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Shedd Aquarium

Lincoln Memorial Garden Nature Center

2301 E. Lake Shore Dr., Springfield, IL 62707

Bird & Eagle Watching

A woodland and prairie garden with over 5 miles of trails lead you on a journey through the Illinois landscape Lincoln would have known. Designed by famed landscape architect, Jens Jensen, as a living memorial to Abraham Lincoln.

Depending on the season you visit, you could discover springtime dogwoods in full bloom, colorful prairie wildflowers of summer, burnished autumn leaves, or snow-covered maple trees bursting with sap.  Be sure to visit the Garden's Nature Center and Split Rail Gift Shop.

The garden represents the landscape Abraham Lincoln would have known growing up and living in the Midwest, containing plants native to the states he lived in. This 100-acre site features six miles of trails, footbridges, a pond, eight stone council rings, and dozens of wooden benches inscribed with Lincoln quotes. The woodland and prairie garden beckons to thousands of visitors year round - families, birdwatchers, photographers, artists, nature enthusiasts, and school children - to learn about nature and enjoy the wildflowers, trees and wildlife.

What's happening nearby...

2025 Illinois Bike & Walk Summit

BOS Center •  May 07 – May 08 @ 8:30AM

The 2025 Illinois Bike & Walk Summit (ILBWS25) will take place May 7-8 at the BOS Center.

Read more about 2025 Illinois Bike & Walk Summit

Moonlight Market

500 S 6th Street •  May 07 – Sep 17 @ 6PM

Moonlight Market takes place the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month, May through September on Jackson Street between 6th and 7th.

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Fat Ass 5K & Street Party for Charity

Downtown Springfield, IL •  May 09 – May 10 @ 5PM

Thousands of runners gather from all across the U.S. to jog through the streets and enjoy the festivities of the Fat Ass 5k. Join us…

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