Free Places to Visit in Springfield, IL

Are you traveling to or through Illinois? Is the only city you’ve ever been to Chicago because it’s really the only city ever talked about? How about traveling just a little further to get to Springfield and have some free fun for you and the family?

Illinois State Capitol Building

If you’re in Springfield, you might as well visit the State Capitol Building. The dome is breathtaking and is definitely a must-see.

An interesting fact about the building is it is the 6th building to serve as the capitol building.

The website offers a ton of information on the present building and some history on the capitol buildings preceding the current one.

Free tours are giving all day except during normal lunch hours (12pm-1pm). You can also go on self-guided tours.

Old State Capitol

If you visit the New Capitol Building, you must visit the old one, for the sake of comparison. Abraham Lincoln used the old one until the city outgrew the building. From there the new capitol building was eventually erected in Springfield.

See where Abe Lincoln tried cases and spent a lot of his time.

A piece of history that has been preserved for future generations.

There are tours throughout the day with the last one starting 45 minutes before closing.

Washington Park

The Washington Park is over 1000 years old.

You can play tennis in the center of the park or take your kids to the playground.

The Washington Park Botanical Gardens and Rees Memorial Carillon are also located here. You have 150 acres to explore of the park and it is free to enter.

Have a day of relaxation at the Washington Park, you deserve it.

Lincoln Memorial Garden

As you have probably already guessed, President Abraham Lincoln was really popular in Illinois; it is his birthplace after all. It only makes sense that there are a lot of things named after him.

Free admission and free parking are available at this location.

100 acres to explore included 6 miles of trails through prairies, woodlands and wetlands, so wear proper foot gear.

There is a pond, footbridges, and eight stone council rings that have amazing views of the lake.

If you like good views, hiking trails, and looking at nature, stop by on your trip.

Lincoln Home National Historic Site

Have you ever wanted to visit the actual home that famous people and/or presidents lived in?

You will be able to enter and look around the home that Abraham Lincoln and his family resided in for nearly 18 years.

Admission is free but there are tickets that are sold on a first come, first serve basis.

Governor’s Mansion

A historic landmark and living museum, preserved through the last 150 years so history curious people can see and imagine what things were like in the past.

Self-guided tours are not permitted. The tours are led by professionally trained staff and volunteers.

The building is a beautiful piece of architecture that you just have to see in person.

Public tours are limited to 15 people per group. Visitors over 16 must have some kind of government issued identification.

Groups that have under 15 people can walk up without a ticket during tour hours.

Whether you’re looking to visit historical buildings or sites or walk through parks, these are just a few of the many different places that you can visit while you are in Springfield, Illinois.