Springfield offers array of options
Springfield provides an array of options for meetings, traveling or a weekend away. Nowhere else can you find a more complete and authentic collection of Abraham Lincoln sites that let you step back in time to walk in the legendary president's footsteps.
Visitors to the area can explore the nostalgia of Route 66 or take in the grandeur of the Frank Lloyd-Wright designed Dana-Thomas House. Options for the area include farm-to-table restaurants and shopping at local boutiques, art galleries and antique shops. At the end of your day relax at one of our classic hotels or romantic bed & breakfasts. Meeting sight venues are also found throughout the area.
Lincoln Home
President-elect Abraham Lincoln spoke to a crowd of friends and supporters from a platform at Springfield's Great Western Depot in February of 1861 as he prepared to depart for Washington, DC.
In a voice filled with emotion, he shared his affection for the city where he had lived, worked and raised a family. He left Springfield on that day, never to return in his lifetime. Abraham Lincoln called Springfield home for about 30 years, and here, you'll get to know him as a father, husband and neighbor, as well as a politician.
Dana-Thomas House
One of the most unique and lavish structures designed by Frank Lloyd Wright during his early Prairie period.
The home was built for Springfield socialite Susan Lawrence Dana. She was known for her hospitality, unforgettable parties and concerts, as well as community, social and political involvement. Perhaps the most complete of all early Wright dwellings, it was never significantly altered and has Wright-designed oak furniture, 250 examples of art glass light fixtures and lamps.
The barrel-vaulted dining room and gallery/ballroom are two of the most photographed spaces in the history of American architecture.
Route 66
Historic Route 66, the most famous highway in the U.S., attracts visitors from across the globe, and goes right through the heart of Springfield. You'll find several iconic 66 stops in and around Springfield.
Plus, Springfield is home to the International Route 66 Mother Road Festival. Each year hundreds of cars and spectators travel to downtown Springfield for live music, entertainment, and to simply cruise. This family friendly event celebrates all things Route 66 and takes place Sept 22-24, 2017.
Horseshoe
Created at the Old Leland Hotel in 1928 by Joe Schweska and Steve Tomko, this famous open-face sandwich from Springfield, earned the name "horseshoe" from the shape of the cut of ham. Toppings on the bread and meat represent blacksmith tools. French fries represent the nails and the sizzle platter, a hot anvil.
As a result of the popularity of the original ham version, endless variations have emerged including: hamburger, egg, chicken, bacon, shrimp, turkey, corned beef and any combination of meats. You can only find them in Springfield.
Capitols
Illinois became a state in 1818, and Springfield became its capital in 1837. The first statehouse built here is a red-dome topped Greek Revival-style building made of local Sugar Creek limestone. This statehouse is a window into the legal and political career of Abraham Lincoln, who served in the state legislature there, tried cases before the Supreme Court in the building, and gave his famous "House Divided" speech in the Hall of Representatives.
Former President Barack Obama used the Old State Capitol steps to announce his presidential campaign in 2007, securing its place in the history of two United States presidents.
Other things to do
Scheels offers a host of family activities. All under one roof there is a 16,000 gallon aquarium, 65 foot 16-car Ferris wheel, shooting gallery and several sports simulators. At Knight's Action Park, there are seven water slides with a wave pool and lazy river. Dry land activities include: go carts, a Ferris wheel, heated driving range, 18 hole putt putt course, batting cages, and more. Henson Robinson Zoo is a private nonprofit zoo affiliated with the Springfield Park District on the eastern shore of Lake Springfield.
Meeting space
The road to your best meeting ever starts here. Springfield hosts thousands of gatherings each year of all sizes and interests. Our experienced team can help your bring the best of our city to your meeting, convention or event. With nearly 4,000 hotel rooms and state of the art facilities, we have infinite options for planning your event. Share your preferences and requirements with one of our hospitality industry experts and we'll help you identify attractive choices that best meet your needs.