Springfield, the capital city of Illinois, is home to one of the country’s favorite presidents, and even calls itself the Land of Lincoln. A fun fact about Springfield – Do you love to grab a bite to eat without having to get out of your car? This very American concept has its roots in Springfield, where the Maid-Rite Sandwich Shop claims to have the first drive-thru window in the country.
We visited this city in 2022 and spent a whole day enjoying the following sites –
- Illinois Capital Building in Springfield
- Lincoln Home National Site
- Frank Lloyd Write Dana Thomas home
- Washington Park Botanical Garden
Illinois Capital Building in Springfield – The current building is the sixth to serve as the capitol building since Illinois was admitted to the United States in 1818. Ground was broken for this new building on March 11, 1868, and the building was completed twenty years later for a total cost of $4.5 million.
Its tall central rotunda, upper dome, and tower roofs are covered in zinc metal alloy to provide a silvery facade which does not weather or corrode. Zinc mining was productive in the state throughout the 18th and 19th centuries.
Illinois Capital Building in Springfield, Interior – The interior of the dome features a plaster circular frieze painted to resemble bronze, which illustrates scenes from Illinois state history, and stained glass windows, including a stained glass replica of the Illinois state seal in the center-top Oculus of the dome, above the rotunda.
Illinois Capital Building in Springfield, Legislative Chambers – The building houses the legislative and executive branches of the state of Illinois.
Illinois Capital Building in Springfield, Murals – Situated on the north balcony of the capital building is the artwork Treaty With The Indians. It depicts Native Americans being driven from their homeland as the sun sets in the west. The artwork is a visual representation of the historical westward expansion and its impact on Native American populations.
The grand staircase leading to the mural Treaty With The Indians, is a key feature of the building’s interior, showcasing the building’s historic beauty and craftsmanship. The staircase utilizes a variety of marble types, creating a visually striking and elegant design.
Lincoln Home National Historic Site – The 2-story, 12-room, Greek revival home of Abraham Lincoln, was the only home he ever owned. Constructed in 1839, Abraham and Mary Lincoln lived here from 1844 until Lincoln’s election to the presidency in 1861. The site includes 4 blocks surrounding the home and a visitor center.
Lincoln Home National Historic Site, Interior – This historic-site house at 413 South Eighth Street at the corner of Jackson Street, was bought by Lincoln and his wife in 1844. Three of their children were born there and one, died there. The Lincoln Home has been completely restored to its 1860 appearance. Lincoln’s son, Robert Todd Lincoln, donated the family home to the State of Illinois in 1887 under the condition that it would forever be well maintained and open to the public at no charge. We visited the house on a free guided tour which we had registered ahead of time.
Lincoln Home National Historic Site, Wagons – The site displays a replica of the campaign wagon used during Abraham Lincoln’s 1860 presidential campaign. This wagon, with its log cabin design and banner featuring Lincoln’s face, would have been part of a political parade and rally held in Springfield. The replica is on Eighth Street, within the four-block historic area surrounding the Lincoln Home. The log cabin design of the wagon was meant to evoke Lincoln’s humble beginnings and connect him with the working class.
Frank Lloyd Write Dana Thomas home – Built in 1902, it was one of Frank’s first major Prairie-style houses. This 12,000-square-foot home has 35 rooms and more than 250 art glass doors and windows, along with many other fine details. Free guided tours are available and we took one.
The home is owned by Illinois state and is a historic site. It was restored to its original glory in 1990. It is believed to contain one of the most intact Frank Lloyd Write designed interiors in United States. We were not allowed to take pictures of the interior, but they are available here
Washington Park Botanical Garden – This peaceful garden which is open year round, is one of Central Illinois major horticultural attractions with 20 acres of land featuring more than 1200 species of plants in 10 specific garden areas and the Conservatory. The Conservatory is a 50-ft diameter glass dome containing over 150 species of plants with exotic and economically important plants that are arranged by regions to which they are native. The Garden is also a place for learning with educational workshops being offered at the Garden throughout the year.
The park also features a tall structure with bells known as the Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon. It is a 132-foot tower that houses a carillon, one of the few carillons in the world open to the public. It is considered one of the largest and finest carillons globally. The carillon features 67 cast bronze bells, making it the eighth-largest in the world.
The Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon hosts free public concerts, community events, and the International Carillon Festival.
