Vachel Lindsay Home
603 S. 5th St., Springfield, IL 62703
Historic Sites
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, thrilling early twentieth-century audiences with his powerful spoken-word performances.
Now Open. Reservations required for your visit. Book your reservation on the website.
Nicholas Vachel Lindsay is considered a founder of modern singing poetry, as he referred to it, in which verses are meant to be sung or chanted. Vachel Lindsay became famous in the early 20th century as a traveling bard whose dramatic delivery of public readings helped keep appreciation for poetry as a spoken art alive in the American Midwest. Now you can visit his home in Springfield, IL.
The house was built in the late 1840s; one of the first owners of the home was C.M. Smith, whose wife, Ann, was the sister of Mary Todd Lincoln. Both Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln were frequent visitors. The house was purchased in 1878 by Lindsay's parents and remained in the Lindsay family for 80 years.
How to find us?
What's happening nearby...
Springfield Juneteenth Celebration
Springfield, IL • Jun 12 – Jun 19 @ 6PM
Springfield celebrates Juneteenth with several days of events
Read more about Springfield Juneteenth Celebration
Springfield Lucky Horseshoes Baseball
Robin Roberts Stadium • May 27 – Jul 30 @ 6:30PM
Catch all the excitement of the 2025 Springfield Lucky Horseshoes' baseball season
Read more about Springfield Lucky Horseshoes Baseball
Levitt Amp Music Series in Downtown Springfield
The Y Block-Downtown Springfield • May 29 – Jul 31 @ 6PM
The Levitt Amp Concert Series is back for 2025 in downtown Springfield
Read more about Levitt Amp Music Series in Downtown SpringfieldYou might also be interested...
Illinois Korean War Memorial
Springfield
The Memorial consists of a twelve-foot-tall bronze bell, honoring the 1,748 Illinoisans killed during the 1950-1953 Korean War. This memorial was dedicated on June 16,…
Read more about Illinois Korean War Memorial
Illinois State Capitol
Springfield
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.
Read more about Illinois State Capitol