Things to do in Springfield (Chicago, Lincoln: gardens, bars, food)

[amcl120]

My sister and I are thinking of visiting Springfield in mid-August. What are somethings that we can do there? Thanks!

[Scio42]

Here's a few suggestions, depending on your age and tastes

- Of course #1 for Springfield: visit the Lincoln sites + Presidential Library (note, not the Springfield public library which is called the Lincoln Library)

- Since it's summertime, go to Knights Action Park to cool down

- See a movie at the Rt 66 Drive In

- Spend an evening bar hopping around the old state capital. Several new bars have gone in on 5th street the past several years.

- Sample some local crusine: Try a cozy dog at the cozy dog drive in on S 6th street. Have a horseshoe (or maybe just a pony shoe) at Darcy's or the Dublin Pub. Try some Mel-o-cream donuts.

- If you tried the food above, you may want to jog around Washington Park to work off all those calories....

- If you're into history, visit New Salem.

- Visit the Henson-Robinson zoo

- You'll arrive just in time for the Illinois State Fair. Catch a 'classic' band in concert.

- Catch a comedian at the comedy club.

[AbqTeacher]

If you like the outdoors, check out the Lincoln Memorial Gardens. I'd normally also suggest Carpenter Park, but it's pretty buggy and overgrown until mid-late October.

[temp2290]

You need to elaborate more on what you like to do. Whenever I come back to Springfield I have to go to Head West, Bar None and Brewhaus

[linicx]

The one thing you need to know about Illinois in August is it is not like Chicago. Generally speaking once you get a few miles out of Chicago the humidity and heat can be very oppressive due to the cornfields, rivers, strea,s and lakes that criss-cross the state. If it is as hot next month as it is now you can expect temps during the day to be in the high 90s and low 100s. The heat index is higher. If I could get away I would probably go to Door County - the thumb of Wisconsin where it is cooler and out of the proximity of the cornfields. .

If you are heading south into Illnois I'd pickup IL 29 to avoid 1-55 because of all the cornfields. You get a change of scenery, plus IL 29 goes througho Springfield.