worth it.
Old State Capitol State Historic Site
Cost: Free
Hours: 9am-5pm
The Old State Capitol was the fifth capitol building of Illinois. Both Lincoln and Obama announced their candidacy for president on the steps of this building. Visitors are able to take a 30-minute tour of the building.
Illinois State Capitol
Cost: Free
Hours: Weekdays: 8am-4pm, Weekends: 8am-3pm
Built in 1868, this state capitol building houses both the Illinois Senate and House of Representatives as well as the Governor’s office. It is the sixth building used at the State Capitol since Illinois became a state in 1818. Visitors can opt to take one of the free guided tours offered almost every hour or go on a self-guided tour. Tours begin in the Capitol Rotunda.
Oak Ridge Cemetery
Cost: Free
Hours: 9am-5pm
End your day with a visit to Oak Ridge Cemetery. This is the site of Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site, where Lincoln, Mary Todd, and three of their sons are buried. Visitors can see the tomb from the entrance of the Cemetery and are able to go inside to pay their respects to the Lincolns. Make sure to rub the nose on Lincoln’s bronze head for good luck!
Krekel’s Custard
Cost: $
Hours: Summer: Mon-Sat: 10:30am-9pm, Winter: Mon-Sat: 10:30am-8pm, Closed Sundays
No trip to the Midwest is complete without at least one custard stop. Krekel’s had a variety of flavors and was reasonably priced. Grab some custard on your way out of town!
There are many fun attractions to see in one day in Springfield. There is a ton of history and some delicious bites to eat. It is also a very inexpensive place to spend the day.
11 thoughts on “One Day in Springfield, Illinois: Lincoln’s Spectacular Boyhood City”
Love Springfield, IL!! We so enjoyed visiting Lincoln’s home and the museum was fantastic! Completely agree with Krekel’s, so good! I haven’t had a Horseshoe, adding it to my list of new foods to try.
Right!? It was a cute little capital town!
How have I never tried Krekel’s?! It looks delicious. Also, all the Lincoln attractions in Springfield, IL look awesome!
Krekel’s was mouthwatering!!!
Looks like a super fun and relaxing day! I would love to see the Art Alley and capitol building.
Art alley was super cute and a fun find!
I love that everyone has rubbed Lincoln’s nose and kept it nice and polished! hahah! I just visited Chicago and it was so busy, that next time I head that way I would love to do some trips outside of the city so I’m for sure keeping this in mind for the future.
Haha right!? I always think that’s hilarious. And definitely worth a visit!
I never knew you had to touch Lincoln’s nose! Thanks for taking us on a tour through your eyes.
Right!? Isn’t that cool?
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