Visit the Past at the Old State Capitol in Springfield, IL
Come visit this historical, textured, masterpiece of a place: The Old State Capitol in Springfield, IL. Find out who used to work there, what happened when the Capitol got moved, plus so much more. From the first sight of the big, neutral colored building, to the glowing green grass of a garden, you're bound to enjoy your visit.
Photo Credit: Old State Capitol Website
View the antique building by walking around and seeing the neutral brown bricks stacked close together. Walk in to find the cream colored spiral stairwell, with dark brown wood shaping them. Get the view of the olden days with the antique pictures hanging all over the place: George Washington, Abe Lincoln, and much more. Look at the different shaped lights hung around, the dark washed wooden pieces of furniture carved to many designs. Learn more about each and every one of the artifacts of the courtroom and office. See the different textured walls and ceiling from inside the building.
Enter the dashing, peaceful garden where you’ll see clean cut flowers growing big and beautiful, tall cherry blossom trees sprouting in the summer and spring, and low cut, bright green grass all over the ground. In the summer, with all the warm weather and sunny days, we get to experience all the flower growths and the finishing touches of each tree. Fall times give us cool breezes and falling leaves to witness. Winter brings the cold air, while bundled up with warm coats, and slow falling snowflakes. This is a perfect place to take wonderful prom, homecoming, wedding, and Instagram pictures during the spring, summer, and fall. You can watch the leaves change and fall off the trees when autumn comes around and winter begins. Just outside of the garden a long, spacious seating wraps around the area. This is a perfect place to eat your lunch during your visit or just relax and enjoy your view. Grab a coffee, ice cream, or food from the nearby shops to make your visit better than ever. Fairy lights hung around the seated patio for the perfect picture, glowing bright at night for a night-walk sight.
Photo Credit:: Instagram user @ianpollock1
Photo Credit:: Instagram user @angiegirl
While you may be looking around, some of the workers will dress up and act like the character they were given. Watch how they get into character; the deep the interaction you’ll have with them, the more information you’ll learn. It’s always fun just walking around and reading notes, but seeing this historic masterpiece of a play get played out is out of this world. Some other activities you can do include walking around the building and garden. There are benches with statues of Lincoln for photo opportunities.
The Old State Capitol is an all season visit. The most popular touring season would be the summer and fall. So come and see for yourselves. Bring all your family and family and experience the tour.
Photo Credit: Old State Capitol Website
There are many ways to contact The Old State Capitol to set up an appointment:
Instagram @statehistoricsitesspringfield
Facebook @StateHistoricSitesOfSpringfieldIl
Youtube @visitSpringfield
Pinterest @abesspringfield
LinkedIn @Springfield Illinois Convention & visitors Bureau
Website @visitspringfiledillinois.com
Normal public hours for the Old State Capitol State Historic Site are 9:00 am — 5:00 pm, Monday — Sunday.
*Please note however, that until further notice the site is closed to the public as of January 17, 2023 for restoration and site improvement projects. If you have a question about the site, you can contact the staff at DNR.historicspringfield@illinois.gov
A reopening date will be announced at http://historicspringfield.DNR.illinois.gov/ and on the State Historic Sites at Springfield Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/StateHistoricSitesOfSpringfieldIl)
Author: C.S.
March 6, 2023