Attractions and Places To See in Sangamon County - Top 11

Sangamon County is rich in Abraham Lincoln history. You can explore the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, the only house Lincoln ever owned, preserved to its 1860s appearance. Other significant sites include the Old State Capitol, where Lincoln served, and Lincoln's Tomb in Oak Ridge Cemetery, his final resting place. The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum offers immersive exhibits and artifacts detailing his life.

Yes, Sangamon County features several historic Route 66 attractions. You can visit The Old Station Route 66, Williamsville, a converted 1930s gas station displaying vintage cars and memorabilia. Another notable spot is Mahan's Fueling Station (formerly Bill Shea's Gas Station Museum), filled with gas station memorabilia. You can also experience a section of the historic road at the Route 66 Cobblestone segment (Snell Road).

The county offers several natural areas for outdoor enjoyment. Lake Springfield provides opportunities for paddle boating, picnics, fishing, and boating. Carpenter Park is a 322-acre nature preserve along the Sangamon River with hiking trails and diverse wildlife. The Lincoln Memorial Garden and Nature Center, situated along Lake Springfield, features over six miles of trails through prairie, woodland, and wetland landscapes.

Many attractions in Sangamon County are suitable for families. Historical sites like the Lincoln Home National Historic Site and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum are engaging for all ages. For outdoor fun, the Sangamon Valley Trail and the Lake Springfield Bridge are great for walking and biking. The Henson Robinson Zoo and Knights Action Park also offer entertainment for children.

Sangamon County has several options for hiking and cycling. The Sangamon Valley Trail is an 11.5-mile multi-use trail with natural scenery. The Lake Springfield Bridge is part of the Interurban Trail, perfect for walking and biking with scenic views. For more hiking options, you can explore routes in Carpenter Park or the Lincoln Memorial Garden. You can find detailed routes and guides for various activities, including hiking and road cycling, on komoot.

Beyond the prominent Lincoln sites, Sangamon County offers unique historical gems. The Dana-Thomas House, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, showcases his distinctive architecture and art glass. Edwards Place Historic Home is one of Springfield's oldest homes, a social hub visited by Lincoln. The Clayville Historic Site, with its 1824 Inn, is the oldest brick building in the county and a former stagecoach stop.

Yes, some attractions and trails in Sangamon County offer accessibility. The Lake Springfield Bridge, part of the Interurban Trail, is designed for walking and biking and is wheelchair accessible. Additionally, the Route 66 Cobblestone segment (Snell Road) is also noted as wheelchair accessible. Many museums and indoor attractions in Springfield are also designed to be accessible.

The natural attractions in Sangamon County are enjoyable year-round, but spring and fall offer particularly pleasant conditions. Spring brings blooming flora, while fall is noted for its vibrant fall colors, especially at places like the Sangamon River Overlook and along trails in Carpenter Park or Lincoln Memorial Garden. Summer is also popular for water activities on Lake Springfield.

Yes, Sangamon County provides opportunities for wildlife spotting, especially in its natural preserves. Carpenter Park is known for its diverse wildlife, including numerous bird species, within its upland and floodplain forest communities. The Adams Wildlife Sanctuary also provides a habitat for various wildlife, making it a good spot for nature observation.

Many of Sangamon County's outdoor and historical sites can be enjoyed for free. Walking or cycling on trails like the Sangamon Valley Trail or across the Lake Springfield Bridge is free. Exploring the grounds of the Lincoln Home National Historic Site (though tours may have a fee) and visiting Lincoln's Tomb are also free activities. Washington Park, with its botanical gardens, is another free option.

Beyond the Lincoln-focused institutions, Sangamon County offers other cultural sites. The Illinois State Museum features ancient fossils, Native American artworks, and exhibits on Illinois' natural history. You can also visit the Vachel Lindsay Home, dedicated to the influential American poet, or the Korean War Veteran National Museum & Library.

For a scenic view of the Sangamon River, head to the Sangamon River Overlook. It's particularly noted for being scenic in the fall. You can also experience views of the river from various points within Carpenter Park, which borders the river.

Yes, Washington Park in Springfield features botanical gardens that are lovely to explore. The park is also home to the Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon, a large musical instrument that hosts carillon concerts, offering a unique cultural experience.