Review Visit: July 31st, 2012…read more A museum dedicated to more than Illinois. Matt and I had no idea what we were getting ourselves in to when we decided to check out the Illinois State Museum. We set our sights on this place while trying to do all the big Lincoln-y things in Springfield. We had assumed it was just your normal museum dedicated to the state of Illinois, corn, and Lincoln. It was all that and much more. It's hard to put in words how cool this place was. It's also hard because it's been over 8 years since we came here and my memory is a bit fuzzy on it. Who is to say the exhibits haven't also changed or been redone since 2012. Any who, I will say that if you find yourself in Springfield and love awesome museums, check this one out. There is a lot to see pertaining to Illinois but it's all so super cool and really well done. One of the best museums I've ever experienced. I know this is a shorter-than-normal post. If it gets even one person interested in seeing this place, then I feel like I've done a great job.

This was such a nice museum! We were in Springfield for less than a day, but still wanted to check…read moreit out! We are in the Curious Toddler Phase right now so all museums are on our go list. The staff here was VERY welcoming as we entered and explained to us what each floor was. Entry here is completely free! The first floor had a lot of history of Illinois and the common species that could be found. When I say history, it went back millions of years ago. It more of a science exhibit. It was very interactive for little ones with pull out drawers, spinning cranks, and windows at kid level for them to see fossils. We then went to the basement level that was the kid's area. My son loved it. And it was crowded with other kids who loved it. There was a pit to excavate fossils, another area to examine TONS of fossils and bones. My son particularly loved driving the fake jeep lol. It was a very fun experience for us. There was a whole other level dedicated to art that we did not get to see, but maybe the next time we are in the area we will!

We didn't know this was in Springfield until we went to Lincoln's tomb. As we left, we saw a small…read morebuilding with its name on it and pulled into the driveway. This museum is new, and they are just growing their collections. What we saw was fascinating. It primarily focused on several African-American families with many generations in and around Springfield. Some of the stories were very informative, and we learned a lot, most of which we should have learned in school. This is one of the reasons I like museums like this. Rather than bland education painting a pollyannaish picture of our history, these museums show how minorities were treated (or mistreated). It preserves a part of our history that many would like to forget or gloss over. But without information like this, history is destined to repeat. Why four stars and not five? This has to do with the current state of the museum - essentially just starting up. They don't have a lot of items yet. They just received a large grant and are expanding the museum. They are soliciting additional items, most of which were donated. We were so impressed we bought a family membership, even though we live almost four hours away. Once they complete their new wing, we're taking a trip back. Incidentally, if you do go for a visit, their Executive Director is amazing. She gave us the tour, and we learned a lot. If you are even in Springfield, IL, I recommend stopping here before or after Loncoln's tomb. Since the museum is small, seeing everything takes little time. But it is well worth stopping for. Take advantage of this informative museum that tells some tragic and happy stories.

This is such a fun place. If you love native plants or monarch butterflies or other pollinators,…read moreyou've GOT to visit the courtyard.

Cute, clean, and plenty to do for a 5 and 7 year old. Was not too busy during winter break and half…read moreof admission with ACM reciprocal network. Parking only on street but meters were not running.

Another year , another fair and what a nice fun time…read more Great people Great food Great time And if you haven't , you must try the apple cider slushie!

Honestly this one's a tossup between 3 and 4 stars. It seems that the Illinois State Fair, compared…read moreto some of the other state fairs, is kind of boring and doesn't offer a lot. Iowa and Minnesota's state fairs have a better selection of foods to offer, for instance. But I think I'll just stick to the positives of Illinois's. The fair does pay great tribute to the Prairie State, like agriculture, dairy and midwestern life. I'm very surprised and glad that Chicago isn't mentioned all that much, although I wish some Chicago foods would be offered at the fair! The buildings and architecture are nice. The Route 66 Experience (which is open year-round) is a must for everybody. No fair visit is complete without checking out the livestock barns as well as going to livestock judging competitions. Oh and I can't leave out the butter sculptures. As far as the entertainment part, they do have a great eclectic mix of cover bands and popular acts performing there. Again, despite of everything that I said - I do think Illinois needs to step up its game and re-define itself as a popular destination. After seeing what Iowa State Fair has to offer, it definitely made Illinois SF look very weak.

Pumpkin Creek Farms is an absolute gem and a fantastic destination for families and friends looking…read morefor a fun and memorable day out. The farm is beautifully maintained and offers a wide range of activities that cater to all ages. From the moment you arrive, you can feel the welcoming and festive atmosphere. One of the highlights is the pumpkin patch, where you can pick your own pumpkins--perfect for carving or decorating. The corn maze is a blast, providing just the right amount of challenge and fun. There are also hayrides, petting zoos, and plenty of photo opportunities that make for great keepsakes. The staff at Pumpkin Creek Farms are friendly and helpful, ensuring that everyone has a great experience. The farm also offers delicious seasonal treats, like cider donuts and hot apple cider, which add to the overall charm of the place. It is also incredibly affordable! Everything is included with admission. Which is $9 a person and I believe it is 2 and under that are free! Pumpkin Creek Farms is an awesome spot for a day of fun, learning, and making wonderful memories. Highly recommended for a fall outing!

Great family friendly fun place! It was cheap and offered multi things to do for the kids! The…read moredonuts were also amazing!

There were several aspects of this tour that I really enjoyed. It was super cool to get to see the…read morecouch on which Abe courted Mary Todd! The servant's quarters in the attic were absolutely fascinating. The recreation of the wallpaper was a super cool story. The tour guide James was a bit odd but very knowledgeable. His jokes felt somewhat canned rather than organic, but that's probably just one of the hazards of the job. My main issue was that, as we were touring the house, there were random kids hanging out in various rooms doing art projects. This somehow felt strange, given the reverence with which James was suggesting we should treat the house. And then you turn the corner and there are a bunch of 8 year olds sitting in the floor of the main room. There's also one room upstairs that hasn't really been restored to the same period as the rest of the house. The guide had a reason for that, but it didn't make total sense to me. Not sure I'd make a second trip, but I certainly don't regret the hour or so I spent touring it!

A beautifully restored historical home-a treasure for Springfield IL. If you love history and…read morecraftsmanship you will enjoy the Edwards Place. Hand sewn wool carpets, silk screen wallpaper, walnut and oak wood graining by artisans, custom made draperies, make this a unique home. The original home was build in 1830's. Multiple additions to the home are apparent by examining the trim and woodworking changes. This house is a living museum.

Great Art Deco theater, check out their facebook page!! Sorry the category says Cinema but Theater…read moreisn't an option.

What a fun theater for such a small town. I haven't seen a couple plays here now. They have a…read moreparking structure that is attached to the theater. However, parking paying was a little confusing in the parking structure. During warmer months you can park for free on the street. They host multiple different events with local organizations. The price for the actual ticket too was a reasonable price. I think we paid $16 each for our seat. We saw Phantom of the opera & Toy story there recently. The high school kids did a wonderful job. The snacks were a reasonable price. It was $2 for a drink & $2 for snacks. Not sure if that's what it is all the time or if those items just went to benefiting the high school theater program. Can't wait to see more items more items here in the future.

A nice place to catch a musical, play or concert. Comfortable and ample seating, good acoustics…read moreand nice lighting setup. Also hosts the PAVE Arts and Theater camp ran by The Springfield Theater Center for several sessions in the summertime.