Skip to main content
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...

Springfield Jr Blues Hockey Season

The Nelson Center •  Sep 20 – Apr 05 @ 6:30PM

Catch all the action of the 2024-2025 Springfield Jr Blues Hockey Season!

Read more about Springfield Jr Blues Hockey Season

Brett Young at UIS Performing Arts Center

UIS Performing Arts Center •  Feb 13 @ 8PM

Brett Young brings his Back to the Basics World Tour to UIS Performing Arts Center February 13th.

Read more about Brett Young at UIS Performing Arts Center

Joe Gatto: Let's Get Into It at UIS Performing Arts Center

Feb 14 @ 7PM

Comedian Joe Gatto takes the stage at UIS Performing Arts Center on February 14th.

Read more about Joe Gatto: Let's Get Into It at UIS Performing Arts Center

You might also be interested...

Vachel Lindsay Home

Springfield

In the heart of our country stands the home of Vachel Lindsay - poet, illustrator, and pioneering film critic. From this lifelong base, Lindsay travelled America,…

Read more about Vachel Lindsay Home

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

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.