History Comes Alive

Meet the Lincolns at historic sites throughout the city and learn about their lives in Springfield. From historic portrayals at locations such as the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, the Old State Capitol, and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, to a Flag Lowering Ceremony at the Lincoln Tomb with the 114th Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry Reactivated, visitors are invited to become a part of living history. Listen to Abraham deliver some of his most famous speeches, and enjoy live music and an ice cream social with the Abe & Mary at Edwards Place.

History Cooks is back! Calling all foodies! History Cooks is back! Enjoy a live cooking demonstration by local chefs as they share about some of the Springfield's most famous fooderies over the past 100+ years.

New in 2024:

Enjoy a Saturday morning hike at Adams Wildlife Sanctuary and let John James Audobon regale you with his in-depth observations of bird species you see along the trail.

Experience the rich history of our downtown sites and attractions with our free historic site trolley service! Our hop-on, hop-off air-conditioned trolley is the perfect way to explore most of our major attractions. Available from 10am-4pm Wednesday-Saturday, board the trolley from any of our designated stops, hop off at the attractions you want to visit, and simply hop back on when you want to continue.