Springfield, Illinois

Springfield is the state capital of Illinois and the county seat of Sangamon County. The city is located in central Illinois, 102 miles (164 kilometers) northeast of St. Louis, Missouri, and 201 miles (323 kilometers) southwest of Chicago. The population of Springfield is 111,454.

Springfield is the "Land of Lincoln," and home to many historic sites associated with the famous president. The Lincoln Home National Historic Site includes the president's restored home, informative exhibits, and other attractions. The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum houses a collection of documents related to Lincoln and the times in which he lived, and Lincoln's tomb can be found in Springfield's Oak Ridge Cemetery. Although Lincoln passed away in 1865, his spirit still lives on. Thousands of visitors arrive each April to participate in the Annual Lincoln Pilgrimage, which retraces Lincoln's steps through Springfield and the New Salem area of Petersburg, and the Abraham Lincoln Memorial Garden and Nature Center serves as a living memorial to the president, and features plants native to the three states (Illinois, Kentucky, and Indiana) in which Lincoln once lived.

Other historic attractions in Springfield include the Old State Capitol, the current capitol building, and the beautiful Dana-Thoma House. Local museums such as the Illinois State Museum at Springfield, the Museum of Funeral Customs, the Illinois Fire Museum, and the Illinois State Museum Art Gallery showcase the area's rich history. Visitors can also learn about the region's proud military heritage at the Illinois State Military Museum and the Air Combat Museum.

In addition to its rich cultural heritage, Springfield is also gifted with a lively arts scene. Local performing arts groups include the Illinois Symphony Orchestra, the Springfield Ballet Company, and the Springfield Theatre Center. The Hoogland Center for the Arts is the cultural hub of the city, and offers musical, theater, and dance performances, as well as art and photo exhibits. For more lighthearted entertainment, Springfield residents can also enjoy Broadway shows at the Muni, and summer outdoor theater beside Lake Springfield. Great family attractions include the Henson Robinson Zoo, and the annual Illinois State Fair, which offers 10 days of agricultural shows, rodeos, horse races, and non-stop entertainment.

In 1861, Lincoln bid farewell to Springfield with the words "No one, not in my situation, can appreciate my feeling of sadness at this parting. To this place, and the kindness of these people, I owe everything." More than 140 years later, Springfield is still a wonderful place to call home!

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