How to Explore Iconic Springfield, ILExperience the Land of Lincoln in the heart and capital of Illinois: Springfield! Use this accessible travel guide to plan your trip. Visit the historic Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area and iconic Route 66 spots, try local food and wine, and discover Springfield’s best outdoor things to do!AuthorsSteller
DestinationsSpringfieldItinerary

Best Things to Do

Lincoln Home National Historic Site
The Lincoln Home National Historic Site is where Abraham Lincoln lived with his family from 1844 to 1861, right in Springfield, Ill. Visit this historic site, which spans four blocks, to take a free ranger-led tour, explore the blocks of restored 1860s buildings, and enjoy a 25-minute film about Lincoln, “Journey to Greatness.” The area is for pedestrians only. Wheelchairs are available, as well as portable assistive listening devices and a sign language interpreter. Guests with blindness or low vision can request a personal escort for the tour. Check out the “History Link” cell phone tour, which covers all 11 areas of the historic site!
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Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum houses the world’s largest collection of artifacts related to Lincoln. There are more than 12 million items, including documents, photographs, and artifacts about Lincoln and Illinois history, highlighting the 16th U.S. president’s impact on the nation. The "Ghosts of the Library" section features holograms, and visitors can see an original copy of the Emancipation Proclamation and Lincoln’s presidential briefcase! The library and museum feature accessibility for all. Guests who are blind or have low vision are invited to check out the JAWS screen reader software.
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Union Square Park
Make sure you stop by Union Square Park, across the street from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, for its picturesque clock tower and a stunning bronze statue of President Lincoln. Tip: Find the engraved quote from Lincoln's 1861 Farewell Address to Springfield!
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Washington Park Botanical Garden
Washington Park Botanical Gardens has over 1,200 different plant species to explore across 2 acres, including the peony collection, monocot garden, shade garden, the Betty Mood Smith Rockery, and more. Don’t miss the rose garden, which has more than 3,500 plants, and the tropical garden inside the 50-foot conservatory dome! Washington Park Botanical Gardens is wheelchair accessible, with paved paths leading to the conservatory and most garden areas.
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Illinois State Capitol Building
Make sure to visit the "new" Illinois State Capitol Building, well...new since 1877. The Italian Revival-style building has an impressive dome that stands higher than the U.S. Capitol building at 361 feet! Visitors can take free guided tours of the House and Senate galleries, the Governor’s reception area, the Hall of Governors, and the Old Supreme Courtroom. (Tour hours vary depending on the day, so check before you go.) There is accessible parking at the Capitol Complex Visitors Center, and a wheelchair is on-site for guests who may need one. Most doors inside the Capitol are automatic doors, and all elevators in the building are accessible and feature Braille boards.
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Old State Capitol State Historic Site
The Old State Capitol Building, located in downtown Springfield, Ill., is a reconstruction of the fifth Capitol Building used by Illinois between 1840-1876, and the one where a young Abraham Lincoln served as a legislator and delivered his famous “House Divided” speech. The reconstruction of the Greek Revival-style building is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday for visitors and has an accessible entrance.
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Peoria Riverfront Museum
The Riverfront Museum, affiliated with the Smithsonian, takes an interdisciplinary approach through its art, science, and history permanent exhibitions, on-site planetarium, interactive galleries, and theaters! The museum has wheelchairs available and accessibility features. A companion is recommended for guests who are blind or have low vision. Tip: Enjoy free access to the museum on every second Sunday.
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Route 66 Drive In Theater
Travel back to the '50s and '60s at this family-owned outdoor movie theater, The Route 66 Drive In. Visit this nostalgic drive-in for a movie night under the stars, with double features on weekends. Note: Admission is per person, not per car. 🍿
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Ace Sign Co
Ace Sign Co. will transport you to the highlights of Route 66 from the 1960s with its unique neon signs! The museum features more than 85 historic and iconic signs, including a 12-foot-tall neon Pepsi Bottle Cap from 1953. There are tours available at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. Museum aisles are roomy, but visitors who are blind or have low vision should bring a companion. This is a must-visit for Route 66 fans!
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Lauterbach Muffler Man (Lauterbach Giant)
On your trip to Springfield, Ill, you must visit the Lauterbach Giant, AKA the "Muffler Man." This towering statue has become a beloved Route 66 landmark and has been restored since its Route 66 days, now holding an American flag in place of the tire it once held!
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Henson Robinson Zoo
Families will love the Henson Robinson Zoo, which is home to more than 300 animals from Australia, Africa, Asia, and North and South America. The zoo, which is involved in scientific research and conservation, has sensory-friendly and inclusive experiences for guests with sensory needs, as well as paved wheelchair accessible paths throughout and special viewing platforms.
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Best Eats & Drinks

Blue Sky Vineyard
Head south to the renowned Blue Sky Vineyard in southern Illinois, where the scenic landscaping and delicious wine will transport you straight to Tuscany. Their 2022 Chambourcin Reserve even earned the prestigious Governor’s Cup at the Illinois State Fair Wine Competition.
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Krekel's Custard & Hamburgers
Known for their classic American burgers, established in 1949, Krekel’s is a must-visit in Springfield, Ill. Try their specialty burger made with their own special recipe, and pair it with fries and one of their handmade shakes (there are 16 flavors to choose from!). Make sure to save room for their sweet custards for dessert! Indoor and outdoor seating is available.
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Obed & Isaac's Microbrewery and Eatery
Come get a southern Illinois classic—the horseshoe sandwich—at Obed & Isaac's Microbrewery and Eatery. Horseshoes are open-faced sandwiches topped with fries, meat, and cheese sauce! To do it right, you’ve got to get one here.
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D'Arcy's Pint
Sláinte! D’arcy’s Pint is a neighborhood pub that has been combining traditional Irish food and American favorites since 1988. Enjoy corned beef, shepherd’s pie, and full pints, as well as local favorites like the open-faced horseshoe sandwich!
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Hill Prairie Winery
Located inside a beautifully restored 1911 barn, Hill Prairie Winery offers a fantastic selection of dry reds and sweet fruit blends, all crafted with estate-grown grapes. If you visit on a Sunday afternoon, you can enjoy live music from local bands while sipping on your glass of wine! 🍷
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Mel-O-Cream Donuts
Start your morning right with a glazed, sprinkled, or jelly-filled donut from Mel-O-Cream Donuts, an iconic spot in Springfield. Known for their delicious morning treats, be sure to get there early before they sell out!
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Cozy Dog Drive In
Go back in time at Cozy Dog Drive In, an American drive-in that created the original hot dog on a stick! Get classic bites like burgers and, of course, corn dogs, which still use the same batter recipe developed by the founder, Ed Waldmire, in 1946. You can still get Ed’s homemade chili, too! This old-school diner is located along Route 66 in Springfield, Ill.
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Accessible Springfield Stays

RiverBank Lodge
RiverBank Lodge is a low-key river lodge north of Springfield, featuring just 24 rooms, each offering the relaxing sounds of the rushing river and beautiful views overlooking the water. On-site amenities include a cozy lounge serving homemade pizza and drinks, a gift shop, complimentary Wi-Fi, a continental breakfast, and two wheelchair adapted rooms.
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Crowne Plaza Springfield - Convention Ctr by IHG
The Crowne Plaza Springfield – Convention Ctr by IHG is conveniently located on the southeast side of Springfield, just a short drive from popular dining spots, historic sites, and more. The hotel is fully accessible and features nine wheelchair adapted rooms, three with roll-in showers. The hotel also has Braille signage in elevators and public areas, plus Braille menus available. In-room features include audible alarms, captioned TVs, and the option for doorbell and phone alerts upon request. Need a ride? The hotel can also arrange complimentary wheelchair accessible transportation for you and your guests!
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Drury Inn & Suites Springfield, IL
The Drury Inn & Suites Springfield, Ill., is packed with great amenities, like a free breakfast, the popular 5:30 Kickback reception, and a 24-hour fitness center. Enjoy a dip in the indoor or outdoor pool or relax in the hot tub. Located just off Interstate 44, it's close to attractions like the Wonders of Wildlife Museum & Aquarium, Dickerson Park Zoo, and Missouri State University. Like the Crowne Plaza, this hotel also offers accessible options for all guests (there are six wheelchair adapted rooms) and is conveniently situated on the southeast side of Springfield.
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Hampton Inn & Suites Springfield-Southwest
Hampton Inn & Suites Springfield-Southwest is a clean and accessible hotel, perfect for all types of travelers. The hotel has an on-site pool and is just a short drive from historic sites and popular dining spots downtown. For guests in wheelchairs, there are four adapted rooms with roll-in showers, and the hotel can also arrange complimentary wheelchair accessible transportation.
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