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SPRINGFIELD: SANGAMON COUNTY
Springfield: World-Class Lincoln Sites, Other Attractions Await
pringfield, a vibrant and historic city, is Abraham Lincoln’s hometown, the capital of Illinois, as well as a stop along iconic Route 66. Filled with world-class sites and attractions, combined with a friendly small-town atmosphere, nowhere brings our beloved 16th president to life like Springfield. Visitors will want to experience visiting Lincoln’s Home National Historic Site, the only home Lincoln ever owned, the one of a kind Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum and his final resting place at Lincoln’s Tomb in Oak Ridge Cemetery.
The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.
Architectural enthusiasts can take in the breathtaking dome of the Illinois State Capitol and wander through the breathtaking Frank Lloyd Wright Dana-Thomas House. Route 66 runs through the heart of town and offers a plethora of photo ops and interactions. Visitors are welcome to take part in the “Living Legends” Experiential Passport adventure, meeting the actual legends at their businesses along the road. Visitors to Springfield
wake up on the bright side
®
• 40" HDTV • Free Wireless High-Speed Internet Access • Free Bright Side Breakfast® • Free Local Calls • Free Parking • Business Center • Indoor Swimming Pool • Fitness Center 1121 Lajune Dr. • Bright Side Market Springfield, Illinois
217-697-5686
www.LQ.com PAGE 64 | 2021 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois
may enjoy amazing cuisine, including the famous “horseshoe sandwich,” and relax at a local winery or brewery. A city motto is, “Springfield, We’re More Than One Day!” For more information about Springfield, visit www.visitspringfieldillinois.com, connect with us on Facebook and Instagram @visitspringfield or call 800-545-7300. 2021 Springfield Calendar of Events Dates are subject to change. Please call ahead for specific information and additional activities.
April TBA: Lincoln Presidential Half Marathon Old State Capitol, downtown Springfield. Run where Lincoln walked. The Midwest's premier half marathon takes participants past Springfield's major Lincoln sites, including his home and tomb. So much history to be found in 13.1 miles. For more information, visit www.lincolnhalf.com. May 7, 8: Fat Ass 5K & Street Party for Charity, downtown Springfield. Food, beer and entertainments along the race route, followed by a street party with BBQ & live music. All profits go to charity. For more information, visit www.fatass5k.com. May 15, 16: Old Capitol Art Fair, Old State Capitol Plaza, downtown Springfield. Set against the backdrop of the Old State Capitol building, art lovers find this to be the jewel of the Midwest. This tradition of fine art has brought artists and shoppers from across the country flocking for more than 50 years to this two-day outdoor art gallery. Free event. For more information, visit www.socaf.org. May 15: Springfield PrideFest, Capitol Avenue, downtown Springfield. Family friendly street festival celebrating the LGBT community and equality in our community. The event features a kids area, teen area, over 50 vendors, live music, food and drinks. Free event. For more information, visit www.springfieldpride.org/. June 3-6: International Carillon Festival, Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon. Concerts are held each evening except for Wednesday. Individuals and families are encouraged to bring a picnic dinner as well as lawn chairs and blankets. Fireworks on Friday. Free event. For more information, visit www.carillonrees.org/Events/Carillon-Festival. August TBA: Downhome Music Festival, 7th & Washington, downtown Springfield. The event will feature all local, original live bands (four stages with constant music), with gate proceeds directly benefiting the artists. There will be local food vendors, 100 different craft beers, as well as a kids area. For more information, visit www.downhomemusicfest.com. August 12-22: Illinois State Fair, Illinois State Fairgrounds. Enjoy 10 days of thrills and excitement at this family-friendly fair featuring world renowned concert artists, food, carnival rides, livestock shows, agricultural exhibits, contests, educational displays, free entertainment, harness racing, auto racing and much more. For more information, visit www.illinoisstatefair.info. September 24-26: 20th Annual International Route 66 Mother Road Festival, downtown Springfield. More than 1,000 cool cars and 80,000 spectators will roll in for a weekend of family fun in the sun and non-stop live music and entertainment. Celebrate the golden age of Route 66 — the cars, the music, the food, the friends — all brought together along Illinois’ Route 66. Free to spectate. For more information, visit www.route66fest.com.
