Top 10 Things to Do in Springfield, Illinois

Name: Top 10 Things to Do in Springfield, Illinois
Uploaded: 2025-10-01T09:55:02+00:00
Duration: 15 min 41 s
Channel: Destination Deca

Destination Deca

Welcome to Destination Deca! I’m Adam, and in this episode, we’re heading to the heart of the Midwest — Springfield, Illinois — to uncover the Top 10 Things to Do in this historic and vibrant city. Whether you're a history buff, nature lover, architecture enthusiast, or just looking for a fun weekend escape, Springfield has something for everyone.

Join me as we explore:

Illinois State Museum – Dive into the natural and cultural history of Illinois through fascinating exhibits and interactive displays.

Knight's Action Park – Splash, slide, and play at Springfield’s favorite family fun zone.

Lincoln Monument Association – Discover the organization preserving Lincoln’s legacy and the stories behind his memorials.

Lincoln Home National Historic Site – Step inside the preserved home where Abraham Lincoln lived before becoming president.

Lincoln Memorial Garden and Nature Center – Wander through serene trails designed to reflect the landscapes Lincoln knew.

Illinois Office of Tourism – Your gateway to planning the perfect Illinois adventure, with insider tips and local highlights.

Washington Park Botanical Garden – A lush oasis featuring over 1,200 plant species, perfect for a peaceful stroll or photo op.

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum – Experience Lincoln’s life and legacy through immersive exhibits and world-class storytelling.

Dana-Thomas House State Historic Site – Marvel at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Prairie-style masterpiece, filled with original furnishings and design.

Old State Capitol State Historic Site – Walk the halls where Lincoln debated, campaigned, and shaped American history.

Bonus Stops:

Route 66 Experience – Relive the nostalgia of America’s most iconic highway with quirky roadside attractions and classic diners.

Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon – Hear the majestic bells ring from one of the world’s largest carillons, set in a beautiful park.

#SpringfieldIllinois #AbrahamLincoln #TravelGuide #Route66 #IllinoisTourism #FamilyTravel #HiddenGems #USAtravel #LincolnHome #FrankLloydWright #BotanicalGarden #TravelTips #WeekendGetaway

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00:00Welcome to Destination DECA, your passport to the world's most fascinating destinations one city at a time.

00:07Today, we're in Springfield, Illinois, a city where legends come to life and Midwest hospitality greets you at every turn.

00:15From towering monuments and lush botanical gardens to quirky roadside eats and waterpark thrills,

00:22Springfield is a journey through history and a celebration of all things uniquely American.

00:26Stick around for exclusive trip tips, local legends, and two bonus recommendations that'll make your Springfield state truly unforgettable.

00:37As always, don't forget to subscribe to Destination DECA and hit the bell to join our community of travelers hungry for adventure.

00:45Now, let's dive into Springfield's Top 10.

00:49Number 10. Illinois State Museum, 1011 E. Ash Street, Springfield.

00:54Step into Springfield's Time Machine at the Illinois State Museum, where 500 million years of stories come roaring, buzzing, and blooming to life.

01:05Founded in 1877 and occupying a striking 96,000-square-foot space since 1963, this museum is more than just a collection.

01:15It's a living window into Illinois' wild, weird, and wonderful past.

01:19Must-see exhibits include

01:23Changes

01:24Dynamic Illinois environments

01:27Travel through epics and see ancient tropical seas, ice age giants, and today's prairies come alive with hands-on displays and authentic fossils.

01:36At home in the heartland, relive 300 years of daily life in Illinois through the eyes of its ever-evolving communities.

01:43Peoples of the past

01:46Meet the earliest Native American inhabitants through immersive dioramas, ancient pottery, and weaponry.

01:54The Morton D. Barker Paperweight Collection

01:56Marvel at dazzling French paperweights collected over decades, a global gem in Springfield.

02:03Mary Ann McLean Play Museum

02:05Kids become mini-paleontologists, museum curators, and naturalists, don't miss the mock fossil dig and bug microscopes.

02:15Fun Fact

02:15The museum helped found the American Alliance of Museums and was the first in the U.S. with a dedicated art gallery, back in 1928.

02:25Visiting the Illinois State Museum isn't just a history lesson, it's an adventure through everything that shaped Illinois, from dinosaurs to dreamers to everyday families.

02:35Number 9, Knights Action Park and Amp, Splash Kingdom Water Park, 1700 Recreation Drive, Springfield, craving a day of heart-pumping action?

02:46Knights Action Park is Springfield's ultimate family fun zone, a giant playground featuring the wild and splashy Splash Kingdom Water Park, plus classic amusement park attractions, mini-golf, go-karts, and even a drive-in movie theater.

03:00Don't miss

03:03Splash Kingdom Water Park, wave pool, lazy river, speed slides like Devil Ray and Royal Flush, Caribbean Wild River, and special kiddie zones, Camille's Reef, for the little ones.

03:17Mini-golf, 218-hole courses dotted with winding fairways and playful, photo-worthy obstacles.

03:23Go-karts, let your inner speed demon loose, perfect for families or competitive friend groups.

03:32Classic amusement rides, the big wheel, Ferris wheel, paratrooper, and more bring retro charm and big laughs.

03:41Route 66 Drive-In, end your visit star gazing at a double feature beneath the open sky, pure Americana.

03:48Fun Fact

03:50Knights Action Park is family-owned and has been delighting Springfield for more than four decades.

03:57Knights Action Park is your easy answer to, what do we do with the whole crew?

04:02Number 8.

04:03Lincoln Monument Association and Amp.

04:06Lincoln Tomb, Oak Ridge Cemetery, 1500 Monument Avenue, Springfield.

04:11Next up, travelers, take a moment for history that gives you chills.

04:15The Lincoln Monument Association preserves the legacy of Abraham Lincoln at Oak Ridge Cemetery,

04:22where you'll find the stunning Lincoln Tomb and grounds that offer stories of sacrifice, memory, and community.

04:29Why visit?

04:31Lincoln Tomb, resting place of the 16th president, his wife, and three sons.

04:36Marvel at the Grand Granite Obelisk rising 117 feet, the ornate sculptures, the crypts, and the famous bronze bust of Lincoln.

04:46Give his nose a rub for luck, a local tradition.

04:51Monuments and Amp.

04:52Memorials nearby, World War II, Korean, and Vietnam Veterans Memorials pepper the area.

04:58Moving, thoughtful spots for reflection.

05:00The association, founded in 1865 by local citizens, it continues to host tours, maintain artifacts,

05:10like a Lincoln life mask and even a lock of his hair, and foster education on Lincoln's impact.

05:16Number 7.

05:17Lincoln Home National Historic Site

05:19Want to walk in Lincoln's literal footsteps?

05:21The Lincoln Home National Historic Site is the only home Abraham Lincoln ever owned,

05:28and it's stunningly preserved down to the smallest 1860s detail.

05:33Why it matters?

05:35This was the epicenter of Lincoln's family and political life from 1844 to 1861.

05:41Here, he won hearts, built his legal career, and was tapped for the presidency.

05:45The house is surrounded by a four-block historic neighborhood, complete with actual period homes

05:52and interpretive markers.

05:55It's a living museum.

05:57Tour highlights.

05:59Guided tours.

06:00Free with a timed ticket from the visitor center.

06:03See the original parlor where Lincoln learned of his presidential nomination.

06:08Tour the kitchen where Mary presided over family meals, and imagine kids dashing up and down the

06:13stairs.

06:15Neighborhood exhibits.

06:17Several other homes are open, interpreting everything from the Underground Railroad to

06:2119th-century Springfield community life.

06:25Number 6.

06:27Lincoln Memorial Garden and Amp, Nature Center

06:29Swap city streets for birdsong and native wildflowers at Lincoln Memorial Garden, a tranquil,

06:36100-acre oasis on Lake Springfield.

06:39Here, living memorial, means six miles of lush, winding trails planned by iconic landscape architect

06:47Jens Jensen.

06:49What makes it special?

06:52Native plants.

06:53Nearly everything you see is indigenous to Illinois, Indiana, or Kentucky, just as Lincoln would

06:59have known as a boy.

07:01Trails.

07:02Six miles crisscross through meadows, woodlands, and wetlands, past a dozen footbridges and

07:07serene council rings marked by Lincoln quotes.

07:12Nature Center.

07:13Hands-on displays, changing themed exhibits, the cozy split rail gift shop, and trail maps

07:19for explorers of all ages.

07:20Visitor info.

07:23Opened dawn to dusk, year-round.

07:26Nature Center opened Tuesday, Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., sun 1 to 4 p.m.

07:33Restrooms, wheelchair-friendly trails, and accessible parking at main entrance.

07:40Dogs and bikes are not allowed in the garden to protect delicate ecosystems.

07:45Number 5.

07:46Illinois Office of Tourism Springfield Pigs.

07:49No visitor makes the most of Springfield without a game plan, and the Illinois Office of Tourism

07:55is your resource for insider guides, events, and can't miss hotspots.

08:01Why it's on the list.

08:03The office isn't just a visitor center, it's a hub for expert tips on Route 66 stops, new

08:09restaurants, accommodation deals, events, festivals, and more.

08:14Number 4.

08:15Washington Park Botanical Garden, 1740 W. Fayette Avenue, Springfield.

08:22If you crave a floral fix, Washington Park Botanical Garden is Springfield's 20-acre botanical

08:28paradise, and it punches way above its weight for plant lovers, wedding-goers, and relaxation

08:34seekers alike.

08:36Garden Standouts.

08:38The Rose Garden.

08:39The Rose Garden.

08:40The Rose Garden.

08:413,500-plus roses, including knockouts, heirloom varieties, and glorious Midwest bloomers, the

08:47biggest collection in central Illinois.

08:50The Conservatory.

08:51A 50-foot glass dome, undergoing a major renovation for 2025.

08:57Shelters 150-plus species from the jungles of Asia, tropics of Africa, and South America's

09:03rainforests.

09:05Think blooming birds of paradise, oranges, and orchids year-round.

09:11Themed gardens.

09:12Shade garden.

09:13Prairie plantings.

09:14Iris beds.

09:15Perennial borders.

09:16Betty Moodsmith rockery.

09:18Peonies.

09:18And Roman-inspired spaces for learning.

09:20Fun fact.

09:23The garden is built within one of Springfield's original parks, Est. 1901, surrounded by historic

09:30neighborhoods, making it a slice of living city heritage.

09:34Springfield Explorers.

09:37Number 3.

09:38Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.

09:41No visit to Springfield is complete without the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and

09:46Museum.

09:47This world-class facility is storytelling in overdrive, blending cutting-edge technology

09:53and compelling artifacts for an emotional, unforgettable Lincoln experience.

09:58Experience Highlights.

10:01Journey 1 and Amp.

10:032.

10:03Follow Lincoln from log cabin to White House to assassination, through immersive sets, original

10:09documents, and powerful multimedia shows.

10:13Treasures Gallery.

10:14Get face-to-face with Lincoln's handwritten letters, Mary's dresses, and rare Civil War

10:19relics.

10:21Rotating Exhibits.

10:23As of September 2025, Lincoln.

10:26A life and legacy that defined a nation, celebrates the museum's 20th anniversary with

10:31100 treasured artifacts.

10:34Number 2.

10:35Dana Thomas House State Historic Site.

10:37A Frank Lloyd Wright Masterpiece.

10:40Architectural Buffs and Dreamers.

10:42Rejoice.

10:43The Dana Thomas House is one of Frank Lloyd Wright's most breathtaking prairie-style homes,

10:49built in 1902-04 for the vibrant socialite Susan Lawrence Dana.

10:54What makes it iconic?

10:56A masterpiece with 35 rooms, 12,000 square feet, 16 split levels, and the largest collection

11:05of original Wright stained glass and custom furniture in any Wright home.

11:10Highlights.

11:11Barrel-vaulted dining room, gallery, 60-foot pergola hallway, a billiard room, in-home bowling

11:18lane, and art glass lamps full of the sumac motif.

11:21Story.

11:24Susan Lawrence Dana threw legendary parties here, combining gilded-age glamour with early

11:2920th-century innovation.

11:32No Wright House feels so theatrical and complete.

11:36Number 1.

11:37Old State Capitol State Historic Site.

11:401.

11:40Southwest Old State Capitol Plaza, Springfield.

11:44Counting down to number 1, we arrive at the soul of Springfield, Illinois' Old State

11:50Capitol, the Greek Revival masterpiece where Lincoln himself argued cases, crafted policies,

11:56and delivered his immortal, house-divided, speech.

12:00Must Seize.

12:01The Rotunda.

12:02Dramatic, self-supporting stone staircases and chambers where history was made.

12:08Senate and Amp.

12:10House Chambers.

12:11Step onto the original floors where Lincoln, Stephen Douglas, and countless others exchanged

12:16fiery debates on slavery, war, and justice.

12:21Tours.

12:22Offered free throughout the day, the guides are passionate storytellers who bring mid-19th-century

12:27intrigue to life.

12:30Bonus Number 1.

12:31Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100E Lake Shore Drive, Springfield.

12:36For a break from Lincoln and legacy, treat yourself to a day at the Henson Robinson Zoo, a charming

12:43family attraction set on the scenic shores of Lake Springfield since 1970.

12:49Why you'll love it.

12:5190-plus species from five continents, African penguins, painted dogs, lemurs, monkeys, cougars,

12:58black bears, and quirky, naked mole rats, petting zoo and zoo adventure, educational programs

13:05for kids.

13:08Themed events.

13:09Zoo Boo, for Halloween, zoo lights, for holidays, and summer enrichment camps.

13:15Wheelchair accessible, with shady paths, play areas, a small train, and picnic spaces.

13:22Fun Fact.

13:23The zoo participates in regional conservation efforts for endangered species and offers sensory

13:29friendly days for guests needing a quieter experience.

13:33A perfect pick if you have animal lovers or restless kids seeking fun between history stops.

13:40Bonus Number 2.

13:42Cozy Dog Drive-In, 2935 S6th Street, Springfield, on Route 66.

13:49It's true.

13:50Springfield is the home of the original corn dog.

13:54The Cozy Dog Drive-In is a pilgrimage for Route 66 travelers and foodies alike.

13:59A legendary stopping point since 1946.

14:04What's the story?

14:06Ed Waldmeier Jr. invented the Cozy Dog, a hot dog on a stick with a unique batter,

14:12deep-fried and pioneered for the hungry crowds at the Illinois State Fair.

14:15The drive-in's walls are a museum of Route 66 nostalgia, local art, and decades of family recipes.

14:25Must-try menu.

14:26The Cozy Dog, obviously, one is never enough.

14:31Classic crinkle fries, chili dogs, home-style burgers, shakes, and breakfast.

14:36Kid-pleasing and priced right for families on the go.

14:41So there you have it.

14:43Destination Deck is roundup of the top 10 things to do in Springfield, Illinois, with a side of two local legends for the road.

14:50From Lincoln's haunting history to dazzling gardens, wild water parks, architectural masterpieces, and the classic Americana of a corn dog on Route 66,

15:01Springfield delivers unforgettable stories for every traveler.

15:04Which site are you most excited to visit, or have you been to one that deserves a spot on our list?

15:12Drop your answers, stories, or local tips in the comments.

15:17Subscribe to Destination Decka for more hidden gems and deep-dive travel guides every week.

15:23Smash that like button if you learned something new, share this video with your adventure crew,

15:28and don't forget to tap the bell so you never miss a journey with me, Adam.

15:32Ready to make memories in Springfield, Illinois?

15:37Pack your bags, your adventure is waiting.