Things to Do in Springfield, Illinois Beyond Lincoln Historic Sites
When people hear Springfield, Illinois, Abraham Lincoln is often the first person who comes to mind. But when guests ask me what else they can do while they are here for a wedding, I have plenty of ideas.
For architecture, consider Dana-Thomas House. For a peaceful outdoor outing, visit Lincoln Memorial Garden. For Route 66 memorabilia and a casual meal, explore Motorheads. These three stops offer different ways to enjoy Springfield around the wedding festivities.
As the owner of Pole Barn Chic Events, I love helping guests make more of their Central Illinois visit. You have already packed, traveled and made time to celebrate. Why not leave yourself a little room to discover the area?
This guide continues our series inspired by the Illinois Times Best of Springfield 2026 awards. Dana-Thomas House won the category for a tourist spot not related to Abraham Lincoln; Lincoln Memorial Garden and Route 66 Motorheads were among the finalists. Although the garden honors Lincoln, the visitor experience centers on the landscape and nature.
For ideas on arranging your whole trip, start with our 48 Hours in Springfield, IL wedding guest guide.
Before you go: Hours, tour times, menus, admission policies and event availability can change at any time. Please check each location’s official website or call before visiting. Holiday schedules may differ from regular hours.
Dana-Thomas House: a Springfield stop for people who love beautiful design
If you notice the lighting, furniture and little details whenever you enter a room, Dana-Thomas House belongs on your list.
Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright for Susan Lawrence Dana, the house offers a guided look at a carefully considered space, including custom furniture and original art glass.
As a florist and event decorator, I am drawn to the way individual details work together. A beautiful room can make you feel something before you have quite figured out why. That is part of what makes an architecture tour such an interesting addition to a wedding weekend.
Tours are guided, and reservations are encouraged. Choose your time before building the rest of your day around it.
Dana-Thomas House address, tours and visitor information
House address: 301 East Lawrence Street, Springfield, Illinois, as listed by the state historic site.
Phone: 217-782-6776
Regular tour times: Daily at 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m., except designated holiday closures.
Tour cost: No charge; donations are appreciated.
Official website and reservations: Dana-Thomas House visitor information
State site and holiday schedule: Dana-Thomas House State Historic Site
Arrive at the house’s front door 5–10 minutes before your reserved tour. The Sumac Shop is across the street at 302 East Lawrence Avenue, so be sure you are heading to the house for check-in.
The house contains stairs and narrow hallways, and not all areas are accessible to mobility devices. Call ahead to discuss an accessible tour. Interior photography is prohibited; save your pictures for the exterior.
Lincoln Memorial Garden: my personal recommendation for a slower morning
This one is personal. Nick and I were married at Lincoln Memorial Garden, and I also take my homeschooled daughter there for weekly visits.
It is a place I love sharing with guests because a trip does not have to be filled from morning until night. Sometimes a walk and a little fresh air are exactly what you want between traveling, visiting family and celebrating.
The garden offers woodland and prairie surroundings, trails and places to pause. I would suggest it for guests who enjoy being outside and want a quieter part of their Springfield visit.
Wear shoes suitable for the trails, check the weather and leave time to return to your hotel before the wedding. I would keep the ceremony shoes in their bag until later!
Lincoln Memorial Garden address and hours
Address: 2301 East Lake Shore Drive, Springfield, IL 62712
Phone: 217-529-1111
Garden hours: Daily, sunrise–sunset.
Nature center and gift shop: Tuesday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; Sunday, 1–4 p.m.; closed Monday.
Admission: Free except during special events.
Official website: Lincoln Memorial Garden
Trails and visitor details: Plan your garden visit
Garden access and nature center hours are different. You may be able to enjoy the grounds when the building is closed, so plan around the experience you want. Ask staff about a suitable route if anyone in your group needs an accessible trail.
Route 66 Motorheads: food, memorabilia and a little road-trip nostalgia
For guests who enjoy vintage signs, vehicles and Route 66 history, Motorheads combines a restaurant and bar with a motor museum and entertainment complex.
I would consider this when your group wants a casual meal and something to look at along the way. It gives you a different side of Springfield to explore, particularly if someone in your party loves cars or the history of the American road trip.
Check the event calendar if live entertainment is part of your plan. Regular business hours do not guarantee a performance, and individual events may have separate ticket or entry requirements.
Motorheads address, hours and official links
Address: 600 Toronto Road, Springfield, IL 62711
Phone: 217-679-7323
Hours listed on the official homepage: Monday–Saturday, 8 a.m.–11 p.m.; Sunday, 8:30 a.m.–9 p.m.
Official website: Route 66 Motorheads
Menu: Motorheads menu
Entertainment: Motorheads event calendar
Confirm kitchen service, museum access and any event admission directly; different parts of the complex may operate on different schedules.
For more about Springfield’s connection to the Mother Road, read our Married on the Mother Road? Yes, Please! blog. Its festival dates refer to the 2026 celebration, while the article also shares Route 66 background and local outing ideas.
Which Springfield outing should you choose?
What sounds enjoyable?Start hereArchitecture, art glass and interior designDana-Thomas HouseA quiet walk and time outsideLincoln Memorial GardenA casual meal with Route 66 characterMotorheadsA longer stay with several outingsOur linked 48-hour Springfield guide
I would choose one main outing on the wedding day. On a separate sightseeing day, you have more room to combine stops, linger over a meal and enjoy being together.
These attractions are in different parts of Springfield, so plan transportation rather than treating them as one walking route.
Frequently asked questions about visiting Springfield
What can we do in Springfield besides Lincoln historic sites?
Consider a guided architecture tour at Dana-Thomas House, an outdoor visit to Lincoln Memorial Garden or a Route 66 outing at Motorheads. Choose according to your interests, the weather and your available time.
Do we need reservations for Dana-Thomas House?
Reservations are encouraged because tour capacity is limited. Use the official visitor page to check availability.
Is Lincoln Memorial Garden free?
General admission is free except during special events. Check the event calendar for your travel date.
Is Motorheads only a restaurant?
No. It also includes a motor museum and entertainment spaces. Confirm access and any event requirements before your visit.
Can we fit sightseeing around a Springfield wedding?
Yes, with some breathing room. Start with the ceremony time and work backward, allowing for travel, meals and getting ready. Save longer outings for another day.
Give yourself time to enjoy Springfield
What I hope for our guests is simple: enjoy the wedding, enjoy the people you came to see and find something about Springfield that feels memorable to you.
Maybe it is beautiful art glass. Maybe it is a peaceful walk in a place that means a great deal to my family. Maybe it is a meal surrounded by Route 66 nostalgia.
There is room for all of those experiences in Central Illinois. Pick what interests you, check the details and make a little more of your stay.
Are You or Someone You Know Planning a Central Illinois Wedding?
We would love to introduce you to Pole Barn Chic Events, our Springfield, Illinois wedding venue and our little piece of country hidden in the city.
Website: pbcvenue.com
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Visitor details checked November 4, 2026. Hours and availability can change at any time; please confirm before visiting.
Photo by: BrookTree Studios