From A - Z...26 Things to Do, Eat and See | Springfield, Illinois | Visit Springfield

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OKAY...are you ready for a wild ride through Springfield?? 
Let's do this fun A - Z adventure!

A: Of course, everything Abraham Lincoln...I mean, he is our #1 resident, isn't he?! Find the 5 Must See Lincoln Sites here.


B: Stop & smell the roses. Enjoy more than 1,800 species of flowers & plants as you stroll through the Washington Park Botanical Gardens.

 
C: Have yourself a yummy Cozy Dog (hot dog on a stick) that was invented on Historic Route 66 in Springfield by Bob Waldmire in 1946.

 
D: Jam out with local bands and enjoy a variety of craft beers at the Downhome Music Fest every summer in historic downtown Springfield. 

 

E: Take a tour of the Edwards Place...and check out the 'courting couch' of Abe & Mary.






F: Grab some fresh Illinois produce at one of our two Farmers Markets every week from May - October. 

G: Drown your Giant Pancake in tons of maple syrup inside of this cool Quonset hut diner!


H: Bust your diet with the cheese sauce smothered Horseshoe Sandwich, a Springfield tradition since 1928.


I: Enjoy 10 days of thrills & excitement at the Illinois State Fair every August.

J: See 2000+ carved pumpkins every fall during the Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular.

 
K: Make a splash at Knights Action Park & Caribbean Waterpark or play a round of putt putt with the family.

L: Check out the patriotic Lauterbach Giant as he stands tall and proud to be part of Springfield history. Fun fact: He survived losing his head in 2006, when hit by a tornado. 

M: Gotta boat or a kayak...Check out the Marina on Lake Springfield or just rent a watercraft and enjoy a day on the water.

N. Take a step back in time at Lincoln's New Salem & learn what life was like in the 1800s from the period interpreters.

 
O. Enjoy a relaxing evening listening to classical music at the Illinois Symphony Orchestra.

 
P: Stop by one of our 'Instagrammable Moments' spots and take your pic with Pinky the Elephant, yes she is a pink elephant holding a cocktail and rockin' the black frames glasses. Find more Insta spots here


Q: Shop at the many Quirky boutique shops, you are sure to find that perfect item to take home as a reminder of your visit.



R: Springfield 1908 Race Riot...devastation that changed not only Springfield but our nation as well. This tragic event heavily influenced the creation of the NAACP, which officially started on February 12, 1909, just 6 months later. 

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S: Springfield is full of amazing Street Art. Talented local arts are beautifying Springfield, one wall at a time.

T: Find the perfect spot where you can view Two Capitol Domes at one time...oh and don't forget to get that perfect pic to share. Interested in why we have two capitols, check this out.

 
U: Take in a performance by a nationally known artist or act, or watch one of our local performances at the UIS Performing Arts Center, a venue that has been part of Springfield since 1981. 






V: Want more info for your visit to Springfield, stop by the Visitors Center and our team will happily assist you.

W: Honor Illinois' fallen soldiers at the War Memorials, including WWI, WWII, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.

X: Springfield is proud to be Xenial! (Yea I had to google it too...it means we are very hospitable to all of our visitors, and I can tell you...our team can't wait to see you!)

 
Y: Who doesn't love Yummy treats? Go to our Restaurant section and select the "Sweets" category to find some delicious pastries, ice cream, & more

 

Z: Learn about 80 different species of Zoo Animals from all over the world, including sloths, monkeys & penguins.

 
Share your Springfield pics, new ones or just memories, with us by using #VISITSPRINGFIELD or click here to upload & send them directly to us.