Springfield sites are easily accessible via SMTD. Here are a few of the most popular destinations in Springfield the locals recommend.
Key Attractions
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Lincoln Library and Museum
This is the official library and museum of Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of the United States. Tour the interactive, immersive exhibits, galleries, and theaters. The library houses the world's largest collection of Lincoln-related documents.
Dana-Thomas House State Historic Site
Tour this exquisite Frank Lloyd Wright architectural design of the early 1900s, and learn about its rich history and its owner, socialite Susan Lawrence Dana.
Illinois Governor's Mansion
Explore historic elegance, architectural grandeur, and take a tour of this beautifully restored mansion.
Illinois State Capitol Building
Tour the majestic Illinois State Capitol featuring stunning architecture, historic chambers, and watch the legislature when in session.
Illinois State Fairgrounds
During 10 days in August, experience thrilling rides, delicious food, live entertainment, and agricultural showcases.
Lincoln Home National Historic Site
Walk through the home where the 16th U.S. President, Abraham Lincoln lived when he was an attorney in Springfield, Illinois.
Old State Capitol
Springfield’s beautifully restored Old State Capitol, features exhibits and daily tours.
Historical Locations
Elijah Iles House
This historic 1830s house was owned by one of Springfield's earliest settlers, Elijah Iles. It is among the oldest structures in Springfield.
Vachel Lindsay House
Tour the home of poet Vachel Lindsay. This beautiful, historic home is a national landmark, built in 1848.
Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices State Historic Site
Visit the law offices where Abraham Lincoln practiced law in downtown Springfield Illinois. In mid-2026, it was closed for renovations.
Edwards Place Historic Home
Take a step back in time to the 1830s with a tour of this historic mansion, owned by financier Benjamin Edwards. Abraham Lincoln and Mary were friends of the Edwardses and visited often. The site is also the location of the Springfield Art Association.
Lincoln Depot
Abraham Lincoln departed from Springfield to begin his presidency from this downtown train depot. A self-guided museum on the first floor is open to visitors.
Nelson Center
Located in Lincoln Park, Nelson Center includes an ice rink and outdoor swimming pool. It hosts hockey games, skating lessons, and community events.
Museums
Illinois State Museum
The Illinois State Museum in Springfield offers three floors of exhibits, galleries, and educational programs. Explore natural history, anthropology, history and art exhibits.
Kidzeum of Health and Science
This three-story children's museum in downtown Springfield includes interactive, playful exhibits on health and wellness, science, fitness, and environmental awareness.
Parks
Comer Cox Park
Comer Cox Park, located on the east side of Springfield, includes playgrounds, sports fields, and an outdoor fitness court.
Duncan Park
Located northwest of downtown, Duncan Park has three parking lots, a playground, pickleball courts, a bandshell, and picnic shelters.
Iles Park
Iles Park, located on Springfield's south side, features baseball and softball fields, picnic areas, playground, pickleball courts and more.
Lincoln Park
This north-end park, steps away from the Illinois State Fairgrounds and Oak Ridge cemetery, includes Nelson Recreation Center, walking trails, playground, picnic areas, and more.
Margery Adams Wildlife Sanctuary
Enjoy peaceful trails, native prairie,birdwatching, and nature education at this 40-acre woodland sanctuary, located on the Springfield's east side.
Washington Park
Enjoy this historic, scenic park that features lagoons, a botanical garden, playgrounds, trails, and walking path.
Shopping
White Oaks Mall
This two-story, indoor shopping center includes shops, restaurants, and a food court. It also is home to Malibu Jacks' theme park.
Fairhills Mall
Neighborhood shopping center includes a County Market, Starbucks, and restaurants.
The Gables
This upscale strip mall includes a variety of shopping, including clothing stores, home decor, and restaurants.
Town and Country Shopping Center
Town and Country Shopping Center, centrally located off of MacArthur Boulevard is undergoing renovations but is close to Hyvee Grocery Store and Washington Park.
Capital City Shopping Center
Located on the southeast side of Springfield, Capital City Shopping Center includes restaurants, discount stores, and is walking distance to many hotels.
Parkway Pointe Shopping Center
Parkway Pointe Shopping Center features Target and Walmart, along with many other shops, restaurants, and hotels.
Sangamon Center North
Anchored by Schnucks grocery store, this neighborhood shopping center is located near the Illinois State Fairgrounds.
Walmart North Dirksen
Visit Springfield's north side for shopping at Walmart and is close to restaurants and hotels.
Walmart - Parkway Pointe
The west-side Walmart is located in Parkway Pointe Shopping Center, close to Target, other shopping, hotels, and restaurants.
Walmart South 6th
The Walmart on South Sixth Street is close to restaurants and medical offices of SIU and HSHS providers.
Meijer
Located on the Southwest side of Springfield, Meijer grocery store is close to shopping, restaurants, car dealerships, Vision Care Associates and Dental Care.
Schools
University of Illinois Springfield
Within the University of Illinois system, this public university offers degrees, research opportunities, scenic campus, cultural events, and community engagement in Springfield.
Lincoln Land Community College
A community college in Springfield, Illinois offers affordable degrees, workforce training, transfer programs and student support.
Capital Area Career Center
This career education center offers hands-on training, technical education programs, and a pre-school.
Sports
Scheels Sports Park
This sports arena in Legacy Pointe includes the nation's largest inflatable dome and hosts sports events on its numerous fields, courts, trails. Community events are also held. Located next to Scheels Sporting Goods.
Photos courtesy Visit Springfield, Springfield Parks Department, Springfield Art Association, Adams Wildlife Center, Scheels Sports Park