All free museums and attractions to visit in Springfield

Springfield (Illinois) has a lot to offer for you culturally, even if you're on a budget, including free museums, free activities and free attractions. 14 museums and attractions in Springfield can be visited without charge.

Are you looking for free things to do in Springfield? These are the best places to visit:

  1. Lincoln Home National Historic Site1

    Lincoln Home National Historic Site

     Springfield, IL
    The Lincoln Home National Historic Site is a preserved area in Springfield, Illinois, which includes the home and the surrounding historic district where Abraham Lincoln lived from 1844 to 1861, before he became the 16th president of the United States. This site offers a unique opportunity to explore the life and times of one of America's most influential presidents in the very place he called home.
  2. Dana–Thomas House2

    Dana–Thomas House

     Springfield, IL
    The Dana-Thomas House, also known as the Susan Lawrence Dana House or Dana House, is a private villa built between 1902 and 1904. It is considered a masterpiece of the renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright, reflecting his affinity for the Prairie House style. This architectural style is known for its emphasis on horizontal lines, flat or hipped roofs with broad overhanging eaves, and integration with the landscape, intended to evoke the vastness of the prairie landscape.
  3. Dana Thomas House3

    Dana Thomas House

     Springfield, IL
    The Dana–Thomas House, also known as the Susan Lawrence Dana House and Dana House, is a unique architectural masterpiece designed by the renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The house, built in the Prairie School style, is a testament to Wright's innovative design principles and his ability to seamlessly blend architecture with the natural environment. The house is located along East Lawrence Avenue in Springfield, Illinois, and is a must-visit for architecture enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
  4. Old State Capitol4

    Old State Capitol

     Springfield, IL
    The Old State Capitol State Historic Site is a significant landmark in Springfield, Illinois. This Greek Revival style building, which served as the state house from 1840 to 1876, is the fifth capitol building constructed for the state of Illinois. It was built between 1837 and 1840, marking an important period in the state's history.
  5. Lincoln Memorial Garden and Nature Center5

    Lincoln Memorial Garden and Nature Center

     Springfield, IL
    The Lincoln Memorial Garden, also known as the Abraham Lincoln Memorial Garden, is a significant natural attraction in Springfield, Illinois. Spanning 100 acres, this woodland and prairie garden is owned by the city of Springfield and is managed by the Abraham Lincoln Memorial Garden Foundation. The garden is a testament to the city's commitment to preserving natural spaces and offers visitors a chance to explore a diverse range of flora and fauna.
  6. Illinois Governor's Mansion6

    Illinois Governor's Mansion

     Springfield, IL
    The Illinois Governor's Mansion, located in the state capital of Springfield, serves as the official residence of the governor of Illinois. Its proximity to other significant sites such as the Illinois State Capitol building and the Lincoln Home National Historic Site makes it a point of interest for visitors. The mansion's location offers tourists an opportunity to explore multiple attractions within a short distance, making it a convenient stop in their itinerary.
  7. Washington Park7

    Washington Park

     Springfield, IL
    Washington Park offers a variety of attractions for visitors. The park features walking trails for those who enjoy a leisurely stroll or a brisk walk. It also houses a botanical garden and a large duck pond, providing a serene environment for nature lovers. The rose garden is a sight to behold, especially when the flowers are in full bloom. The park also features a carillon and hosts carillon concerts, adding a musical element to the park's offerings.
  8. Illinois State Museum8

    Illinois State Museum

     Springfield, IL
    The Illinois State Museum is a comprehensive showcase of the life, land, people, and art of the State of Illinois. The museum's focus is on the state's cultural and artistic heritage, providing visitors with a deep understanding of Illinois's history and its people. Exhibits range from natural history to local fossils and mining, household displays from different historic periods, dioramas of Native American life, archaeological and ethnographic artifacts, and a collection of glass paperweights.
  9. Elijah Iles House9

    Elijah Iles House

     Springfield, IL
    The Elijah Iles House, located at 628 S. 7th Street in Springfield, Illinois, is a historic structure that has stood the test of time. Constructed around 1837, the house has remained largely intact for over 182 years, making it the oldest of its kind in Springfield.
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    Illinois Fire Museum

     Springfield, IL
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    Il State Museum Research and Collections Center

     Springfield, IL
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    Washington Park Botanical Garden

     Springfield, IL
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    Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Museum

     Springfield, IL
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    Illinois State Military Museum

     Springfield, IL