Lincoln Home National Historic Site is the location of the two-story home of Abraham Lincoln, and the only home he ever owned. Constructed in 1839, Abraham and Mary Lincoln lived here from 1844 until Mr. Lincoln's election to the presidency in 1861. This 12-room, Greek revival home is a popular national attraction, and a ranger-led tour is the only way to see inside this historic residence. Available routinely throughout the day, guided tours are free, and tickets are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Audubon Society is an important legacy of 19th century America. The Illinois chapter of this wildlife preservation-minded organization is based at and runs the Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, a 40-acre park near downtown Springfield. Built around the Adams family estate dating from the mid 1800s, the Sanctuary is covered with walking trails where regional flora and fauna can be glimpsed in their natural habitat.

As the state of Illinois grew, so did the need for more space at the state capitol. As a result, the "old" state capitol was replaced with a new building, and the first legislative session was held here in 1877.

The Illinois State Capitol in Springfield is one of the tallest buildings in central Illinois and features an intricate design both inside and out. Visitors are encouraged to tour the State Capitol on their own during operating hours, and guided tours can be reserved ahead of time.

D’Arcy’s Pint is a family-friendly Irish themed bar/restaurant that opened in 1998 and moved to its new, bigger location in May of 2005. They are known for their horseshoe sandwich … also known as a heart attack on a plate. D’Arcy’s serves over a dozen varieties of horseshoe. Since 1998, owners, Glenn Merriman and Hallie Pierce all have worked hard to maintain its charm while ensuring there is plenty to keep guests coming back. There's even an outdoor beer garden to enjoy when the weather is nice.

Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant combines modern, casual dining with award-winning, handcrafted wines. The menu features fresh contemporary-American fare infused with flavors from around the world. In addition to dining, Cooper’s Hawk offers a full-service bar where guests can enjoy sipping and sampling wines in a traditional winery setting. Sourcing the highest quality grapes from the best vineyards around the world has earned Cooper’s Hawk a growing list of more than 200 wine awards.