Visit Springfield, the historic heart of Route 66

Chicago may be Illinois' largest city, but Springfield is its capital. Springfield remains a pleasant city to live in and visit, far removed from the hustle and bustle of huge metropolises such as New York or Los Angeles. On a human scale, it has just 671.6 inhabitants per square kilometre, compared with New York's 7250 inhabitants per square kilometre.

Although Springfield is not the largest city in the state of Illinois, it is nevertheless its capital. Because of its status, Springfield is steeped in important political history. Many Americans know Springfield as the home for nearly 20 years of Abraham Lincoln, one of the country's greatest presidents. As such, it is home to many historic sites of great importance that are well worth a visit.

Visit Lincoln Tomb

This immense tomb is a fitting tribute to the great man Abraham Lincoln. The Lincoln Tomb is the final resting place of the man nicknamed the Great Emancipator. This marble and granite monument consists of a 36-metre-high column and a replica of Abraham Lincoln's head, originally produced by the famous creator of Mount Rushmore.

Practical information

• 📍 1500 Monument Ave, Springfield, IL 62702, United States
• ⏰ every day from 9am to 5pm
• 👛 Admission to the monument is free. Only parking is charged, at $2 per hour.
• 🕑 Allow 2 hours to take the time to visit the place without rushing.
• 👉 Reservations and information

For a romantic break :

Old State Capitol

Although Chicago is the undisputed capital of architecture, Springfield has a strong case to make, particularly with the State Capitol and its neoclassical architecture, which is impossible to miss as it is located right in the centre of Springfield and stands out with its sumptuous French-style dome.A visit to this elegant state house is a must for lovers of politics and architecture, and one of the tallest domes in the country is as dazzling from the inside as it is from the outside.

Practical information

• 📍 Capitol Avenue and Second Street; Springfield, Illinois
• ⏰ Tuesday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.
• 👛 There is no charge to visit, however, donations to support the historic site are appreciated. You can make a donation online or during your visit.
• 👉 website
• 👉 There is a car park in the basement of the monument. There is a charge. The rate is $1.50/30 minutes.

Where to stay near the Capitol?

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum

Abraham Lincoln is a real legend in Springfield, and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library is a must-visit for anyone interested in American history and politics. It follows Lincoln's life from his origins in a log cabin in Illinois to the White House in Washington.

Practical information

• 📍 212 N 6th St, Springfield, IL 62701, United States
• ⏰ : every day of the week from 9am to 5pm.
• 👛 between $6 and $15
• 👉 Website

Springfield has a continental climate, which means that summers are hot and humid and winters remain cold and snowy. Over the course of the year, the temperature generally varies between -6°C and 30°C. To visit the city in pleasant conditions, we recommend that you opt for the summer months, from June to October.