Location: Springfield
Top Things to do in Springfield
The 10 Best Museums in Springfield, Illinois (IL)
The spirit of the "Land of Lincoln" is nowhere else so alive as it is in Springfield, one time home to old Honest Abe himself and present home of the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, the Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices State Historic Site, the Old State Capitol State Historic Site, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and the Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site. The NAACP also holds Springfield at its roots, having formed after a particularly bloody race riot here in 1908.
Restaurants in Springfield
1. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4,422 reviews
In a stunning combination of scholarship and showmanship, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum immerses you in Lincoln's world and time. Journey from a rustic Indiana cabin to the Executive Mansion in the nation's capitol; follow the fate of America's 16th president and share the joys and sorrows of a family - and a nation. (Please be advised, while the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum is open 7 days a week, the Presidential Library is only open on weekdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.)
Reviewed By D2620VEdanc - Avinger, United States
Took an 2 hour, self-guided afternoon tour of the Licoln Memorial in Springfield Illinois with our daughter's family and 3 grandchildren, ages 4 - 9. The memorial is filled with very interesting pieces of Abraham Lincoln's family life, Civil War and presidency. The interesting and artistic displays and videos bring life to the memorial that holds the attention of the 4 year old up to the grandparents. An afternoon well spent.
2. Crabill Homestead
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
A Federal style home, built about 1823 by David and Barbara Crabill where they lived with their 12 children. The home remained in the family until about 1968. The home is decorated much like hen David and Barbara lived there.
3. Illinois State Police Heritage Foundation Museum
4. Kidzeum of Health & Science
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Kidzeum of Health & Science is a children's museum in the heart of historic downtown Springfield, Illinois. Explore and learn at all four of our exhibit galleries. Even climb a three-story child named Active Alex and learn all about the human body!
5. Lincoln Home National Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,751 reviews
The only house Abraham Lincoln ever owned is the centerpiece of this four-block historic neighborhood. Lincoln and his family lived in the two-story house from 1844 until 1861, when their address changed to the White House.
Reviewed By X7472TVtomk
This site, run by the National Park Service is well maintained and restored, with a visitor's center, a free guided tour of Lincoln's home, and several other restored homes. We spent two hours which included a 20 minute tour of the home. The book store in the visitor's center is very comprehensive.
6. Daughters of the Union Veterans Headquarters and Museum
7. Illinois State Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 314 reviews
The Illinois State Museum focuses on the art, natural history, history and anthropology of the State of Illinois. Admission is $5 for adults ages 19-64. Children under 19, seniors over 64, veterans, and active duty military personnel are free.
Reviewed By RecRob
Give yourself several hours to enjoy this museum. Excellent displays and good for all ages. A clever use of multimedia too. I didn't visit the basement, but the main floor and 2nd floor kept us busy for several hours. I do wish they had a gift shop and a small cafe though. Museum gift shops are a great way to raise extra funds for the operation.
8. Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
Our collection includes relics of the Civil War but highlights the membership and work done by the Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) and their auxiliary, the Woman's Relief Corps (W.R.C.). Visitors to the museum receive a brief description of what the museum is and what you will see. You have the option to view the displays and read the interpretive panels on your own or receive a guided tour complete with additional descriptions and more in-depth commentary. Depending on the date of your visit, special exhibits may be on display. There is no entry fee but the Museum receives no City, State or Federal funding and relies entirely on the membership of the WRC and the donations of visitors.
9. Springfield African American Historical Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 reviews
Nestled in the heart of the Lincoln tourism district, SAAHM preserves and tells the rich, the conflicting, the tragic, and the triumphant history of African-Americans in Springfield and the surrounding area. The museum is more than just the race riot that inspired the creation of the NAACP. One question is all you need, what happened under Lincoln's shadow and does this alter his legacy?
10. Illinois State Military Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 75 reviews
Reviewed By JyssicaS - Silver Spring, United States
This is a small museum less than a hour to take a look at all the exhibits. We enjoyed it as a nice stop. The staff member on site was very friendly and helpful. The building itself was nice and unique. It was like a mini castle.
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