Springfield
Illinois
Illinois State Capitol
Description: Today's State Capitol is already the sixth since the founding of the state. It was built between 1868 and 1888 and with a height of 361ft it is not only the highest State Capitol in the USA, but also the highest building in Springfield. The city government issued an order that no building in the city may be higher.
For the GPS: 301 S 2nd St.,Springfield, IL 62706
Our rating: Since we always try to look at the State Capitols of each state we visit, we of course had to see the one here in Springfield. Unfortunately, we didn't have time to visit the inside of the building this time. But the outside is also worth a peek. We thought this was one of the really nice State Capitols. We were here in May 2017.
Old State Capitol
Description: The former State Capitol was built from 1837 to 1940 and serves as a museum today. Abraham Lincoln worked here as a congressman from 1840 to 1841. In 1858, he announced his presidential candidacy in this building. Barak Obama did the same in 2007.
In 1985, the Old State Capitol was listed to the National Register of Historic Places.
For the GPS: S 6th St & E Adams St, Springfield, IL 62701
Our rating: The Old State Capitol is open to visitors daily from 9am to 5pm. You can freely walk through the rooms and have a look at everything. During our visit in May 2017, there were also several volunteers there to give information to visitors and answer questions. We thought that was great, because it allowed us to learn some things about the Capitol and its history. If you're interested in American history, you're definitely going to like it here.
Lincoln Home National Historic Site
Description: The Lincoln Home National Historic Site includes the small settlement around the former home of Abraham Lincoln. The family lived here from 1844 - 1861 at the beginning of Abraham Lincoln's law career. Three of his children were born here and one died here. There are several houses around the neighborhood that have also been preserved. The small district conveys the way of life as it was at the time of Abraham Lincoln. In addition to the Lincoln home, two other houses are open to the public and can be visited.
The Lincoln home can be visited as part of a guided tour. Tickets are free and must be ordered in advance at the Visitor Center. Since it is often very busy here, you should be there as early as possible to secure a ticket. The last tour takes place at 4:30pm. Everything you need to know about a visit can also be found on the official homepage.
Our rating: We really liked the visit at this historical place. Abraham Lincoln is an interesting personality and therefore we had a lot of fun learning more about him and his family. We can recommend a visit here to anyone who is interested in American history.
Entrance fees and opening hours
- Free of charge
- Covered by the Anual Pass*
- Several tours every day. The last one takes place at 16:30.
*The Anual Pass is so to speak the "flat rate" for all Parks managed by the National Park Service. The pass costs a one-time fee of $80 and can be purchased at the entrance to each National Park, National Monument, etc. The pass is valid for 13 months.
For the GPS: 413 S 8th St, Springfield, IL 62701
Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site
Description: The State Historic Site is located in Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield and is the final resting place of Abraham Lincoln, his wife Mary Todd, and three of his four sons. The Memorial is laid out similar to a mausoleum. People can go inside and visit the family's final resting places. In 1966, the Memorial was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The State Historic Site can be visited daily between 9am and 5pm.
For the GPS: 1500 Monument Ave, Springfield, IL 62702
Our rating: The last resting place of Abraham Lincoln and his family is really imposing and worthy of the important 16th president of the USA. We found the place really impressive. Maybe not everyone's cup of tea, but for us the visit here was part of a visit to Springfield, where we learned a lot about the life of Abe Lincoln.
