Dana's Guidebook

Dana
Dana's Guidebook

Washington Park

https://carillon-rees.org/ The Springfield Park District’s Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon is one of the largest and finest of the world’s carillons. Located in historic Washington Park, the Rees Carillon is the site of numerous free public concerts, exciting community events, and the world-renowned International Carillon Festival held each June. Take a stroll through Washington Park and enjoy the sounds of the carillon bells. Hopefully during your stay you can enjoy the carillon concerts on the park. If so, grab a blanket, walk to the carillon and enjoy a small picnic.
Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon
1740 W Fayette Ave
This is Washington Park. And yes, the Carillon is nestled in this park. A walk from our doorstep and into Washington Park. Wonderful for a stroll. Great playground for kiddos. Tons of green grass and space for the kiddos to run and a wonderful big hill for the kiddos to roll down. Great little sledding hill for those snowy days. So much fun. And absolutely stunning in the Fall and Spring.
1501 S Grand Ave W
1501 South Grand Avenue West
This is Washington Park. And yes, the Carillon is nestled in this park. A walk from our doorstep and into Washington Park. Wonderful for a stroll. Great playground for kiddos. Tons of green grass and space for the kiddos to run and a wonderful big hill for the kiddos to roll down. Great little sledding hill for those snowy days. So much fun. And absolutely stunning in the Fall and Spring.

History Enthusiast Must Experience

https://presidentlincoln.illinois.gov/ Experience history like never before. Step inside key moments in Lincoln's life, from triumph to tragedy. Explore immersive displays and shows that drive home the human costs of slavery and war. Connect with Lincoln and his family through artifacts that can't be found anywhere else in the world. You'll feel like you're walking in Lincoln's shoes.
60 locals recommend
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
212 N 6th St
60 locals recommend
Experience Lincoln’s home and be transported to a time in which Lincoln inspired many here during the 17 years he resided in Springfield and before becoming our 16th President.
30 locals recommend
Lincoln Home
413 S 8th St
30 locals recommend
Experience Lincoln’s home and be transported to a time in which Lincoln inspired many here during the 17 years he resided in Springfield and before becoming our 16th President.
https://www2.illinois.gov/dnrhistoric/Experience/Sites/Central/Pages/Old-Capitol.aspx A must see while you are here. The history and architecture is mind-blowing.
21 locals recommend
Old State Capitol
526 E Adams St
21 locals recommend
https://www2.illinois.gov/dnrhistoric/Experience/Sites/Central/Pages/Old-Capitol.aspx A must see while you are here. The history and architecture is mind-blowing.
https://dana-thomas.org/ The mind is a beautiful thing especially that of Frank Lloyd Wright. The Dana Thomas House is about a mile up the road. Be sure to call or go online to sign up for tour openings. And Incredibly Delicious is in walking distance from the Dana Thomas House too. A nice little something to do. Enjoy!
25 locals recommend
Dana Thomas House
301 E Lawrence Ave
25 locals recommend
https://dana-thomas.org/ The mind is a beautiful thing especially that of Frank Lloyd Wright. The Dana Thomas House is about a mile up the road. Be sure to call or go online to sign up for tour openings. And Incredibly Delicious is in walking distance from the Dana Thomas House too. A nice little something to do. Enjoy!

Sightseeing

http://pharmacygallery.com/ Local artist and their work on display. You never know what you might find but you will definitely find something that is awww-inspiring.
The Pharmacy Gallery & Art Space
623 E Adams St

Food scene

https://www.downtownspringfield.org/old-capitol-farmers-market/ While here, definitely stroll through our Downtown farmers market to support local and enjoy farm fresh goodies.
Old Capitol Farmers Market
406 East Adams Street
https://www.downtownspringfield.org/old-capitol-farmers-market/ While here, definitely stroll through our Downtown farmers market to support local and enjoy farm fresh goodies.
https://www.incrediblydelicious.com/ Breakfast | Brunch | Lunch | Sweet Treats (no soggy bottoms here). Close to the house and walking distance to some of the sights.
17 locals recommend
Incredibly Delicious
925 S 7th St
17 locals recommend
https://www.incrediblydelicious.com/ Breakfast | Brunch | Lunch | Sweet Treats (no soggy bottoms here). Close to the house and walking distance to some of the sights.
https://www.threetwigsbakery.com/ AMAZING local family whose secret ingredient is LOVE!!! Locally sourced ingredients made with love and care. MUST PUT IN YOUR TUMMY!!
Three Twigs Bakery
2661 Chatham Road
https://www.threetwigsbakery.com/ AMAZING local family whose secret ingredient is LOVE!!! Locally sourced ingredients made with love and care. MUST PUT IN YOUR TUMMY!!
https://www.connshg.com/obed-and-isaacs/ Close to home. Across the street from Lincoln’s Home. Super cool indoor/outdoor space for you to enjoy. But most importantly amazing food and beverages.
30 locals recommend
Obed and Isaac's Microbrewery & Eatery
500 S 6th St
30 locals recommend
https://www.connshg.com/obed-and-isaacs/ Close to home. Across the street from Lincoln’s Home. Super cool indoor/outdoor space for you to enjoy. But most importantly amazing food and beverages.
http://www.darcyspintonline.com/ When you come to Springfield you have to eat a “HORSESHOE”. Go to Darcy’s. Traditional is with a hamburger patty but my family favorite…Buffalo Chicken (fried) with a side of bleu cheese and extra hot sauce. Place is crazy busy so go for lunch. Hit the couch afterwards.
17 locals recommend
D'Arcy's Pint
661 W Stanford Ave
17 locals recommend
http://www.darcyspintonline.com/ When you come to Springfield you have to eat a “HORSESHOE”. Go to Darcy’s. Traditional is with a hamburger patty but my family favorite…Buffalo Chicken (fried) with a side of bleu cheese and extra hot sauce. Place is crazy busy so go for lunch. Hit the couch afterwards.
http://www.thefeedstorespringfield.com Great lunch spot across from the Old State Capitol. And great local shopping on the square.
The Feed Store
516 E Adams St
http://www.thefeedstorespringfield.com Great lunch spot across from the Old State Capitol. And great local shopping on the square.
https://www.jerkshopgo.com/ Two words “Jerk Fries”
Jerk Shop Go
219 South 5th Street
https://www.jerkshopgo.com/ Two words “Jerk Fries”
https://www.magickitchenthai.com/ Hole in the wall awesome! Bring your own beer/wine.
9 locals recommend
Magic Kitchen
115 N Lewis St
9 locals recommend
https://www.magickitchenthai.com/ Hole in the wall awesome! Bring your own beer/wine.
Support local coffee peeps
6 locals recommend
Grab-A-Java
1702 S 6th St
6 locals recommend
Support local coffee peeps
https://www.sheedyshoreswinegarden.com/ My family loves a day at Sheedy Shores Winegarden. We hope you do too. Be sure to check their website for special events/entertainment.
Sheedy Shores Winegarden
10300 Johns Creek Road
https://www.sheedyshoreswinegarden.com/ My family loves a day at Sheedy Shores Winegarden. We hope you do too. Be sure to check their website for special events/entertainment.
No joke….hands down…best donuts ever (not best coffee) just best donuts! I grew up in Springfield and these donuts have not changed. Grandma Fran worked at Mel-O-Cream…this place has a special place in my heart (and stomach).
Mel-O-Cream Donuts
525 E N Grand Ave E
No joke….hands down…best donuts ever (not best coffee) just best donuts! I grew up in Springfield and these donuts have not changed. Grandma Fran worked at Mel-O-Cream…this place has a special place in my heart (and stomach).
https://applebarn.net/ This is a small little drive but worth it!! Wonderful pastry and pie selection all made from scratch. And a wonderful Gluten Free selection too. And for summers… be sure to get an apple or lemonade slushy. Always a cool place to visit for all seasons.
Apple Barn
2290 E Walnut St
https://applebarn.net/ This is a small little drive but worth it!! Wonderful pastry and pie selection all made from scratch. And a wonderful Gluten Free selection too. And for summers… be sure to get an apple or lemonade slushy. Always a cool place to visit for all seasons.
New to Springfield. Wonderfully restores space to enjoy 20 taps of Craft Ciders, Meads and Perry's await you inside the comfortable setting of this historic home. Wine, Spirits and Cocktails are available to compliment your groups tastes.
7th Street Cidery
New to Springfield. Wonderfully restores space to enjoy 20 taps of Craft Ciders, Meads and Perry's await you inside the comfortable setting of this historic home. Wine, Spirits and Cocktails are available to compliment your groups tastes.
Breakfast and lunch. Best acai bowls in Springfield.
Papo's Cafe
Breakfast and lunch. Best acai bowls in Springfield.

Shopping

https://www.kennedysue.com/ Unique gift, home and baby goods. A few decorative items in our home was purchased at Kennedy Sue. Support local.
Kennedy Sue Gift and Home
3041 Montvale Dr
https://www.springfieldclock.net/ A must go when Downtown. You never know until you go and then you score a cool Kit Cat Clock (Made in the USA) or a cuckoo-clock. Thank you for supporting local.
Springfield Clock Shop
629 East Washington Street
https://www.springfieldclock.net/ A must go when Downtown. You never know until you go and then you score a cool Kit Cat Clock (Made in the USA) or a cuckoo-clock. Thank you for supporting local.
Antiquing southbound I-55 Google “I-55 Antique Malls in Illinois” and make your first stop at the Pawnee/Auburn exit to Tammi’s Treasures and go from there.
Interstate 55
Interstate 55
Antiquing southbound I-55 Google “I-55 Antique Malls in Illinois” and make your first stop at the Pawnee/Auburn exit to Tammi’s Treasures and go from there.
Nice little drive but you will definitely find something cool and unique here. Be sure to stop at “Evie on Walnut” booth.
Clinton Antique Mall
1439 IL-54
Nice little drive but you will definitely find something cool and unique here. Be sure to stop at “Evie on Walnut” booth.

For the little ones

A little local candy shop nearby that you can easily walk to. Just cut across the park and walk down the neighborhood street onto the candy shop.
Pease's Candy
1701 S State St
For the rainy days and you just need to get out of the house….take the little ones to Scheels to explore and enjoy.
Scheels
3801 S MacArthur Blvd
For the rainy days and you just need to get out of the house….take the little ones to Scheels to explore and enjoy.
http://lincolnmemorialgarden.org/ 100 acres of woodland garden with wood chipped paths for little ones to run and explore and be one with nature. Be sure to check their website for special family focused events that might correspond with your time in Springfield.
13 locals recommend
Lincoln Memorial Garden and Nature Center
2301 E Lake Shore Dr
13 locals recommend
http://lincolnmemorialgarden.org/ 100 acres of woodland garden with wood chipped paths for little ones to run and explore and be one with nature. Be sure to check their website for special family focused events that might correspond with your time in Springfield.
Before summer ends take the kids to Knights Action Park endless activities. And at night the family can enjoy a good old fashion DRIVE-IN Movie.
17 locals recommend
Knight's Action Park
1700 Recreation Dr
17 locals recommend
Before summer ends take the kids to Knights Action Park endless activities. And at night the family can enjoy a good old fashion DRIVE-IN Movie.
https://www.pumpkincreekfarms.org/ If you are visiting during our Fall season…do not miss the opportunity to take little one(s) to our local pumpkin patch. A day a fun that is guaranteed…just don’t get lost in the corn maze. And be sure to pick your very own pumpkin and place it on the porch when you return.
Pumpkin Creek Farms
7392 Barclay Road
https://www.pumpkincreekfarms.org/ If you are visiting during our Fall season…do not miss the opportunity to take little one(s) to our local pumpkin patch. A day a fun that is guaranteed…just don’t get lost in the corn maze. And be sure to pick your very own pumpkin and place it on the porch when you return.
We are thankful that our community is committed to providing a little zoo that cares so much for the creature it houses. A great space for a little stroll, wave at the wildlife and enjoy the outdoors. Located down the road from Lincoln Memorial Gardens and has a playground across the street too. You could enjoy both the zoo and Lincoln Memorial Gardens in one day.
6 locals recommend
Henson Robinson Zoo
1100 E Lake Shore Dr
6 locals recommend
We are thankful that our community is committed to providing a little zoo that cares so much for the creature it houses. A great space for a little stroll, wave at the wildlife and enjoy the outdoors. Located down the road from Lincoln Memorial Gardens and has a playground across the street too. You could enjoy both the zoo and Lincoln Memorial Gardens in one day.
I love this local shop! The owner once worked at Toys R Us here in Springfield and sadly they closed. He then decided to open his own toy store and low and behold we have Little Lincoln’s Toy Shop. Little Lincoln’s Toy Shop was inspired by none other than Abraham Lincoln himself. Share this with your little ones. “During his presidency, Mr. Lincoln was known to frequent Stuntz Toy Shop a few blocks away from the White House. It was a place he could go to spend quality time with his son and clear his head.” UNIQUE AND AMAZING GIFTS!! A MUST GO TO WITH THE LITTLE ONES.
Little Lincoln's Toy Shop
3001 West White Oaks Drive
I love this local shop! The owner once worked at Toys R Us here in Springfield and sadly they closed. He then decided to open his own toy store and low and behold we have Little Lincoln’s Toy Shop. Little Lincoln’s Toy Shop was inspired by none other than Abraham Lincoln himself. Share this with your little ones. “During his presidency, Mr. Lincoln was known to frequent Stuntz Toy Shop a few blocks away from the White House. It was a place he could go to spend quality time with his son and clear his head.” UNIQUE AND AMAZING GIFTS!! A MUST GO TO WITH THE LITTLE ONES.
45-minute drive but worth it. Splash Cove features a lazy river, zero-depth entry leisure pool with an interactive play structure, wet deck, lily pad crossing feature, and vortex, an 8-lane lap pool with zip line, rock climbing wall, 3-meter diving board, 6 meter high dive, 4 body slides, pool rock wall, and a zero-depth entry baby pool. A full service concession stand is also be available. In addition, there is mini-golf and a super fun ropes course.
Splash Cove
2521 East Nelson Park Road
45-minute drive but worth it. Splash Cove features a lazy river, zero-depth entry leisure pool with an interactive play structure, wet deck, lily pad crossing feature, and vortex, an 8-lane lap pool with zip line, rock climbing wall, 3-meter diving board, 6 meter high dive, 4 body slides, pool rock wall, and a zero-depth entry baby pool. A full service concession stand is also be available. In addition, there is mini-golf and a super fun ropes course.

Local Grocery | Butchers

Local family, Turasky Meats and Smart Grillin'. Located in Springfield, IL we are a USDA inspected facility that serves processed meats throughout the mid-west Selling products to grocery stores, restaurants and more.
http://www.turaskymeats.com/index.html Local family,
Turasky Meats
1129 Taintor Road
http://www.turaskymeats.com/index.html Local family,
Local, Henry “Bud” Dawson, made his living as a produce wholesaler in Illinois. George Dawson, his son and founder of Country Market, grew up around the concept and following of “buying local”. This means that purchasing from a “family-owned” or “mom and pop” store, you do more than just buy a better and healthier product, you keep your community, and its businesses, alive and thriving. George Dawson and his children opened Country Market in 1967. Locally sourced meats and produce. It doesn’t get any better.
6 locals recommend
County Market
210 E Carpenter St
6 locals recommend
Local, Henry “Bud” Dawson, made his living as a produce wholesaler in Illinois. George Dawson, his son and founder of Country Market, grew up around the concept and following of “buying local”. This means that purchasing from a “family-owned” or “mom and pop” store, you do more than just buy a better and healthier product, you keep your community, and its businesses, alive and thriving. George Dawson and his children opened Country Market in 1967. Locally sourced meats and produce. It doesn’t get any better.
Support local Check out their “Grab and Go” healthy meals. https://www.foodfantasies.com/ Small grocery but has what you need for sure. Locally sourced products. Great place to get natural health and beauty supplies too. I love their vitamin and essential oil selection too.
Food Fantasies
1512 Wabash Ave
Support local Check out their “Grab and Go” healthy meals. https://www.foodfantasies.com/ Small grocery but has what you need for sure. Locally sourced products. Great place to get natural health and beauty supplies too. I love their vitamin and essential oil selection too.