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...

Dear Evan Hansen at UIS Performing Arts Center

UIS Performing Arts Center •  Dec 02 @ 7:30PM

The Tony award winning musical, Dear Evan Hansen comes to the UIS Performing Arts Center

Read more about Dear Evan Hansen at UIS Performing Arts Center

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

Henson Robinson Zoo Lights

Henson Robinson Zoo •  Nov 29 – Dec 23 @ 5PM

The Henson Robinson Zoo lights up for the holidays on select days starting November 29th through December 23rd.

Read more about Henson Robinson Zoo Lights

You might also be interested...

Lincoln Depot

Springfield

Restored 1852 train depot, from which President-Elect Abraham Lincoln departed for Washington D.C. on February 11, 1861. Lincoln gave one of his most memorable speeches from…

Read more about Lincoln Depot

Dana-Thomas House - Frank Lloyd Wright Design

Springfield

Reputed to be one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s largest and most elaborate Prairie-style designs, the house has 35 rooms with more than 100 pieces of original…

Read more about Dana-Thomas House - Frank Lloyd Wright Design

Lincoln Tomb

Springfield

Within this breathtaking monument lie the remains of Abraham Lincoln, his wife Mary, and three of their four sons.

Read more about Lincoln Tomb

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

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