- Plan Your Trip
Plan Your Trip
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Things to Do
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Events
Events
Find out what's on in Illinois and Chicago with your guide to events, festivals, markets, music, theater, sport and more.
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Trip Ideas
Trip Ideas
- Eco-Friendly Hotels and Green Getaways in Illinois
- College Football in Illinois
- Journey Along the Lincoln Highway
- Illinois Shopping
- Route 66
- IL ♥ LGBTQ
- Golf Illinois
- Chicago Neighborhoods
- Family Fun in Illinois
- Everybody Outside!
- Bike Illinois
- Outdoor Adventures in Illinois
- Chicago to Alton
- Chicago to Carbondale
- Illinois Scenic Byways
- Chicago to Quincy
- Fall Road Trips in Illinois
- Fall Colors on the Great River Road
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Places to Go
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Road Trip
Stories & Highlights
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Amazing is...
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Seasonal Adventures
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Places to Stay
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Maps & Visitor Guides
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Getting Here & Getting Around
Getting Here & Getting Around
Find out how to get to Illinois by plane, train, bus and driving. Getting around Chicago and Illinois is easy with our guide to ways to travel around the state.
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My Favorites
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Around Illinois by Amtrak
Around Illinois by Amtrak
Step back in time to the golden age of train travel and settle in for a peaceful ride to discover some of Illinois’ most charming towns and hidden treasures.
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- History
History
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Historic Sites
Historic Sites
Visit the many historic sites in Illinois, from the Land of Lincoln, to the site of an ancient Native American city at Cahokia Mounds.
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Presidential History
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History Museums
History Museums
Visit the History Museums of Illinois. From the vast collection of the Chicago History Museum to small town historical museums, you’ll discover the stories and heritage of our towns and our people.
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Historical Reenactments
Historical Reenactments
History comes alive at Illinois historical reenactments. Meet Abraham Lincoln in the flesh, experience colonial life, or take a canal boat ride with a period costumed storyteller.
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Frank Lloyd Wright Trail
Frank Lloyd Wright Trail
One of America’s greatest architects, Frank Lloyd Wright called Illinois home—and filled it with some of his best works.
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- Taste Illinois
Taste Illinois
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Places to Eat in Illinois
Places to Eat in Illinois
Taste your way through the state with our guide to the best and closest places to eat in Illinois. Experience everything from fine dining to shared plates and takeaway fare.
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Bars and Nightclubs in Illinois
Bars and Nightclubs in Illinois
Put your dancing shoes on or unwind at one of the many bars and night clubs in Illinois. Locate the best cocktails, the perfect beer, local DJs, international artists and more.
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Illinois Wineries & Vineyards
Illinois Wineries & Vineyards
Taste the regional characteristics in our locally produced wines. Browse our guide to the closest and best Illinois wineries and vineyards for your next celebration or trip.
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Illinois Breweries & Distilleries
Illinois Breweries & Distilleries
Fancy a pint? Hunt down major Illinois breweries and distilleries for the best beers, ciders and spirits in the state. Support local production and taste your way through Illinois.
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Food Tours in Illinois
Food Tours in Illinois
Taste your way through the best of the state with food tours in Illinois. Enjoy everything from fine dining and wineries, to craft beer and pizza tours.
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Things to Do
Events
Trip Ideas
Places to Go
Road Trip
Amazing is...
Seasonal Adventures
Places to Stay
Maps & Visitor Guides
Getting Here & Getting Around
My Favorites
Around Illinois by Amtrak
Historic Sites
Presidential History
History Museums
Historical Reenactments
Places to Eat in Illinois
Bars and Nightclubs in Illinois
Illinois Wineries & Vineyards
Illinois Breweries & Distilleries 
Food Tours in IllinoisInformation
History Comes Alive is an ongoing summer program that allows everyone to experience what life was like in the late 1800's. With hundreds of activities and family fun experiences, you're sure to have a great time in downtown Springfield, Illinois.
History Comes Alive Summer Season June 6 to August 15. Where can you go to see Abraham Lincoln deliver his famous “Farewell Address” and join him with his wife, Mary Todd Lincoln, at an ice cream social at a beautiful Italianate mansion? Or, imagine learning about amazing women scientists while you build your own telescope. What if your history lesson included a reenactment from World War II – from an actual veteran?
This summer Visit Springfield Illinois and take a road trip back in time as we present our 11th season of History Comes Alive. We’re proving history can entertain and educate children and adults of all ages. With Lincoln as our lead for the 1850s, we’ll also explore modern history as the Illinois State Military Museum and Springfield and Central Illinois African American Museum join a stellar cast from historic attractions across the city.
From costumed performers singing Lincoln favorites (and possibly serenading a special guest from the audience) to Mary Lincoln discussing fashion from the 19th Century at the new Illinois State Museum exhibit, it’s a trip back in time you won’t want to miss.
Event Details
Jun 06 to Aug 15
$0.00 to $15.00
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Price Information
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Address:
1 South Old State Capitol Plaza
Springfield IL 62701 - Phone: (217) 789-2360
- Website: Visit Website
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