Tourism Springfield, Illinois

the springfield maid-rite sandwich shop, showing drive-thru window

springfield known popular food items: corn dog claimed have been invented in city under name cozy dog , although there debate origin of snack. horseshoe sandwich, not known outside of central illinois, originated in springfield. springfield once site of reisch beer brewery, operated 117 years under same name , family 1849 1966.

lincoln s tomb

the maid-rite sandwich shop in springfield still operates claims first u.s. drive-thru window. city known chili, or chilli , known in many chili shops throughout sangamon county. unique spelling said have begun founder of dew chilli parlor in 1909, due spelling error in sign. interpretation misspelling represented ill in word illinois. in 1993, illinois state legislature adopted resolution proclaiming springfield chilli capital of civilized world.

springfield dotted sites associated u.s. president abraham lincoln, started political career there. these include lincoln home national historic site, national historical park includes preserved surrounding neighborhood; lincoln-herndon law offices state historic site, lincoln tomb state historic site, old state capitol state historic site, lincoln depot, abraham lincoln departed springfield inaugurated in washington, d.c.; elijah iles house, edwards place , abraham lincoln presidential library , museum. near village of petersburg, new salem state park, restored hamlet of log cabins. reconstruction of town lincoln lived young man. opening of presidential library , museum in 2004, city has attracted numerous prominent visitors, including presidents george w. bush , barack obama, actor liam neeson, , emir of qatar.

old state capitol state historic site

the donner party, group of pioneers resorted cannibalism while snowbound during winter in sierra nevada mountains, began journey west springfield. springfield s dana-thomas house among best preserved , complete of frank lloyd wright s prairie houses. built in 1902–1904 , has many of furnishings wright designed it. springfield s washington park home thomas rees memorial carillon , site of carillon festival, held annually since 1962. in august, city site of illinois state fair.

although not born in springfield, lincoln city s famous resident. lived there 24 years. home ever owned open public, 7 days week, free of charge, , operated national park service.

springfield has area s largest amusement park, knight s action park , caribbean water park, open may september. park features , operates city s remaining drive-in theater, route 66 twin drive-in.