Springfield, Illinois, Travel Guide

August 23, 2026 Sightseers’ Delight
The Old State Capitol State Historic Site, in Springfield, Ill., as seen on Sept. 3, 2015. The building is the fifth capitol building built for the state of Illinois. (Photo by Todd DeFeo/The DeFeo Groupe)

Overview

Springfield, Illinois, is the state capital and one of the most important destinations in the country for exploring the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln. Located in central Illinois, the city serves as the seat of Sangamon County and has long been closely associated with the 16th president, who lived and worked there before leaving for Washington in 1861.

The community was originally known as Calhoun before being renamed Springfield in 1832, after nearby Spring Creek. Lincoln moved to Springfield in the 1830s and built his legal and political career there. He and a group of legislators known as the Long Nine played a major role in moving the Illinois state capital to Springfield, helping establish the city as the center of state government.

Today, Springfield combines government, history and transportation heritage. Visitors can explore numerous Lincoln-related sites, along with museums, historic neighborhoods and civic landmarks tied to Illinois history. The city is also a major stop along historic Route 66, located about 200 miles southwest of Chicago, adding another layer to its appeal for travelers interested in American history and roadside culture.

About Sightseers’ Delight 995 Articles
Sightseers’ Delight started publishing in June 2016. The site, published by The DeFeo Groupe, collects and curates content about places where historical events large and small happened. The site builds off the legacy of The Travel Trolley, which launched in June 2009. The site aimed to be a virtual version of the trolley tours offered in so many cities.
Website Twitter