Springfield, IL Things to See and Do

If you are in search of an affordable vacation destination, why not look to Springfield, Illinois. Springfield is full of history. The city of Springfield was founded in 1840 and is the capital city of Illinois.

Abraham Lincoln lived in Springfield until he became our 16th President. Much of Springfield and Central Illinois is filled with historical ties to Lincoln.

So, here are the Top 5 things to see and do in Springfield:

By far, an attraction worth the price of admission. Since it opened in 2005, the ALPLM has given tourists and scholars an interactive opportunity to learn about the 16th President. This is one spot you will spend two to three hours and it will not feel like. For more information, please visit http://www.alplm.com/.

Listed below is Admission and Ticket information:

• Adult (16 - 61 years of age) $10.00
• Senior (62 years of age and up) $7.00
• Children (5 - 15 years of age) $4.00
• Military (id required) $7.00
• Students (school/college id required) $7.00
• Child (under 5 are free) No Charge

The Old State Capitol is full of history from hundreds of years ago to recently. The Old State Capitol was home to Illinois government from 1839 to 1876. Abraham Lincoln's "House Divided" speech was echoed in the hall of House Chambers. Barack Obama announced his candidacy for President on February 10, 2007 and later announced Joe Biden as his Vice-Presidential Candidate on August 23, 2008. Walking on the grounds, you feel awe struck with history. For more information, please visit http://www.oldstatecapitol.org/osc.htm.

The work of legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright is exhibited in the Dana Thomas House. A quote from former Illinois Governor Jim Thompson, "In 1902, Frank Lloyd Wright was commissioned to undertake the design and construction of a massive renovation of the Lawrence family home in Springfield, Illinois. The home was to be more than a mere residence -- it was to be a showcase. Upon its completion in 1904, the new edifice completely engulfed the original home. It immediately became a symbol of artistic and architectural excellence. It now stands as the finest example of the creativity and uniqueness characteristic of the Prairie School of Architecture." Source http://www.dana-thomas.org/About.aspx.

The site is open Wednesdays through Sundays from 9AM until 4PM.

Suggested donation $5/Adults, $3/Children, $13/Families

It is suggested for visitors to allow themselves 1 1/2 hours in your schedule for visitation time.

The second week of August brings the hustle and bustle of the Illinois State Fair to Springfield. Held since 1853, the fair is themed around agriculture. The ten day event includes entertainment of all kinds, harness racing, prize judging contests, and food.

The fairgrounds are located on the northend of Springfield. The fairgrounds are used regularly throughout the year for events such as the AMA Motorcycle races to the Festival of Trees.

Admission for the Illinois State Fair is Adults (13 years old and older) $5 , Seniors (60 years old and older) $2, Children (Ages 5 -12) $2. For additional information on the Illinois State Fair, log onto http://www.illinoisstatefair.info/.

One of the newest venues to Springfield is the Hoogland Center for the Arts indowntown Springfield. The site of the Hoogland Center was the former home of the Masonic Temple.

"The Center for the Arts is established to provide arts-related organizations with an environment to maximize their programming potential to stimulate the community's cultural growth. It provides the community with a venue to foster an understanding of and appreciation for the arts, enhance artistic expression and communication, and to enrich community interaction". According tohttp://www.scfta.org/.

The center is kept open through the support of donors in the Springfield community. It is the home to a wide variety of cultural events throughout the year. It is a real gem of the Springfield community.

If you would like more information about tourism in Springfield, please visit http://www.visit-springfieldillinois.com/.