The capital of Illinois and heart of Abraham Lincoln country, Springfield blends historic significance with modern governance in Central Illinois.
City Population (2020 Census)
Metro Area Population
Designated as State Capital
Lincoln Residency (1837-1861)
Springfield is the capital city of the state of Illinois, situated in the central part of the state along the Sangamon River, approximately 100 miles northeast of St. Louis, Missouri, and 185 miles southwest of Chicago. With a population of 114,394 at the 2020 census, Springfield is Illinois's seventh-most populous city and the second-most populous city outside the Chicago metropolitan area (after Rockford). The broader Springfield metropolitan area encompasses all of Sangamon and Menard counties, with approximately 208,000 residents.
Springfield's economy is dominated by government agencies and related firms that support state and county governance, supplemented by the healthcare and medical sectors. The city is particularly renowned for its association with Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, who made Springfield his home for 24 crucial years.
Springfield was settled by European-Americans in the late 1810s and was founded in 1820 by John Kelly. The city remained a modest settlement until Abraham Lincoln's pivotal involvement in 1839, when he played a crucial role in designating Springfield as the third state capital (following Kaskaskia and Vandalia). Lincoln and his political allies, nicknamed the "Long Nine" for their combined height of 54 feet, successfully championed the relocation of the capital to Springfield.
Abraham Lincoln arrived in the Springfield area in 1831 but did not settle in the city until 1837, when he moved to Springfield to practice law. He remained there for nearly 24 years, from 1837 to 1861, during which time he established himself as a successful attorney, married Mary Todd, fathered four sons, and pursued a flourishing political career that culminated in his election to the presidency in 1860. Lincoln's home in Springfield became a symbol of his rise from humble prairie lawyer to President of the United States.
The Illinois State Capitol, located at Second and Capitol streets in Springfield, is a magnificent example of Renaissance Revival and Second Empire architecture. The current building, the sixth to serve as the state capitol since Illinois was admitted to the Union in 1818, was completed in 1888 and has housed the legislative and executive branches of government since 1876.
The Capitol is architecturally impressive, topped with a 405-foot dome and measuring 379 feet from north to south and 268 feet from east to west. Each of the building's four wings aligns with the four cardinal compass directions. The Capitol complex anchors downtown Springfield's government and civic center.
Capitol Tours: The Illinois State Capitol is open to the public. Free tours are available and include access to the House and Senate galleries, the Governor's reception area, the Hall of Governors, and the Old Supreme Courtroom.
The Old State Capitol: The Old State Capitol, a Greek Revival structure built 1837-1840, served as the state house from 1840 to 1876. This historic building remains an important landmark where many significant events in Springfield and Illinois history occurred.
Springfield experiences long, warm, and humid summers contrasting with short, freezing, snowy, and windy winters. Annual temperatures typically vary from 21°F to 86°F. The average annual temperature is approximately 54.3°F, with four distinct seasons.
Summer: July is the warmest month with average daytime temperatures reaching 86.5°F. Summers are warm and humid with moderate precipitation.
Winter: January is the coldest month with average overnight temperatures dropping to 17.1°F. Winter weather includes snow and freezing conditions typical of Central Illinois.
Precipitation: Springfield receives approximately 41.3 inches of annual rainfall. January is the driest month with 1.62 inches of precipitation, while May is the wettest with 4.06 inches. The climate is classified as humid subtropical (Cfa) according to Köppen and Geiger classifications.
Springfield supports several major educational institutions:
University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) is the primary public university in the city, offering 56 bachelor's degrees, 39 minors, 44 master's degrees, and one doctoral degree. The university features four colleges: the College of Business and Management, College of Health, Science, and Technology, College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, and College of Public Affairs and Education.
Lincoln Land Community College, established in 1967, is a public community college providing associate degrees, certificate programs, and technical education. Located adjacent to Lake Springfield, it serves the broader region with practical career training.
Other Institutions: St. John's College of Nursing specializes in healthcare education with baccalaureate and master's degree programs. Southern Illinois University School of Medicine offers graduate and professional programs in medicine, serving future physicians.
Springfield is the ultimate destination for Abraham Lincoln heritage and history, home to numerous nationally significant historic sites:
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (212 N 6th St) is the official library and museum of the 16th President. This comprehensive $115+ million complex opened in 2004-2005 and features life-size dioramas of Lincoln's boyhood home, White House areas, the presidential box at Ford's Theatre, and extensive collections of artifacts, memorabilia, and papers related to Lincoln's life and the Civil War. Hours: 9:00 am-5:00 pm daily. Phone: (217) 558-8844.
Lincoln Home National Historic Site preserves the home where Abraham Lincoln lived from 1844 to 1861, before becoming president. The surrounding historic district captures Springfield life during Lincoln's era.
Lincoln Tomb is the final resting place of Abraham Lincoln, his wife Mary Todd Lincoln, and three of their four sons: Edward, William, and Thomas.
Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices State Historic Site is a restored 1841 brick building at Sixth and Adams streets where Lincoln practiced law with William Herndon.
Old State Capitol State Historic Site, a Greek Revival building (1837-1840), served as the statehouse from 1840 to 1876 and witnessed pivotal events in Illinois and U.S. history.
Illinois State Museum System: The Illinois State Museum headquarters in Springfield features the state's cultural and artistic heritage with exhibits including local fossils and mining, historic household displays from different periods, Native American life dioramas, archaeological and ethnographic artifacts, and a notable collection of glass paperweights.
Henson Robinson Zoo offers family-friendly wildlife experiences and is located conveniently in Springfield.
Illinois Governor's Mansion serves as the official residence of the Governor of Illinois and represents the state's executive leadership.
Fine Dining: Maldaner's Restaurant (established 1884) stands as one of Springfield's finest dining establishments. VELE specializes in Modern Coastal Italian and seafood, while Luminary offers farm-to-table dining with creative, seasonal dishes using local ingredients. Loukinens' on 4th provides casual, upscale fine dining experiences.
Casual Dining: La Piazza offers authentic Italian cuisine in a cozy downtown setting. Obed & Isaac's Microbrewery & Eatery combines dining with craft beverages. Conn's Hospitality Group operates multiple establishments in historic downtown buildings including the Inn at 835, Wm. Van's Coffee House, and Merchant House.
Entertainment & Nightlife: Springfield's entertainment scene clusters downtown with numerous bars offering live music and late-night fun. Celtic Mist is a friendly Irish saloon with live music the first Saturday of every month at 9 pm. Robbie's, across from the historic Old Capitol, offers live jazz Friday evenings. Bloom Wine Bar & Florals, voted Downtown's Best New Business in 2024, provides wine and cocktails on the Old State Capitol Plaza. Replay Lounge offers Cajun cuisine and frozen drinks in a casual atmosphere.
Area Attractions, Points of Interest, Performing Arts, Events and Shows, Museums and Historical Sites.
Last updated on November 24, 2025