The Thrive Book is a community lifestyle publication representing what it's like to live, work, and play in Springfield and Sangamon County, Illinois. Assisting community members, businesses, and those exploring relocation is a priority for the Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance. This interactive flipbook is created with FlippingBook, a service for streaming PDFs online. No download, no waiting. Open and start reading right away!
Sangamon County, Illinois. The Place to Be. A Community Lifestyle Guide
Why are we so confident? Because thriving looks different on everyone. Whether you’re starting a career, investing in a startup, raising a family or moving back to your hometown, Springfield and its surrounding communities are the place to be. Find countless opportunities to thrive - however you define it. Springfield is often called a “big small town.” You probably know most of your neighbors, but you also have many big city amenities and an air of sophistication associated with a rich arts community and diverse cultural experiences. We’re best known for - and very proud of - our famous history as the hometown of Abraham Lincoln, our nation’s 16th president. You’ll find evidence of that across the region at our many exciting Lincoln historic sites. But that’s not all Springfield and Sangamon County have to offer! YOU’RE GOING TO THRIVE HERE.
WILLIAMSVILLE 18 Miles
SHERMAN 15 Miles
PLEASANT PLAINS 16 Miles
ILLIOPOLIS 24 Miles
RIVERTON 7 Miles
SPRINGFIELD
ROCHESTER 8 Miles
NEW BERLIN 19 Miles
CHATHAM 12 Miles
CHI
AUBURN 21 Miles
PAWNEE 18 Miles
SPI
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SANGAMON COUNTY, ILLINOIS • THE PLACE TO BE
THRIVE IN SPI • SPRINGFIELD SANGAMON GROWTH ALLIANCE
In Central Illinois, you experience the beauty of four distinct seasons. You can appreciate both the summer sunshine and winter snow in our natural woodlands, prairies, state parks and hiking trails. Want to explore more of the Midwest? Major cities like Chicago, St. Louis and Indianapolis are short drives or train rides away. With what is arguably the world’s richest farmland in Sangamon County, Illinois is the nation’s second leading exporter of corn, soybeans, feed grains and related products, so you’ll be surrounded by a booming agricultural industry. A s the seventh-largest in the state, our city is also the state capital and home to the Governor’s Mansion, General Assembly, Supreme Court, state offices and Sangamon County Seat. Our residents love the low cost of living, easy commutes, and a wealth of family- friendly activities found in our diverse communities around the area. We have a vibrant arts and entertainment scene, world-class medical facilities and a wide range of educational options.
Levitt AMP Music Series
The vitality of other local industries is also a huge draw to this region. We are home to global leaders in enterprises that include healthcare, manufacturing, professional business services, tech and more. Experts across the country are taking notice. In 2024, Site Selection Magazine ranked Illinois #2 in the U.S. for Corporate Expansions and Relocations. And Springfield ranked #4 on 2025-26 Best Affordable Places to Live in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report. From history and culture to education and business innovation, Springfield and Sangamon County truly are the place to be for a vibrant, incredible quality of life.
Illinois State Capitol
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SANGAMON COUNTY, ILLINOIS • THE PLACE TO BE
THRIVE IN SPI • SPRINGFIELD SANGAMON GROWTH ALLIANCE
WHAT’S INSIDE
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Area Attractions
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Shops Galore
Local Sips
Food & Cuisine
SCHEELS Sports Park Entertainment & Events
Arts & Culture Historic Sites
Monuments & Museums
Route 66
Sports & Recreation
Springfield Lucky Horseshoes
Education
Moving Pillsbury Forward Regional Medical Center
Families
New Generation RISE Springfield Getting Here Getting Settled
For More Information
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AREA ATTRACTIONS
THRIVE IN SPI • SPRINGFIELD SANGAMON GROWTH ALLIANCE
AREA ATTRACTIONS
Route 66 Motorheads Museum Designed with car and racing enthusiasts in mind, this Bar and Grill, Museum and Entertainment Complex offers great food, motorcycle rallies, car shows, and more. IL State Fairgrounds Route 66 Experience Located inside Gate 2 at The Illinois State Fairgrounds, this educational exhibit offers a self- guided tour that lets you explore the 92 Illinois communities along Route 66. Lake Springfield As the largest municipally owned lake in Illinois, it features eight public parks and several public boat docks and launches. Boat rentals offered at Lake Springfield Marina. Lake Springfield Clubs Head here each summer for chicken fries, live music, and fun on the water.
Springfield Park District The Springfield Park District celebrates a rich legacy of community, nature, and recreation - over 125 years of enriching lives through parks, people, and possibilities. From the serene landscapes of the Washington Park Botanical Garden and the Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon to the dynamic areas of the Nelson Center and the Henson Robinson Zoo, the Park District offers something for every age and interest. The district features 2,500 acres of parkland, 23 miles of bike trails, numerous athletics fields, and four golf courses. Other favorites include Erin’s Pavilion, the Nelson Center pools and ice rink, and summer and holiday camps. Accessibility features within the Park District: Southwind Park Offers accessibility for all, with fishing, sensory gardens, playgrounds and a splash pad. Southwind serves cognitive, emotional, physical and social needs without barriers. Tom Madonia Park Provides wheelchair-accessible picnic areas. East and West Forest Parks Provide accessible restrooms, parking and pathways, as well as an accessible footbridge where people using wheelchairs or scooters can fish.
Malibu Jack’s
Knights Action Park Multi-amusement venue with rides and attractions, water-park features and two drive-in movie screens. Route 66 Drive-In A family friendly drive-in movie venue off of Route 66 offering double features nightly during the warmer months. Henson Robinson Zoo Operated by the Springfield Park District on the eastern shore of Lake Springfield, over 96 species of native and exotic animals reside among naturalistic exhibits. Kidzeum of Science and Health The Kidzeum is committed to nurturing health and wellness, promoting science education and developing environmental and global awareness through innovative programs and exhibits. Malibu Jack’s From Go Karts to Bowling, Laser Tag to Miniature Golf, Motion Theater Rides to Arcade Games, find fun for people of all ages.
SkyZone This indoor trampoline and active entertainment park is a space to move, create and be yourself. Offering Ultimate Dodgeball, Skyhoops, Boulder Balls and more. Ergadoozy Creative Play Center An indoor creative play center features seven different play areas for a variety of physical and creative play. A local family-owned business. Funshop A Springfield Park District favorite, Funshop is a unique, play-based environment where parents and children can engage together in the wonderful world of learning. SCHEELS Sports Park at Legacy Pointe A state-of-the-art sports and event center featuring the nation’s largest air dome, multiple athletics fields and courts. Opens in 2026 at the crossroads of I-55 and I-72.
• Firefighters Lake Club • Lake Press Club • TRN Club • KC Lake Club • Anchor Boat Club • Prop Club • Springfield Motor Boat Club
• Springfield Ski & Boat Club • Aqua Sports Club • Elks Club
• Island Bay Yacht Club • Sangamo Surf Club
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SHOPS GALORE
THRIVE IN SPI • SPRINGFIELD SANGAMON GROWTH ALLIANCE
SHOPS GALORE
South Grand Pointe JCPenney, Sephora White Oaks Mall H&M, Victoria’s Secret, Aerie, American Eagle White Oaks Plaza Kohl’s, TJ Maxx, Home Goods, The Buckle
6 th Street, Downtown Springfield
Jax Yoga
Capital City Shopping Center Five Below, Dollar Tree, AMC Downtown Springfield Shopping District Boutiques, Willow & Birch, Gift Shops The Gables Shopping Center Talbot’s, J. Jill, Jos. A. Bank, Sam’s Club Legacy Pointe SCHEELS Northfield Shopping Area Walmart, Lowe’s, Menards Parkway Pointe Target, Walmart, Gypsy Soul, Hobby Lobby, Aldi
Studio on 6 th
F rom national chains to notable boutiques, the area is home to plenty of sources for gifts, goods, and glamorous fashions. Happy hunting!
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LOCAL SIPS
THRIVE IN SPI • SPRINGFIELD SANGAMON GROWTH ALLIANCE
7th Street Cidery • Springfield Anvil & Forge Brewing and Distilling Company • Springfield Bloom Wine Bar & Florals • Springfield Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant • Springfield Danenberger Family Vineyards • New Berlin Engrained Brewery and Restaurant • Springfield Finley’s Tap House • Springfield Obed & Isaac’s Microbrewery • Springfield Sangamo Brewing Company • Chatham LOCAL COFFEE CULTURE Seek out Springfield’s independent coffee and tea houses to find the perfect cup. And don’t forget the pastry. Arrowroot Coffee Co. Custom Cup Coffee Evergreen Café Golden Hour Bakery Grab-A-Java Hae’s Bakery & Coffee Shop Papo’s Cafe Schlee’s Gourmet Bakery and Bottle Shop Stella Coffee & Tea Whimsy Tea Company Wm. Van’s Cafe Yellow Bird Coffee House
LOCAL SIPS
Vondra Social House
Springfield Beer Company • Springfield Trish & Mary’s Public House • Springfield Vondra Social House • Springfield
Bloom Wine Bar
C raft beers. Crisp ciders. Whiskeys and wine. There’s something for everyone in our bustling bar scene.
Whimsy Tea Company
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FOOD & CUISINE
THRIVE IN SPI • SPRINGFIELD SANGAMON GROWTH ALLIANCE
FOOD & CUISINE
The Horseshoe You may have already heard of the horseshoe, so we’ll start there. After all, Springfield’s horseshoes were featured on HuffPost’s list of “50 Cities Known for a Specific Food.” Just one bite, and you’ll know why. It’s called a sandwich, but that’s a debatable term. This original Springfield dish is technically missing the other slice of bread to make it an official sandwich, but whatever you call it, the horseshoe is our area’s best known culinary creation. The horseshoe has been made famous on the international food scene thanks to coverage in food magazines, on popular food TV shows like Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” and Travel Channel’s “Man v. Food,” and other media — from The New York Times to NPR. The delicious delicacy was even described as “unbridled plebeian opulence” by the authors of “500 Things to Eat Before It’s Too Late.”
So, how is it made? Start with a piece of bread, typically a thick piece of Texas toast. Top that with the meat of your choice. Supposedly, the original horseshoe — created around 1928 by some accounts — used ham. Today you’ll find your pick of hamburger, chicken, pork tenderloin, sliced turkey, fried fish and more on the menus around Central Illinois. Next add a large pile of fries on the meat, and then comes the linchpin of the entire recipe: the cheese sauce, generously drizzled on top of the entire dish. Do we have your attention? Search “Springfield Horseshoe Trail” to download a mobile passport with your guide to over 30 restaurants in the area with Horseshoes on the menu. Then check-in via GPS every time you try one and earn points and prizes. Which will be your favorite?
Aztca
B on appétit. When it’s time to eat, the Springfield and Sangamon County region does not disappoint! The Springfield area offers iconic restaurants and retailers alongside new up-and-coming local eateries, wineries and breweries. From farm-fresh local foods to the tastes of authentic Mexican, Asian, Indian and more, Central Illinois covers all of your cravings - and maybe some you didn’t even realize you had.
The horseshoe has been made famous on the international food scene thanks to coverage in food magazines, on popular food TV shows like Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” and Travel Channel’s “Man v. Food,” and other media — from The New York Times to NPR.
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FOOD & CUISINE
THRIVE IN SPI • SPRINGFIELD SANGAMON GROWTH ALLIANCE
PRESERVING HISTORY THROUGH HOSPITALITY Many restaurateurs enter the business to preserve family recipes and share them with the world. Conn’s Hospitality Group takes that a step further by operating restaurants in a historic home or building that has been lovingly and carefully restored. It started with Roy Conn’s first Springfield restaurant in 1948. More than seven decades and many successful ventures later, Roy’s son, Court and his wife, Karen, and Court’s sons, Casey and Adam, now run multiple restaurants in Springfield including Inn at 835, Conn’s Catering, Obed & Isaac’s Microbrewery & Eatery in addition to other establishments in Peoria and Elkhart, Illinois.
Business Spotlight: Long Nine Junction Mom + Pop driven kitchen featuring house roasted meats, fresh baked breads, and from scratch baked goods.
Illinois State Fair
FAIR FARE Springfield plays host to the Illinois State Fair each August, and one of the best things about attending the fair is sampling the mouth-watering fair food. An Illinois State Fair staple, the Village of Culture (located near the main gate) hosts stands with Greek, Jamaican, Cuban, Filipino and other tasty cuisines. Sample the salt water taffy and don’t forget to pop in to the popular Dairy Building for some ice cream dessert. Traditional fair food is always popular - corn dog or funnel cake, anyone? (It’s worth noting that the corn dog is credited with being invented in Springfield, originally launched as “cozy dogs” in 1946. Springfield’s popular Cozy Dog Drive In still offers the original recipe.) Each year at the fair, the culinary creativity rises to a new level. (What will be fried next!?) In fact, discovering the “next wild concoction” is the main goal of the Golden Abe’s Fantastic Fair Food Competition, which allows vendors to showcase their talents and imagination while competing with each other. Recent winners include unique creations like the Ice Cream Horseshoe, the Pierogi Burger, and Dubai Chocolate funnel cake.
FOR MORE UPSCALE CUISINE
Arlington’s • Southern Coastal Comfort Foods Curate • Small Plates & Wood-fired Flatbreads Indigo • Contemporary Global Joseph’s Fine Cuisine • Gourmet Burgers, Steak & Seafood Legacy Pointe Eatery • Scratch-made Comfort Food Luminary Kitchen & Provisions • Cozy Seasonal Maldaner’s • Wood-swathed, American Eatery Pao Bistro • Pacific Coast Fusion Saputo’s • Old-school Southern Italian VELE • Modern Coastal Italian Vine & Rind • Handcrafted Shareables, Desserts & Curated Wines
Obed & Isaac’s
Open Air Food Court The Railyard on Route 66 is Springfield’s first and only outdoor food court. Here, multiple micro restaurants are housed in shipping containers and are accompanied by mini bakery, a bar and stage for live music.
VELE
The Railyard
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SCHEELS SPORTS PARK
THRIVE IN SPI • SPRINGFIELD SANGAMON GROWTH ALLIANCE
“ This project will change how people see Springfield. It’s a sign we can achieve big things in our community when we work together. Ryan McCrady, SSGA The catalyst bringing it all together, per Legacy Pointe developer Dirk McCormick, is the Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance. “This couldn’t have happened without the help of Ryan and the SSGA.” Featuring all-new restaurants, hotels, shopping, and the multi-use sports park, Legacy Pointe will be a destination for locals and travelers alike, drawing 250,000 new visitors to the area and increasing tourism by 10–15% annually. “What this development really did is bring people together in our community who formally had not been working together,” commented Legacy Pointe developer Steve Luker. “This project will change how people see Springfield,” added McCrady. “It’s a sign we can achieve big things in our community when we work together.”
SCHEELS SPORTS PARK
Creating a new legacy for Springfield In the fertile fields outside Springfield, corn and soybeans usually flourish. But since 2023, a new field of dreams has begun cropping up: a 95-acre sports complex with the largest indoor sports dome in the United States. Featuring eight outdoor, lighted, multi-use turf fields, the state-of-the-art complex will host a variety of popular sports, from soccer, football, rugby, and lacrosse to basketball, volleyball, pickleball, wrestling, gymnastics, cheer and dance. With its 196,000 square-foot indoor Springfield Clinic Dome, the complex will draw athletes from throughout the Midwest year-round, bringing $25 million in new annual revenue to the Springfield area. “Softball season. Soccer season. Volleyball, basketball. The way they designed the complex will keep it chugging 12 months of the year,” said Ryan McCrady, CEO of the Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance (SSGA), a public-private partnership promoting economic growth in the region.
SCHEELS Sports Park will provide venues for both competitive and cultural events, hosting traditional league play and tournaments as well as community fairs, concerts, and corporate and private rentals. Expected to draw regional and national tournaments every week, McCrady says the Park is poised to become Illinois’ premier sports destination. A story of innovation in design and execution The Legacy Pointe Development took root in 2006 when the developers purchased 300 acres of open land on Springfield’s southside. Starting in 2018, SCHEELS Sports Park‘s journey has been as unique as the vision behind it. “This whole development was done in a way that’s never been done anywhere else in the country,” said McCrady. “With SCHEELS purchasing the naming rights, Legacy Pointe providing the vision, local government offering incentives, and local banks providing the financing, this has been a true public- private partnership.”
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ENTERTAINMENT & EVENTS
THRIVE IN SPI • SPRINGFIELD SANGAMON GROWTH ALLIANCE
ENTERTAINMENT & EVENTS
Levitt AMP Music Series This free Thursday night concert series runs throughout the summer in Downtown Springfield. Featuring high-caliber talent and a broad array of music genres and cultural programming, Levitt concerts are welcoming and inclusive destinations where people of all ages and backgrounds come together to enjoy a show. Edwards Place Fine Art Fair Widely considered to be the best art show in the area, the Edwards Place Fine Art Fair showcases artwork from artists across the country. Support local and visiting artists and the Springfield Art Association by coming out to shop and celebrate creativity in the heart of the city. Enjoy live music, food trucks, kids activities, and more. Sangamon County Fair An annual event hosted by Sangamon County each June for families and friends to enjoy concerts, rides, animals, games and more.
Farmers Market
Juneteenth A multi-day event held every third Saturday and Sunday of June. Activities include the annual kick-off parade down M.L. King Drive, the Marla Jean Hunter Memorial Basketball tournament, double dutch contest and tennis clinic. Springfield Pridefest Family-friendly street festival celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community and equality. Route 66 Fest Get your kicks on Route 66! The International Route 66 Mother Road Festival takes over the streets of downtown Springfield each September. Join in for a weekend of Hot Rods, featuring a night car cruise, vendors, live music and pro-judged car shows.
Levitt AMP Music Series
J oin in one of our nearly 400 events held each year in the Springfield area! Springfield and surrounding communities play host to the Illinois State Fair, outdoor plays, BBQ events and art fairs. For family-friendly fun, Knight’s Action Park and Caribbean Adventure is the area’s largest water park and Henson Robinson Zoo is home to over 96 species of native and exotic animals. So, whether you’re into food, history, the arts, sports or culture and community, there is no shortage of things to do here.
Springfield Pridefest
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ENTERTAINMENT & EVENTS
THRIVE IN SPI • SPRINGFIELD SANGAMON GROWTH ALLIANCE
First Night Springfield Since 1987, thousands gather for unforgettable New Year’s Eve as First Night Springfield lights up downtown with dazzling fireworks, captivating performances, and nonstop family-friendly entertainment. Old Capitol Holiday Walks Spending time in the downtown district allows you to create holiday magic with your family from late November until Christmas. Experience the annual holiday parade, shopping and other fun activities each year. Holiday Ice Rink at Union Square Park Lace up your skates and enjoy views of historic downtown while twirling around the ice with friends and family this holiday season. Light Up the Park: Chatham Community Park A large-scale, hand-built display fills the park with over 100,000 lights that set the park aglow. HOLIDAY SEASON
The Nutcracker Two Springfield ballet companies bring
Tchaikovsky’s classic to life. See the Copper Coin Ballet Company at The Legacy Theatre. Or catch the Springfield Youth Performance Group at Sacred Heart-Griffin Auditorium. Illinois State Military Museum: Christmas at the Front Living historians share how soldiers celebrated Christmas during four conflicts: Revolutionary War, Civil War, World War I and World War II. Holiday carols are sung by local school choirs, and cookies and hot beverages are served. Clayville Candlelight Christmas Step back to the 1820s with tours of the decorated Broadwell Inn, Batterton Cabin, White Cabin, Schoolhouse, and Ag Museum.
Paint the Street
Farmers Markets Produced by Downtown Springfield Inc. (DSI) since 1999, the Old Capitol Farmers Market strives to support small farms and local growers by providing a venue to directly market their goods. It’s been recognized as the most popular market in Central Illinois and is the largest producer-only market Downstate. Illinois Products Farmers Market is held at The Shed across from the Lincoln stage at the Illinois State Fairgrounds. This market is produced by the Illinois Department of Agriculture to feature local growers and area wineries and often has live music. Paint the Street This community block party is a fundraiser for the Springfield Art Association and gives groups and individuals the chance to literally paint the streets of downtown Springfield. There are also food stands and great music, and visitors can enjoy the unique outdoor gallery. Illinois State Fair The Illinois State Fair is a major annual festival that centers on the theme of agriculture and has been held in Springfield each August since 1853. Experience exciting rides, animal shows, racing, food vendors and concert performances from leading artists. Old Capitol Art Fair Against the backdrop of the Illinois Old State Capitol, artists and shoppers from across the country flock to downtown Springfield for a two-day outdoor art gallery.
Lincoln Presidential Half Marathon Run where Lincoln walked! The Midwest’s premier half marathon takes participants past Springfield’s major Lincoln sites, including his home and tomb. Sherman Village Park The AMP amphitheater hosts events throughout the year including local, regional and national acts. An “instrumental-themed” splashpad is right next door. The park also features nature spaces, a gazebo, a lighted 1-mile walking trail, a playground, and a number of shelters & picnic areas. Fat Ass 5K & Street Party for Charity Since 2008, this race in downtown Springfield has raised over $2.2 million for local charities. Runners enjoy cold beer, corn dogs, donuts, and bacon stops plus live music and entertainment along the route. A street party with more live music follows. Springfield Mile This race is widely regarded as the world’s fastest flat track motorcycle race. First run in 1937, the Springfield Mile quickly became an iconic championship decider. Today, it stands as a centerpiece of the 16-round American Flat Track (AFT) Championship season. Held Labor Day Weekend at the historic Illinois State Fairgrounds, located on iconic Route 66.
The Nutcracker by Springfield Youth Performance Group
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ARTS & CULTURE
THRIVE IN SPI • SPRINGFIELD SANGAMON GROWTH ALLIANCE
ARTS & CULTURE
PERFORMING ARTS Copper Coin Ballet Company
Rooted in history, the Copper Coin Ballet Company moves artists and audiences through dance. Most performances are held at The Legacy Theatre.
Hoogland Center for the Arts The Hoogland Center for the Arts is an
80,000-square-foot facility housing three major performance spaces for plays, musicals, dance recitals, concerts and events. Several arts organizations are based here, and the Springfield Art Association’s H.D. Smith Gallery hosts ever- changing exhibitions. Hoogland Education offers students a year-long program or quarterly classes in the performing arts.
The Narrator in The Nutcracker, SYPG
Rock The Conservatory, Springfield Youth Performance Group (SYPG)
The Legacy Theatre The Legacy Theatre likes to say that it’s both the oldest theatre in Springfield and also the newest. Built in 1951 as the home of the Springfield Theatre Guild, the building was vacated in 2004. Rescued and renovated by a grass-roots group in 2011 and renamed the Legacy Theatre, the building is once again filled with applause. The Legacy has emerged as an eclectic new voice in the Central Illinois arts landscape, known for its lavish productions of Broadway musicals as well as concerts, films and events for families. Kids in grades 6-9 – check out StageRats, its theatrical arts summer camp. The Muni As the sun sets the curtain rises on warm summer nights at The Muni. In 1950, the Springfield Municipal Opera Association transformed a 55-acre wheat field near the shores of Lake Springfield into an outdoor amphitheater. Seventy-five years and more than one million visitors later, the organization has become one of the largest community theatre organizations in the country, producing four musicals each summer.
T hink you have to go to a large coastal city to find amazing arts and culture? Think again. Springfield has an incredibly rich arts and culture scene, complete with art galleries and collectives, theater, comedy and music. You can also catch Broadway shows, top-notch ballet performances and symphony orchestra concerts. In fact, Springfield was named to the #27 spot in an ApartmentGuide’s 2019 article compiling the top 50 cities for arts lovers. As the article asks, “Any list can put NYC at the top, but what are the best cities for art lovers per capita?” The author explored oft-underrated and underappreciated art cities in America based on the ratio of art galleries and dealers, art museums, art supply stores, cultural art organizations and more, in relation to population. Springfield shows one art business per 4,102 residents. So, where can you find the arts in Sangamon County?
Springfield Youth Performance Group
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ARTS & CULTURE
THRIVE IN SPI • SPRINGFIELD SANGAMON GROWTH ALLIANCE
VISUAL ARTS Springfield Art Association The Springfield Art Association hosts two art galleries, an art school, a Lincoln-era history house museum (the Edwards Place), and a calendar of events for both individuals and families. Its galleries are open to the public free of charge. The M.G. Nelson Family Gallery hosts monthly exhibits featuring local, regional and international artists. For top art talent in Central Illinois, head to the SAA Collective located at the Hoogland Center for the Arts. It showcases the work of more than 80 member artists in all media, from painting to photography to jewelry. The Pharmacy The Pharmacy Gallery & Art Space cultivates and celebrates expressions of multidimensional artists. Located on Adams St. in Springfield, the organization strives to be a catalyst and forum for advancing, discovering and connecting through contemporary art and innovative cultural events. Old Capitol Art Fair Looking for a unique outdoor art gallery? Head to the Old Capitol Art Fair. Held for two days each summer in downtown Springfield, artists and shoppers from across the country convene here. Find opportunities to purchase original art in a wide variety of mediums and invest in next-generation artists through local art contests and scholarship awards.
Springfield Dance Theatre Springfield Dance Theatre offers youth in the Springfield area the opportunity to
Springfield Youth Performance Group The Springfield Youth Performance Group (SYPG) spotlights young talent from the Springfield area when bringing beloved children’s literature to life. UIS Performing Arts Center University of Illinois Springfield’s Performing Arts Center serves as the performance home for the Illinois Symphony Orchestra, the Springfield Ballet Company, and the UIS Theatre and Music programs. Seating over 2,000, the UIS PAC is the only venue of this kind and size in Sangamon County, drawing audiences from a 14-county region. The auditorium hosts nearly 75,000 attendees at more than 150 events annually. Springfield Municipal Band The Springfield Municipal Band has been providing free music in the parks for residents and visitors since 1936. The free outdoor concerts are held in rotation at Douglas Park, Southwind Park, in addition to performances at various events and festivals across the community.
cultivate their unique talents in a fun, creative, artistic environment, and then perform in full scale stage productions. Springfield Theatre Center Housed in the Center for the Arts, the Springfield Theatre Center offers a series of plays and musicals, as well as educational opportunities for young people. Their White Rabbit Family Series, PAVE arts summer camp and its affiliation with the Active & Creative Teen Theatre offer local youth an opportunity to learn the skills necessary to build confidence in all aspects of performance and theatre. Illinois Symphony Orchestra The Illinois Symphony Orchestra was formed in 1993 and its commitment to the community is highlighted through its engaging Concerts for Kids, free Around the Town Chamber Music Series and the award- winning Music Matters! in-school program for students in Kindergarten – 6th grade.
Illinois Symphony Orchestra
Illinois Symphony Youth Orchestras Sangamon Valley Youth Symphony merged with the Illinois Symphony Orchestra (ISO) to become the Illinois Symphony Youth Orchestras (ISYO), offering tiered programs like Starter Strings, Junior Strings, Preparatory, Concert, and Symphony Orchestras for students of all levels, focusing on enriching the community through orchestral experiences. Springfield Area Arts Council The Springfield Area Arts Council is a nonprofit organization established in 1976 with the mission to enrich the community by providing creative opportunities to participate in and enjoy the arts. Housed on the lower level of the Hoogland Center for the Arts, the organization supports art and cultural initiatives in Springfield and surrounding communities – from the Artist in the Park musical performances to the weekly jazz and blues performance series called Uptown Friday Night. The longest-running celebration of the arts in the country, First Night Springfield has rung in the new year since 1987. Springfield Ballet Springfield Ballet is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing the art of ballet through premier education, performance, outreach and collaboration. The organization offers classes for dance students of all ages at The Creamery Arts Center. Performances take place at the historic Landers Theatre.
Old Capitol Art Fair
Springfield Youth Performance Group
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ARTS & CULTURE
THRIVE IN SPI • SPRINGFIELD SANGAMON GROWTH ALLIANCE
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
Dana-Thomas House
ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN
Dana-Thomas House The Dana-Thomas House is a 12,000-square-foot building with 35 rooms, including a two-story living room. Designed by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright in 1902, the home has 450 art glass windows, barrel-vaulted ceilings in the gallery and dining room, exquisite mural, and an indoor terracotta fountain near the entrance. There are also more than 100 pieces of furniture designed by Wright in the home. The Dana-Thomas house is the best preserved and most complete of Wright’s “prairie-style” homes. Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception Upon entering the doors of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, you’ll find a Roman Catholic Church with classic Italian architecture. The interior is said to be modeled after Pope Francis’ favorite church in Rome: the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. The Cathedral features enormous coffered ceilings and ionic columns, a marble altar, 16 stained glass windows with illustrations and a tabernacle made of rare pink and black marble that sits on the high altar of the church’s back wall.
Christ Episcopal Church Built in 1888, the Christ Episcopal Church was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980 because of its rare Richardson Romanesque architectural style. The Church is now known locally for its unique rough mason block exterior, arched entryway and bell tower, a feature typical of Early English Gothic architecture. Old State Capitol In the 1960s, a restoration of the Old State Capitol here in Springfield aimed to restore the building to its 1858 condition – the time when Abraham Lincoln delivered his “House Divided” speech. The project involved meticulously dismantling the structure, using a coding system to track thousands of stones, and reconstructing it with the goal of accurately recreating its original state. The restoration is the subject of an Emmy- nominated documentary titled, “History Reborn.” Produced by The Storyteller Studios, the film features interviews with two of the architects involved in the project.
There is a growing focus on the celebration of and preservation of historic buildings in Springfield and Sangamon Counties. Hundreds of buildings in Central Illinois have special significance, and many are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In Springfield especially, you can find rich architectural beauty that will leave you in awe. Illinois State Capitol With a 405-foot dome, the Illinois State Capitol is taller than the United States Capitol. The Italian Renaissance Revival/Second Empire style building features an inner dome with stained glass and plaster friezes depicting significant historical events in the U.S. and Illinois. Edwards Place Edwards Place offers visitors a glimpse into the lifestyle of Springfield’s wealthy during the Victorian Era as they tour the Italianate mansion famous for hosting the courting couple Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd.
Watch the “History Reborn” documentary
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HISTORIC SITES
THRIVE IN SPI • SPRINGFIELD SANGAMON GROWTH ALLIANCE
“ To this place, and the kindness of these people, I owe everything.
HISTORIC SITES
Abraham Lincoln Farewell Address February 11, 1861
Lincoln’s Tomb
LINCOLN In Sangamon County, you can celebrate Lincoln’s life and legacy by experiencing the city where he lived, where he raised his children, and where he was laid to rest. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum brings to life Abraham Lincoln’s story through immersive exhibits and displays of original artifacts. Across the street, the presidential library hosts an extensive collection of materials relating to Abraham Lincoln and his era. Lincoln Home National Historic Site The site preserves the home and neighborhood where Abraham and Mary Lincoln lived from 1844 to 1861, before Mr. Lincoln was elected the 16th President of the United States. Constructed in 1839 and beautifully restored to its 1860 appearance, the 12-room, Greek Revival house in downtown Springfield is the only home the Lincoln’s ever owned. Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices State Historic Site The Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices are within the only remaining building in which Abraham Lincoln maintained a law office. The site consists of the surviving portion of a three-story brick commercial block constructed in 1840-41. The Springfield Visitors Center now occupies the first floor. Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site The Lincoln Tomb is the final resting place of Abraham Lincoln, his wife Mary, and three of their four sons: Edward, William and Thomas.
Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site Lincoln’s New Salem, about 2 miles south of Petersburg and about 20 miles northwest of Springfield, is a reconstruction of the village where Abraham Lincoln spent his early adulthood. Lincoln Depot The Great Western Depot station at 10th and Monroe streets is where Abraham Lincoln left Springfield in February 1861 to assume the presidency. The first floor is open today for self-guided tours. Lincoln’s Ghost Walk This 90-minute, five-block walking tour uses the Lincoln sites as the backdrop for strange and bizarre stories surrounding Lincoln’s life and death. History Comes Alive Summer Experience Experience the thrill of Lincoln’s iconic speeches with ten reenactments held throughout the summer at the very locations he originally delivered them.
Lincoln’s Home
H istory comes alive in Springfield, where you can walk in the footsteps of the nation’s 16th president, Abraham Lincoln. Sangamon County was settled in 1821, and with Lincoln’s support, Springfield became the capital of Illinois in 1837. By the time Lincoln left to take the office of president in 1861, the population had risen to nearly 10,000. Today, you can explore the pieces of Lincoln’s past, as well as many other parts of Central Illinois history, through fascinating museums, historic sites and state government buildings.
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HISTORIC SITES
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Governor’s Mansion
Illinois State Capitol
Dana-Thomas House
OTHER HISTORIC SITES
Edwards Place Historic Home Begun in 1833 in the Greek Revival style, Edwards Place is now one of the oldest houses in Springfield. Additions in 1836 and 1843, and a major rebuild/ expansion in 1857, created the Italianate house
Elijah Iles House The Elijah Iles House was built in 1837 and has survived nearly intact for 182 years, making it the oldest such structure in Springfield. Iles, who moved to Springfield in 1821, was one of the city’s earliest settlers. Clayville Historic Site Constructed by the Broadwell family as a stagecoach stop between Springfield and Beardstown in 1824, the Inn is the oldest brick building in Sangamon County. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Inn is surrounded by numerous other historic buildings from Central Illinois that were moved to Clayville in the 1960s to recreate an early frontier pioneer village.
Illinois State Capitol Complex Located across the street from the Illinois State Capitol, this visitors center offers convenient, free parking and information on the various buildings that make up the Capitol Complex—the State Capitol, Archives, Library, Museum and state office buildings. The Old State Capitol Plaza The Old State Capitol is a reconstruction of Illinois’ fifth statehouse, the first to be located in Springfield. The building served as the seat of state government and a center of Illinois political life from 1839 to 1876.
Illinois Governor’s Mansion Built in 1855, the Illinois Governor’s Mansion is one of the oldest and most historic governor’s mansions in the United States. The Mansion serves as the official residence of the Governor of Illinois, a symbol of leadership in state government and a world-class house museum. Frank Lloyd Wright’s Dana-Thomas House The Dana-Thomas House was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1902 for Susan Lawrence Dana, a forward-thinking socialite living in Springfield. The home, the 72nd building designed by Wright, contains the largest collection of site-specific, original Wright art glass and furniture.
preserved today. Union Station
Whether it’s for an event or a market, this historic train station is a great place to begin a visit to Springfield. Union Square Park is an attraction in itself, with its beautiful flower gardens, benches and Lincoln statues. Vachel Lindsay Home State Historic Site The Lindsay family home has been restored to depict life in 1917 in honor of author, poet and “prairie troubadour” Vachel Lindsay, who was born and died in the home.
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MONUMENTS & MUSEUMS
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MONUMENTS & MUSEUMS
Springfield Race Riot Federal Monument and Markers A self-guided walking tour tells the story of the events that would become known as the Springfield Race Riot of 1908 with commemorative markers placed along the path of destruction in downtown Springfield. The tour is highlighted by a mural located at 400 N. 9th St. that tells the story of the riots and the establishment of the NAACP. Route History Museum The Route History Museum is the only brick and mortar museum in the United States that highlights the significance of the Black experience along Historic Route 66. The museum fully integrates history and technology through exhibits, storytelling, and a virtual reality experience.
Route History Museum
SPRINGFIELD AREA MUSEUMS Ace Sign Company Museum Air Combat Museum Daughters of the Union Veterans of the Civil War Museum Illinois Fire Museum Illinois State Military Museum Illinois State Museum The Pearson Museum of Medical History Route 66 Motor Museum Springfield and Central Illinois African American History Museum
“ The way to right wrongs is to shine the light of truth
Springfield Race Riot Mural
P residential. Historical. Cultural. The Springfield and Sangamon County region has a wealth of monuments and museums to explore.
on them. Ida B. Wells
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ROUTE 66
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ROUTE 66
Illinois State Fairgrounds Route 66 Experience
This self-guided educational exhibit is open 365 days a year inside Gate 2 on the corner of Route 66 & Sangamon Avenue. It highlights businesses in 92 communities along Route 66 in Illinois beginning in Chicago and ending at the Chain of Rocks Bridge in Madison, Illinois. Vintage billboards, a drive-in movie theatre, Legends Neon Sign Park and tribute to muffler men along Illinois Route 66 make up a large part of the Experience. Route 66 Mural & Wayside Exhibit Trails A series of iconic murals tell the tales of Illinois’ Mother Road, one colorful wall at a time. In addition to the murals, there are twelve Wayside Exhibits to explore. These waysides give the traveler a closer look at the history of these significant locations.
Carpenter Park Original Route 66 Pavement Nestled beside the scenic Sangamon River, this quarter-mile stretch of road has remained untouched for nearly 90 years. Visitors can leisurely stroll down this historic pathway, enjoying wayside signage that offers fascinating insights into the past while soaking in the breathtaking scenery and rich history of the area.
Illinois State Fairgrounds Route 66 Experience
K nown as the “Main Street of America” and desperados and dreamers since 1926. Originating in Chicago, the highway extends through Springfield on its way across the United States toward its ending point in Santa Monica, California. Here are three great ways to explore and learn. “The Mother Road,” driving Route 66 has been the experience of a lifetime for travelers, adventurers,
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SPORTS & RECREATION
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SPORTS & RECREATION
Lincoln Memorial Garden & Nature Center The Lincoln Memorial Garden is a 100-acre woodland and prairie garden created as a living memorial to Abraham Lincoln. There are more than five miles of trails and a nature center, as well as a gift shop. Sangchris Lake State Park Constructed in 1964, this 3,000 acre park is the perfect place for fishing, boating, camping, hunting and family gatherings. Lake Springfield Enjoy a day out on the water at Lake Springfield. Spend time at the boathouses, or with rentals for boats and other water sports at the marina and lake clubs.
Jim Edgar Wildlife Reserve This wildlife reserve park is a perfect outdoor getaway with more than 24 miles of mountain bike trails, hiking trails, equestrian trails and camping opportunities. Springfield Lucky Horseshoes Baseball The Springfield Lucky Horseshoes compete in the Prospect League, a collegiate summer baseball league comprising teams of college players from North America and beyond. Games are played at Robin Roberts Stadium.
Bunn Park Golf Course
B e as active as you want in Sangamon County. Whether you’re ready to run a marathon or you want to enjoy a leisurely afternoon of fishing, this is the place. Springfield and surrounding communities offer everything you need for both indoor and outdoor sports and activities.
Lake Springfield
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SPORTS & RECREATION
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Junior Blues Hockey
Lincoln Memorial Garden & Nature Center
Pickleball
Sports and Fitness • Leagues for football, softball, volleyball, baseball, hockey, bowling • Swim teams • Gymnastics clubs Outdoor Activities • Parks and playgrounds • Bike trails • Disc Golf • Competitive races • Dog Parks
Springfield Junior Blues Hockey (NAHL) The Springfield Junior Blues are a junior ice hockey team who play in the North American Hockey League’s Midwest Division. You can watch them play at Springfield’s Nelson Center. Spartan Sports Park The large Chatham-based sports complex hosts top-notch turf fields and well-groomed sand volleyball courts. Pickleball Springfield offers pickleball players numerous outlets. The Springfield Pickleball Club champions maintenance and improvement of public courts at local parks. And the Premium Pickleball Center offers lessons and leagues on 10 indoor and five outdoor courts.
Adams Wildlife Sanctuary An urban nature center where members of Springfield Audubon Society serve as volunteer stewards, maintaining trails, restoring habitat and offering numerous programs and events throughout the year. I-55 Stables & Arena Complex in Divernon with 100 stalls, a spacious pasture, heated indoor arena, outdoor recreational event arena, and RV hookups, it is the region’s premier equine boarding and event facility. SCHEELS Sports Park at Legacy Pointe Springfield’s largest sports destination. With eight fields, a 196,625-square-foot indoor sports dome, turf, sport courts, and more, this sports mega-plex offers something for everyone.
Local Golf Courses • Bergen Golf Course • Brookhills Golf Club • Bunn Park Golf Course • Lincoln Greens Golf Course
• Long Bridge Golf Course • Pasfield Golf Course • Piper Glen Golf Club • The Rail Golf Course • The Oaks Golf Club
• Dance studios • Karate/martial arts studios • Ax throwing centers • Shooting ranges
Country Clubs Panther Creek, Illini Country Club and Island Bay Yacht Club have many activities for members, from golf to swimming and sailing.
• Swimming (public & private pools)
• Hunting • Fishing • Kayaking and Canoeing • Pickleball
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LUCKY HORSESHOES
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LUCKY HORSESHOES How a Revitalized Ballpark and a Bold Vision are Boosting Springfield’s Momentum
While the WPBL brings national attention, the Shoes continue to provide a homegrown, hands-on baseball experience that keeps the community engaged year after year. Summer, wood-bat college baseball offers an opportunity for college athletes to experience more playing time, a professional atmosphere, and development opportunities, while also providing Springfield with a local baseball team to rally around. With a new manager and renewed competitiveness, the 2026 season brings even more promise.
The story of the Springfield Lucky Horseshoes isn’t just about baseball. It’s about placemaking. Tourism. Talent retention. Neighborhood revitalization. And as the city prepares to welcome the WPBL, expand events, and showcase the stadium to the region and the country, the message is clear: The community is on the rise. The momentum is real. People are realizing Springfield is the place to be.
A big part of a city’s economic development is its energy, whether a city feels alive, optimistic, and full of possibilities. Increasingly, employers and developers are looking for places where people want to live, raise families, and feel connected. And in Springfield, one unexpected force is helping fuel that momentum: baseball. But for the Springfield Lucky Horseshoes, a collegiate summer baseball team based in Springfield, baseball is only the beginning. Founded during the pandemic, Golden Rule Entertainment purchased the Springfield Sliders in 2021, relocated to Springfield from West Palm Beach, and reintroduced the team with a new identity: the Lucky Horseshoes, also affectionately known by fans as “The Shoes.” Within 42 days of the rebrand, merchandise was ordered from and shipped to all 50 states, revealing the widespread enthusiasm for the new team. Since then, the organization has grown into one of Springfield’s most compelling examples of entrepreneurship and community-building. They launched the annual Summer Ball Summit, now entering its fourth year. They purchased a franchise team from Quincy, IL, announced a third team to be based in Decatur, IL, and worked in partnership with the Friends of Robin Roberts Foundation to transition the historic stadium into local ownership, opening the door to new opportunities. For Jamie Toole, Chief Storyteller at the Springfield Lucky Horseshoes, that last milestone represents far more than a business transaction.
“With the stadium owned by Springfield natives who are committed to honoring its history while shaping its future, we can make the most of this place, bringing people here and creating a true community asset again,” said Toole. “Amenities matter, experiences matter, and the feeling of belonging matters. Baseball is our platform, not our purpose. Communities thrive when there are things to do — sports, music, art, shared experiences—and that’s how you attract and keep people in the community.” The vision for the stadium includes more tournaments, local programming, and visitors, with usage expected to jump from 60 events to more than 150 events in 2026. Robin Roberts Stadium is being reimagined as an avenue for connection, culture, and community pride, hosting functions like weddings, bachelor and bachelorette parties, music festivals, craft beer events, and wiffle ball tournaments. This expansion of events and programming sets the stage for an even bigger milestone: the arrival of professional women’s baseball. In 2026, the city will host the inaugural season of the Women’s Professional Baseball League (WPBL). “This announcement blew the doors off. It’s going to take the stadium and Springfield to the next level, with athletes drafted from around the world,” said Melissa Gaynor Toole, Director of Swag & Communications at the Springfield Lucky Horseshoes. “With the explosive growth of women’s sports, Springfield is entering the story at exactly the right moment and giving young athletes, especially girls, a powerful example of what’s possible.”
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