Skip to main content

Search the middle of everything...

Shedd Aquarium

Illinois State Capitol

401 S. 2nd St, Springfield, IL 62701

Historic Sites

Watch Illinois politics in action, in this beautiful Renaissance Revival/Second Empire style building topped with a stunning 405-foot dome. All tours are free.

The first legislative session was held here in 1877. The growth of the state had increased the need for more file storage and office space than the Old State Capitol allowed. Today it is the center of Illinois government. The building is topped with a 405-foot dome and is a convention of Renassance Revival and Second Empire Style. Visitors can watch Illinois politics in action from balcony-level seating when the legislature is in session.

What's happening nearby...

The Road to Adventure: Exploring Route 66 at The Kidzeum of Health & Science

The Kidzeum of Health and Science •  Jul 19 – Dec 28 @ 9AM

Families can explore America's most iconic highway at The Road to Adventure: Exploring Route 66 exhibit at The Kidzeum of Health & Science

Read more about The Road to Adventure: Exploring Route 66 at The Kidzeum of Health & Science

Springfield Jr Blues Hockey Season

The Nelson Center •  Oct 31 – Apr 11 @ 6:30PM

Catch all the action of the 2025-2026 Springfield Jr Blues Hockey Season!

Read more about Springfield Jr Blues Hockey Season

Lincoln: A Life and Legacy that Defined a Nation at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum •  Sep 26 – Apr 26 @ 9AM

The new exhibit Lincoln: A Life & Legacy that Defined a Nation is on display at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum September 26-April 26th

Read more about Lincoln: A Life and Legacy that Defined a Nation at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum

You might also be interested...

Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon

Springfield

Surrounded by gardens and a reflecting pool, this magnificent musical instrument is one of the few in the world open to the public and offers exquisite…

Read more about Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon

Illinois Police Officers Memorial

Springfield

Read more about Illinois Police Officers Memorial

Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War Museum

Springfield

The war that helped shape a country is remembered here in "War of the Rebellion: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies."

Read more about Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War Museum

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get inspired by top travel stories, gain access to exclusive promotions and contests, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois.