Introduction to Springfield
Springfield, Illinois has a lot to offer its residents, including museums, historic sites, special events, and cultural activities. Springfield is an All-American Midwestern city located between Chicago and St. Louis on historic Route 66. The city was founded in 1819, and it has been the county seat since 1823 and the capital since 1837. It has a population of around 111,000. The city is well-known for being the home of Abraham Lincoln, who spent 30 years living in Springfield. The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is a state-of-the-art facility that offers a glimpse into this important part of Springfield’s past. Shopping, nightlife, dining, and year-round festivals make the city an exciting place to live.
Springfield Culture
Springfield has a variety of cultural festivals that happen throughout the year, including the Old Capitol Art Fair, the International Carillon Festival, the Illinois State Fair, and First Night Springfield. The city is known for its unique shopping, which includes big-city department stores, national discount shopping centers, fashion stores, and small boutiques. The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum has the most complete collection of Lincoln documents in the world and utilizes the latest in interactive technology to create exciting exhibits. The Illinois State Museum has a variety of collections showcasing Illinois' natural and cultural resources. The Illinois State Library has a large collection of Art in Architecture pieces and supports a growing local arts movement.
Springfield Sports and Leisure
Springfield is the home of Jr. Blues Hockey, which are now under new ownership and management. The team continues to get better and better and has the chance to dominate their Division. Springfield is an excellent place for golf lovers, with many courses such as Bergen Park Golf Course, Brookhills Golf Club Inc., Bunn Park Golf Course, Country Hills Golf Course Inc., Edgewood Golf Club, Lincoln Greens Golf Course, and Northridge Hills.
Springfield Outdoors
For those who love the outdoors, Springfield provides a wealth of opportunity to enjoy a variety of activities. The Henson Robinson Zoo has more than 300 animals from around the world and hands-on exhibits for kids. The Lincoln Memorial Garden has five miles of wooded trails that give visitors the chance to tour the pristine landscape that Abraham Lincoln once strolled through. Watershed Park is designed as an interactive and educational exhibit focusing on issues of water quality protection, such as soil conservation, urban stormwater runoff, farm and homestead health and safety, and integrated pest management. Washington Park Botanical Garden has lush tropical foliage, rose gardens, perennials, and texture gardens.
Springfield at Night
There are many nighttime attractions in Springfield. Dining is an attraction in itself, with the unique 'horseshoe' sandwich and the popular Cozy Dog. Four-star restaurants, quaint cafes, fast-food, and neighborhood fare give the city a wide variety of dining options. Nightlife heats up with many dance clubs, comedy clubs, taverns, and sports bars to make for an exciting evening any night of the week. Movie theaters are scattered throughout the city, and New Salem State Park has a Theater in the Park program for theater lovers.
