Things to do in Springfield

THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Springfield

Things to Do in Springfield


Book these experiences for a close-up look at Springfield.

Top Attractions in Springfield

These rankings are informed by traveller reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.

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Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.

What travellers are saying

  • Gina P
    Columbus, OH2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is a really, really well done museum. I learned several things about Lincoln, and not all of them good, as the museum does not portray him as faultless, and it does not at all shy away from the fact that he had many detractors in life. I actually found the hall full of copies of critical editorial cartoons especially fascinating. The museum really made me appreciate what a challenging life and presidency Lincoln had (of course I knew his presidency was challenging, but the museum does a great job of highlighting the pressures that were coming at him from all sides). The recreation of the room where he lay in state was genuinely moving.

    Be sure to see both theater shows. They are timed to show right after each other, so you can watch both in less than 30 minutes. They are not your average boring, dry museum movies. While they are a little cheesy in order to appeal to all ages, I still very much enjoyed them as an adult, and learned from both of them, and they do an excellent job of incorporating modern technology and being engaging.
    Written 28 November 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Dreamer35431558341
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I'm a lifetime Springfield resident and visited the home several times. I visited today and the had the best tour of the site that I've ever experienced. Out guide, Newlyn, was entertaining and so informative. He made our visit a tremendous experience. He loves his job and it shows. His enthusiasm was contagious.
    Written 8 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • ElaineAndGreg
    Chesterland, OH3,039 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fallingwater in Pennsylvania is probably Frank Lloyd Wright's most famous work, but this beautiful home is even nicer in many ways. We've visited several FLW houses, which we admire for their form and sheer cleverness, but usually come away thinking that we would not actually want to live in them. This one is different.

    This was the home of a socialite who loved to entertain. There are large impressive spaces and many kinds of innovations that are familiar to FLW fans. The library is wonderful.

    This house has been wonderfully restored, but also has much of the original furniture and many windows.

    You must book a tour in advance online, but it's free, and it's easy. The guides may or may not be volunteers, but they are extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic. For security and other reasons you cannot take pictures inside, but it would also be difficult to capture the feel of this place by images - you really need to be there.

    The tour only lasts an hour or so and it takes you through the home's most important rooms. There is a gift shop across the street, which also has books in case you want to take home images of the interior.

    This is a terrific site for FLW followers, but I think just about anyone would enjoy the visit. It's also not terribly far from other sites in Springfield, including the state capitol and Abraham Lincoln's home.
    Written 8 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Pioneer52959711853
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Lincoln Tomb was a beautiful site. We enjoyed walking through it and were quite amazed at how large it was. Would recommend going to see it.
    Written 27 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • BigMerk
    Glasgow, UK2,303 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We had already visited the current State Capitol,and decided to visit the Old Capitol. The building is unmissable and unmistakable. It’s very picturesque but sadly it was closed when we were there due to ongoing works so we only saw the exterior. Maybe next time!
    Written 7 October 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Robert Pullen
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This capitol is amazing. Bigger than the one in DC but that one sits on a hill so it looks bigger. They are doing some renovations so call to make sure tours are happening.
    Written 16 January 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • ClarkGriswold1179
    Chicago, IL25 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nailed it! The Growing up X exhibit was spot on. I felt like I was transported back 30 years. I really can’t believe my youth is now in a museum. Was it really that long ago???

    Great attention paid to detail. I loved the “Rec Room” area. It was great to be immersed in the feel of the 80s and 90s. My son, who loves all things old school, really liked interacting with the old television sets, VCR, and gaming consoles.

    The rest of the exhibit is also very well done. I really liked that they included the quotes and perspectives of kids growing up at that time. I could definitely relate to a lot of their thoughts and feelings.

    The whole exhibit made me proud to be part of Gen X, and left me longing for a Time Machine to go back to a simpler time.

    (The rest of the museum is also very nice and showcases a lot of geological history of Illinois and the Midwest. Free admission daily and free street parking on the weekends. Weekdays might be trickier to find parking, check the website. Super friendly and welcoming staff!)

    Don’t forget to check out the state Capitol building as well. It’s just a quick walk from the museum. Easily accessible and worth checking out.
    Written 6 August 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Teresa B
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Our tour guide Eileen was incredibly informative! This was truly one of the best tours we had during our trip to Springfield.
    Written 8 November 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • 828wendyb
    Preston, UK45 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The National Parks Service have done an amazing job here. The visitor centre offers a talk from one of the guides about Lincoln then they take you to his home. the tour is not rushed and there is plenty of time to take in all the rooms and take photos and ask questions. The whole street has been recreated to look as close to how it would have looked when Lincoln lived there. There are other houses you can look into on your own that have exhibits in them. Very interesting to see Lincoln's home and learn more about the man.
    Written 19 October 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • A L
    Edinburg, IL19 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This area of Springfield used to not have a lake, and instead had deep dells, waterfalls and valleys. Sadly, it got dammed up so Springfield had water. Understandable, but under that lake was quite a scenic wonder. Washington Park is what is left of it and it is a great place to visit, year round.
    Written 14 November 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Disneybus
    Pittsgrove, NJ859 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    While touring the country, my wife and I make a point to pay respects at National Military cemeteries. Camp Butler is simply outstanding, as its well manicured rolling grounds and design gives full tribute to the fallen. The lawns were so green and manicured that it almost seemed that it was freshly laid sod! The cemetery has a rich civil war history, as it was originally started for soldiers of both sides, but at one junction held confederate soldiers as prisoners. The need for a cemetery was expedited when many of the prisoners died due to illness, including smallpox. Just a lovely cemetery - well done!
    Written 11 January 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Dina D
    Chillicothe, IL4 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Interesting. Not long enough, time-wise, in my opinion. No photography allowed inside. New rule since we visited, must make reservations 48 hours in advance.
    Written 1 September 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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