Skip to main content

Search the middle of everything...

Shedd Aquarium

Illinois State Museum

502 S. Spring St., Springfield, IL 62706

Galleries

Discover Illinois’ natural and cultural heritage, experience exhibits showcasing Illinois art, or visit the Play Museum–a hands-on area where kids learn through play.

The Illinois State Museum is dedicated to the collection, preservation, and interpretation of the natural history, anthropology, history, and art of Illinois. Explore three floors of exhibits that display a vast array of items drawn from the Museum's collections of over 13.5 million artifacts including skeletal specimens of the Mastodon, and the giant Jefferson's Ground Sloth. Interactive elements, thrilling audio and video effects, life-sized dioramas and thousands of authentic fossils and specimens illustrate the processes that shaped and continue to transform Illinois' diverse environments. Learn about how native peoples and frontier Americans lived on the prairie of Illinois, and examine the works of great Illinois artists. Illinois 250

What's happening nearby...

Annual Artisan Market at the Illinois State Fairgrounds

Illinois State Fairgrounds •  Sep 26 @ 9AM

The Annual Artisan Market takes place at the Orr building at the Illinois State Fairgrounds September 26th.

Read more about Annual Artisan Market at the Illinois State Fairgrounds

25th Annual International Route 66 Mother Road Festival

Downtown Springfield •  Sep 25 – Sep 27 @ 6PM

2026 marks the 100th anniversary of Route 66! Celebrate this occasion at the 25th annual International Route 66 Mother Road Festival in Springfield’s historic downtown…

Read more about 25th Annual International Route 66 Mother Road Festival

Old Capitol Farmers' Market in Downtown Springfield

Downtown Springfield-Corner of 4th & Adams St •  May 13 – Oct 31 @ 8AM

Visit Springfield's longest-running and most popular Farmers Market in beautiful downtown Springfield.

Read more about Old Capitol Farmers' Market in Downtown Springfield

You might also be interested...

Hoogland Center for the Arts

Springfield

The Hoogland Center for the Arts is one of Springfield's most iconic entertainment attractions. Experience the sights and sounds of world renowned plays, unique artistic…

Read more about Hoogland Center for the Arts

Illinois State Library

Springfield

The Illinois State Library maintains a collection of more than 5 million items. Tours of the first three floors are available.

Read more about Illinois State Library

Ace Sign Company Sign Museum

Springfield

Ace Sign Company Sign Museum has some of the most amazing signage throughout Illinois and beyond. Inside you can find the famous "Sonrise Doughnut" sign…

Read more about Ace Sign Company Sign 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.