{"id":84963,"date":"2018-08-09T08:00:05","date_gmt":"2018-08-09T06:00:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thehappyjetlagger.com\/springfield-illinois\/"},"modified":"2026-09-21T12:48:44","modified_gmt":"2026-09-21T10:48:44","slug":"springfield-illinois","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/neu.thehappyjetlagger.com\/en\/springfield-illinois\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Things to Do in Springfield, Illinois"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Springfield, Illinois<\/strong>, one of the most historic places in the United States, is located 300 kilometers from Chicago. And no, it\u2019s not the Springfield from *The Simpsons*: It\u2019s just called that because Springfield is one of the most common names for small towns in the U.S. This Springfield is, for one thing, the capital of <a href=\"https:\/\/thehappyjetlagger.com\/en\/label\/illinois\/\">the state of Illinois<\/a> (not Chicago\u2014who would have thought?) and, for another, the place where arguably the most significant U.S. president\u2014 <strong>Abraham Lincoln<\/strong>\u2014made his mark. The historic <strong>Route 66<\/strong> also runs through Springfield, so a stop in Springfield on our <a href=\"https:\/\/thehappyjetlagger.com\/en\/road-trip-on-route-66\/\">Route 66 road trip<\/a> was an absolute must for a full dose of American history.   <\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Springfield Illinois: The main attractions<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">History always sounds so dull anyway &#8211; and what&#8217;s a European to do with American history? <strong>The whole of Springfield, Illinois, revolves around Abraham Lincoln,<\/strong> there&#8217;s no escaping it, and at first glance, the city that is so meaningful to Americans seems only moderately interesting to us. But turns out, Springfield is so interesting! <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">First of all, Lincoln was a great person who changed not only America but also the world. And second, Springfield, Illinois, is a charming town and the Lincoln attractions are so wonderfully designed that even if you&#8217;re a culture vulture, you&#8217;ll be enthralled. And you also learn something along the way. (By the way, as so often on this trip, I thought that such a road trip is also a nice trip for families: many museums and sights are designed to be kid-friendly and kids are always welcome in family-oriented Illinois anyway!)   <\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thehappyjetlagger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Springfield-Illinois-Lincoln-Museum-Familie-1600x2133.jpg\" alt=\"Springfield Illinois Abraham Lincoln Museum\"\/><\/figure>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library &amp; Museum<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dedicated exclusively to the life and work of Abraham Lincoln, the museum is a mix of interactive exhibits and multimedia demonstrations. It&#8217;s very informative and people put so much detail into it! <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><div id='gallery-1' class='gallery galleryid-84963 gallery-columns-3 gallery-size-medium'><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/neu.thehappyjetlagger.com\/en\/springfield-illinois-abraham-lincoln\/springfield-illinois-lincoln-presidential-museum\/'><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/neu.thehappyjetlagger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Springfield-Illinois-Lincoln-Presidential-Museum-800x533.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"Springfield Illinois Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum\" srcset=\"https:\/\/neu.thehappyjetlagger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Springfield-Illinois-Lincoln-Presidential-Museum-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/neu.thehappyjetlagger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Springfield-Illinois-Lincoln-Presidential-Museum-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/neu.thehappyjetlagger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Springfield-Illinois-Lincoln-Presidential-Museum-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/neu.thehappyjetlagger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Springfield-Illinois-Lincoln-Presidential-Museum-770x513.jpg 770w, https:\/\/neu.thehappyjetlagger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Springfield-Illinois-Lincoln-Presidential-Museum-1600x1067.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/neu.thehappyjetlagger.com\/en\/springfield-illinois-abraham-lincoln\/springfield-illinois-lincoln-museum-gemaelde-unabhaengigkeit\/'><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/neu.thehappyjetlagger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Springfield-Illinois-Lincoln-Museum-Gemaelde-Unabhaengigkeit-800x1200.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"Springfield Illinois Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum Gem\u00e4lde zur Unabh\u00e4ngigkeit\" srcset=\"https:\/\/neu.thehappyjetlagger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Springfield-Illinois-Lincoln-Museum-Gemaelde-Unabhaengigkeit-800x1200.jpg 800w, https:\/\/neu.thehappyjetlagger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Springfield-Illinois-Lincoln-Museum-Gemaelde-Unabhaengigkeit-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/neu.thehappyjetlagger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Springfield-Illinois-Lincoln-Museum-Gemaelde-Unabhaengigkeit-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https:\/\/neu.thehappyjetlagger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Springfield-Illinois-Lincoln-Museum-Gemaelde-Unabhaengigkeit-770x1155.jpg 770w, https:\/\/neu.thehappyjetlagger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Springfield-Illinois-Lincoln-Museum-Gemaelde-Unabhaengigkeit.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Don&#8217;t miss the screening of <strong>&#8220;Ghosts of the Library&#8221;<\/strong> at the Holavision Theatre &#8211; and afterwards puzzle over whether the narrator was a hologram or actually on stage. And be sure to look out for costumed guards: they are part of the exhibition and perform pieces throughout the museum! <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www2.illinois.gov\/alplm\/Pages\/default.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library &amp; Museum website<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Old State Capitol<\/h2>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Abraham Lincoln was in and out of the <strong>Old State Capitol<\/strong> in Springfield, which served as the Illinois House of Representatives from 1840 to 1876, throughout his life as a politician and lawyer. Today, you can still visit all the halls there, including furnishings from that time. In 1858, Abraham Lincoln announced his presidential candidacy right here, and in 2007, he was followed by then Senator of Illinois: Barack Obama.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www2.illinois.gov\/dnrhistoric\/Experience\/Sites\/Central\/pages\/old-capitol.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Old State Capitol<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thehappyjetlagger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Springfield-Illinois-Old-State-Capitol-Saal-1600x1067.jpg\" alt=\"Springfield Illinois attractions Old State Capitol hall\"\/><\/figure>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Lincoln Home National Historic Site<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here, in a sort of an open-air museum, you can see the <strong>home of Abraham Lincoln<\/strong>, where he lived until his election as president. The residence has been extensively restored to its condition during Lincoln&#8217;s lifetime. But not only was Lincoln&#8217;s residence preserved, but so was the entire street.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><div id='gallery-2' class='gallery galleryid-84963 gallery-columns-3 gallery-size-large'><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/neu.thehappyjetlagger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Springfield-Illinois-Old-State-Capitol-1600x1067.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"Springfield Illinois Old State Capitol\" srcset=\"https:\/\/neu.thehappyjetlagger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Springfield-Illinois-Old-State-Capitol-1600x1067.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/neu.thehappyjetlagger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Springfield-Illinois-Old-State-Capitol-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/neu.thehappyjetlagger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Springfield-Illinois-Old-State-Capitol-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/neu.thehappyjetlagger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Springfield-Illinois-Old-State-Capitol-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/neu.thehappyjetlagger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Springfield-Illinois-Old-State-Capitol-770x513.jpg 770w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/neu.thehappyjetlagger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Springfield-Illinois-Old-State-Capitol-Ausstellung-1600x1067.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"Springfield Illinois Old State Capitol Tisch mit Domino und Spielkarten\" srcset=\"https:\/\/neu.thehappyjetlagger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Springfield-Illinois-Old-State-Capitol-Ausstellung-1600x1067.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/neu.thehappyjetlagger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Springfield-Illinois-Old-State-Capitol-Ausstellung-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/neu.thehappyjetlagger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Springfield-Illinois-Old-State-Capitol-Ausstellung-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/neu.thehappyjetlagger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Springfield-Illinois-Old-State-Capitol-Ausstellung-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/neu.thehappyjetlagger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Springfield-Illinois-Old-State-Capitol-Ausstellung-770x513.jpg 770w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thehappyjetlagger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Springfield-Illinois-Lincolns-Home-1600x2400.jpg\" alt=\"Springfield Abraham Lincoln Home\"\/><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And with the help of the ubiquitous actors who show life at the time, a visit to the site is like going back in time! If you&#8217;re lucky, you might even encounter a deceptively real Abraham Lincoln strolling down the street every now and then. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/liho\/index.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Lincoln Home National Historic Site<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><div id='gallery-3' class='gallery galleryid-84963 gallery-columns-3 gallery-size-large'><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/neu.thehappyjetlagger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Springfield-Illinois-Lincolns-Home-Einrichtung-1600x1067.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"Springfield Illinois Lincolns Home Innen\" srcset=\"https:\/\/neu.thehappyjetlagger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Springfield-Illinois-Lincolns-Home-Einrichtung-1600x1067.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/neu.thehappyjetlagger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Springfield-Illinois-Lincolns-Home-Einrichtung-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/neu.thehappyjetlagger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Springfield-Illinois-Lincolns-Home-Einrichtung-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/neu.thehappyjetlagger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Springfield-Illinois-Lincolns-Home-Einrichtung-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/neu.thehappyjetlagger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Springfield-Illinois-Lincolns-Home-Einrichtung-770x513.jpg 770w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/neu.thehappyjetlagger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Springfield-Illinois-Lincolns-Home-Kost\u00fcme-1600x1067.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"Springfield Illinois Kostueme im Abraham Lincoln Home\" srcset=\"https:\/\/neu.thehappyjetlagger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Springfield-Illinois-Lincolns-Home-Kost\u00fcme-1600x1067.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/neu.thehappyjetlagger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Springfield-Illinois-Lincolns-Home-Kost\u00fcme-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/neu.thehappyjetlagger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Springfield-Illinois-Lincolns-Home-Kost\u00fcme-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/neu.thehappyjetlagger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Springfield-Illinois-Lincolns-Home-Kost\u00fcme-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/neu.thehappyjetlagger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Springfield-Illinois-Lincolns-Home-Kost\u00fcme-770x513.jpg 770w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/neu.thehappyjetlagger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Springfield-Illinois-Lincoln-Home-Plakat-1600x1067.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"Springfield Illinois Abraham Lincoln Home Plakat\" srcset=\"https:\/\/neu.thehappyjetlagger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Springfield-Illinois-Lincoln-Home-Plakat-1600x1067.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/neu.thehappyjetlagger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Springfield-Illinois-Lincoln-Home-Plakat-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/neu.thehappyjetlagger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Springfield-Illinois-Lincoln-Home-Plakat-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/neu.thehappyjetlagger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Springfield-Illinois-Lincoln-Home-Plakat-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/neu.thehappyjetlagger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Springfield-Illinois-Lincoln-Home-Plakat-770x513.jpg 770w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Lincoln&#8217;s tomb<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Abraham Lincoln was buried in Oak Ridge Cemetery, which is one of the most visited cemeteries in the United States as a result. Don&#8217;t forget: <strong>Be sure to rub the nose of the Lincoln bust in front of the entrance to the mausoleum<\/strong>, it&#8217;s supposed to bring good luck! Judging by the scrubbed nose, this is probably really popular and for small people like me, there&#8217;s even a stool in front of it!  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.lincolntomb.org\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Lincoln&#8217;s Tomb<\/a><\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thehappyjetlagger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Springfield-Illinois-Lincoln-Grab-B&#xFC;ste-1600x2132.jpg\" alt=\"Springfield Illinois USA landmarks Abraham Lincoln bust with nose\"\/><\/figure>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone size-large wp-image-18639\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thehappyjetlagger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Springfield-Illinois-Lincoln-Grab-Mausoleum-Nase-1600x1067.jpg\" alt=\"Springfield Illinois Abraham Lincoln Nose\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Shiny from all the rubbing: Abraham Lincoln&#8217;s nose.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>A few Lincoln Facts:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Abraham Lincolm was President of the USA from 1861 to 1865<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the first US president to die in an assassination attempt<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Opponent of slavery, which led to the War of Secession between the liberal North and the slave-holding South<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Won the Civil War, reunited the North and South, and ensured the end of slavery in all states<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>lived with his family in Springfield, Illinois, where he began his career as a lawyer and politician<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Springfield also has a lot to offer outside of the Lincoln sites, so plan at least one full day for that, better yet two days! What else you should have seen: <\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Illinois State Capitol<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1067\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-18677\" src=\"https:\/\/thehappyjetlagger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Springfield-Illinois-State-Capitol-Parlament-Sitzungssaal-1600x1067.jpg\" alt=\"Springfield Illinois State Capitol Hall Parliament House of Representatives\" style=\"width: undefinedpx\" srcset=\"https:\/\/neu.thehappyjetlagger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Springfield-Illinois-State-Capitol-Parlament-Sitzungssaal-1600x1067.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/neu.thehappyjetlagger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Springfield-Illinois-State-Capitol-Parlament-Sitzungssaal-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/neu.thehappyjetlagger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Springfield-Illinois-State-Capitol-Parlament-Sitzungssaal-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/neu.thehappyjetlagger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Springfield-Illinois-State-Capitol-Parlament-Sitzungssaal-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/neu.thehappyjetlagger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Springfield-Illinois-State-Capitol-Parlament-Sitzungssaal-770x513.jpg 770w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Inaugurated in 1877, the Illinois State Capitol still serves as <strong>the Illinois House of Representatives<\/strong>. The dome, visible from a great distance, is over 100 meters high (even taller than the Capitol in <a href=\"https:\/\/thehappyjetlagger.com\/en\/washington-dc-in-one-day\/\">Washington, D.C.<\/a>!) and truly spectacular, especially against the backdrop of the low-rise buildings in the small town of Springfield. (Although Springfield is the capital of Illinois, it has a mere 115,000 residents!)  <\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped columns-3 wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thehappyjetlagger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Springfield-Illinois-State-Capitol-Lincoln-Statue.jpg\" alt=\"Springfield Illinois sights State Capitol with Abraham Lincoln statue\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thehappyjetlagger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Springfield-Illinois-State-Capitol-Kuppel.jpg\" alt=\"Springfield Illinois State Capitol dome statue\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thehappyjetlagger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Springfield-Illinois-State-Capitol-Gem&#xE4;lde.jpg\" alt=\"Springfield Illinois State Capitol\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tours are held throughout the day, allowing visitors to explore the Chamber of Deputies with its impressive crystal chandeliers\u2014subject to availability. The huge dome is even more impressive from the inside\u2014after experiencing so much small-town charm along Route 66, I couldn\u2019t believe my eyes when I suddenly saw such opulent architecture. Truly impressive.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.ilstatehouse.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Illinois State Capitol<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-theme-palette-8-background-color has-background wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/thehappyjetlagger.com\/en\/destinations\/united-states\/\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\">You can also find more about Illinois in my USA Blog<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thehappyjetlagger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Springfield-Illinois-Dana-Thomas-House-Erker-1600x2133.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Dana Thomas House by Frank Lloyd Wright<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Frank Lloyd Wright<\/strong> was one of the most famous American architects of the last century: for example, he designed the Guggenheim Museum in New York. With his <strong>&#8220;Prairie Houses<\/strong>,&#8221; he created the concept of &#8220;organic architecture,&#8221; where houses and buildings were meant to blend seamlessly into the landscape, art, and culture.  <\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thehappyjetlagger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Springfield-Illinois-Dana-Thomas-House-Tisch.jpg\" alt=\"Springfield Illinois Dana Thomas House Table\"\/><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of these Prairie Houses is<strong> Susan Lawrence Dana<\/strong>&#8216;s house: lots of wood, unexpectedly dark, but tremendously visionary for its year of construction (1902). 35 rooms spread over 3 floors and 16 mezzanines in total. Wild parties are said to have taken place here. Oh, and there&#8217;s also a bowling alley right behind the entrance.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.dana-thomas.org\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">To the website of the Dana Thomas House<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thehappyjetlagger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Springfield-Illinois-Dana-Thomas-House-Fenster.jpg\" alt=\"Springfield Illinois Dana Thomas House\"\/><\/figure>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thehappyjetlagger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Springfield-Illinois-Dana-Thomas-House-Schreibtisch.jpg\" alt=\"Springfield Illinois Dana Thomas House\"\/><\/figure>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thehappyjetlagger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Springfield-Illinois-Dana-Thomas-House-Dekoration.jpg\" alt=\"Springfield Illinois Dana Thomas House\"\/><\/figure>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Eating and drinking in Springfield: The best locations<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In Springfield, Illinois, there are quite a few places you absolutely shouldn\u2019t miss on your Route 66 trip! It doesn\u2019t get any more American than this. And just like in the rest of Illinois, you\u2019ll find plenty of \u201cmakers\u201d here: <strong>creative small business owners in crafts, retail, and agriculture<\/strong> \u2014producing fair, local, and sustainable goods. They\u2019re all part of a public program called <a href=\"https:\/\/www.enjoyillinois.com\/illinois-made\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Illinois Made<\/a>.   <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On our <a href=\"https:\/\/thehappyjetlagger.com\/en\/road-trip-on-route-66\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"11033\">road trip through Illinois<\/a>, we met a number of people along the way\u2014caf\u00e9 and restaurant owners, microbrewery operators, and artisans\u2014and it\u2019s impressive to see the enthusiasm with which these small businesses go about their work.  <\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thehappyjetlagger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Springfield-Illinois-Custom-Cup-Coffee-1600x2133.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Custom Cup Coffee<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The coffee is roasted right here on the premises\u2014and you can even watch it happen! If you\u2019re interested, they\u2019ll answer any questions you have about coffee. The owners of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.customcupcoffee.com\">Custom Cup Coffee<\/a> are committed to <strong>fair-trade coffee and <\/strong>know most of their suppliers from around the world personally. And in addition to fantastic coffee and friendly service, they serve up the most amazing apple-cinnamon-bacon pastries ever.     <\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped columns-3 wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thehappyjetlagger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Springfield-Illinois-Custom-Cup-Coffee-fairer-Kaffee.jpg\" alt=\"Springfield Illinois Custom Cup Coffee Illinois Maker\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thehappyjetlagger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Springfield-Illinois-Custom-Cup-Coffee-Apfel-Speck-Tasche.jpg\" alt=\"Springfield Illinois Caf&#xE9; Apple Bacon Dumpling\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Route 66 Motorheads Bar<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <a href=\"http:\/\/www.66motorheads.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Route 66 Motorheads Bar<\/a> isn&#8217;t just a classic Route 66 <strong>trucker bar<\/strong> on the side of the road\u2014it&#8217;s also a museum, with classic cars parked out front, vintage signs inside and out, and plenty of neon. In the shed next door, you can not only admire even more exhibits but also watch the restoration work in progress. By the way: It\u2019s an absolutely fantastic spot for photos!  <\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thehappyjetlagger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Springfield-Illinois-Motorheads-Bar-Route-66.jpg\" alt=\"SpringfieldIllinoisMotorheadsBarRouteMemorabilia\"\/><\/figure>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thehappyjetlagger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Springfield-Illinois-Motorheads-Vintage-Museum-Route-66.jpg\" alt=\"SpringfieldIllinoisRouteMotorheadsVintageSchilderMotel\"\/><\/figure>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thehappyjetlagger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Springfield-Illinois-Motorheads-Vintage-Oldtimer.jpg\" alt=\"Springfield Illinois Oldtimer Motorheads\"\/><\/figure>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cozy Dog Drive In<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A real must-see on Route 66: The <strong>Cozy Dog<\/strong> was invented at <a href=\"http:\/\/www.cozydogdrivein.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">the Cozy Dog Drive-In<\/a> \u2014it\u2019s a hot dog on a skewer, deep-fried in a batter coating. It sounds outrageously greasy\u2014and it is\u2014but it\u2019s also kind of delicious. One order with fries for two is easily enough for four\u2014just like everywhere else. The portions are huge.   <\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thehappyjetlagger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Springfield-Illinois-Cozy-Dogs-Restaurant-Tipp.jpg\" alt=\"SpringfieldIllinoisCozyDogsRouteCornDogs\"\/><\/figure>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Cozy Dog Drive-In is a Route 66 institution. People of all ages\u2014not just tourists\u2014have been coming here since 1949! The atmosphere is warm and family-friendly; everyone knows everyone else, and everyone knows Bob Waldmire: This Route 66 legend\u2014who has an entire exhibit dedicated to him at the Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum in <a href=\"https:\/\/thehappyjetlagger.com\/en\/pontiac-illinois\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"19497\">Pontiac<\/a> \u2014is the son of the founder, Ed Waldmire. Incidentally, the Cozy Dog Drive-In is still family-owned and is now run by one of Ed\u2019s grandsons.   <\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thehappyjetlagger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Springfield-Illinois-Cozy-Dog-Drive-In-1600x2400.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thehappyjetlagger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Springfield-Illinois-Cozy-Dog-Diner.jpg\" alt=\"Springfield Illinois Cozy Dog Drive In\"\/><\/figure>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Engrained Brewery &amp; Restaurant<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At <a href=\"https:\/\/www.engrainedbrewery.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Engrained<\/a>, they\u2019re brewing up a storm: If you\u2019d like, you can order <strong>a selection of<\/strong> five <strong>different beers<\/strong>, served on a wooden board. I highly recommend it\u2014each one is more delicious than the last. By the way, Engrained uses the leftover grains from beer production to make the dough for their <strong>flatbread pizzas<\/strong>\u2014nothing goes to waste!  <\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thehappyjetlagger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Springfield-Illinois-Makers-Engrained-Bier.jpg\" alt=\"Springfield Illinois Beer Engrained\"\/><\/figure>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And here, too, you\u2019ll find the <strong>Horseshoe Sandwich<\/strong>, a Springfield, Illinois, classic: a slice of toast with a juicy burger patty, piled high with endless fries, and topped with cheese sauce. The portion, as always: huge. If that\u2019s too much for you, order a \u201cPonyshoe.\u201d Not that it makes much of a difference: Either way, on Route 66, between the beer, Horseshoes, and Cozy Dogs, you\u2019ll have to slowly say goodbye to your diet anyway.   <\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thehappyjetlagger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Springfield-Illinois-Horseshoe-Sandwich.jpg\" alt=\"Springfield Illinois Horseshoe Sandwich\"\/><\/figure>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Practical tips for visiting Springfield, Illinois<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Be sure to set aside enough time for Springfield\u2014there\u2019s plenty to see. It\u2019s definitely worth making a stop in Springfield and staying overnight. The city has several large hotels offering good accommodations, including the <a href=\"https:\/\/thehappyjetlagger.com\/go\/president-abraham-lincoln-hilton\/\" rel=\"nofollow sponsored noopener\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"thj-aff-link\">Wyndham Springfield City Centre<\/a>. From the outside, it\u2019s an eye-catching high-rise\u2014which some Springfield residents have given a suggestive nickname\u2014but it has one major advantage: from the upper floors, you\u2019ll have the best view of the city and the State Capitol. Be sure to ask for a room with a view of downtown.    <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By the way, you can also reach Springfield from Chicago by train if you don&#8217;t want to rent a car\u2014but once you&#8217;re there, it&#8217;s actually often easier to get around by car, since public transportation isn&#8217;t particularly well-developed and some locations are quite far apart.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><em>This research trip was sponsored by<em> <\/em><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.enjoyillinois.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Enjoy Illinois<\/a><\/span> <em><em>was supported<\/em><\/em>.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Springfield is the capital of the state of Illinois and the hometown of Abraham Lincoln. Time travel through American history on our Route 66 road trip! <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":18673,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2423,488],"tags":[2211,2249],"class_list":["post-84963","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-road-trips","category-united-states","tag-illinois","tag-route-66"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/neu.thehappyjetlagger.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/84963","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/neu.thehappyjetlagger.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/neu.thehappyjetlagger.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/neu.thehappyjetlagger.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/neu.thehappyjetlagger.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=84963"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/neu.thehappyjetlagger.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/84963\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/neu.thehappyjetlagger.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/18673"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/neu.thehappyjetlagger.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=84963"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/neu.thehappyjetlagger.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=84963"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/neu.thehappyjetlagger.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=84963"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}