Where to Stay in Springfield – A Guide to the Capital of Illinois
Springfield is the capital and sixth-most populated city in Illinois, the second-largest outside of the Chicago metro area. Located in the center of Illinois, near Lake Springfield. This city is famous for being the home of Abraham Lincoln and many attractions related to him. In this post, we will explore the best areas to stay in Springfield, IL.
The main attractions related to Abraham Lincoln in Springfield include the Lincoln Home, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, the Lincoln Tomb, or the Lincoln Memorial Garden and Nature Center. Many of these landmarks are located in the city center and the Historic District. See accommodation in Springfield’s Historic District.
Other important attractions in Springfield include the Dana Thomas House, the Old State Capitol, Illinois State Museum, Illinois State Capitol, or the Illinois Governor’s Mansion.
Outdoorsy types and those traveling with kids will also enjoy attractions like the Henson Robinson Zoo, Knight’s Action Park, Washington Park Botanical Garden, and Lake Springfield.
Due to its inland location in Illinois, Springfield has a humid continental climate with hot summers and long, snowy winters. January temperatures typically range between 19°F and 35ºF (-7 to 2 °C). Meanwhile, in the summer, average temperatures hover around 65 – 86 °F (19 – 30 °C). The best time to visit Springfield is from late spring through early fall (April through October); temperatures are comfortable for outdoor activities and sightseeing during this time.
To get to Springfield by air, the city is served by the Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport. Located 3 miles northwest of Downtown Springfield, this small airport offers domestic connections to a handful of destinations in the US, including Chicago and Dallas.
Springfield is also reachable by train. Amtrak operates two major services stopping at Springfield station; the Lincoln Service connects the city with St. Louis and Chicago, and the Texas Eagle line provides connections to cities in Arkansas, Texas, Arizona, and California. See train routes, schedules & fares.
The Illinois capital is also well-served by a network of long-distance buses with destinations in Illinois and other cities in the US Midwest. See bus routes, schedules & fares.
When it comes to moving around the city, Springfield has a public transportation system consisting of fixed-route buses operated by SMTD. The city’s Historic Center and Downtown districts are easy to explore on foot, but the car is still the best way to reach the outlying areas. Springfield is served by Uber and Lyft services, and you can always choose to rent a car during your stay.
The best area to stay in Springfield, IL, is the Historic District. This central area is home to the city’s main historical and cultural attractions, nightlife, restaurants, and some of the town’s best hotels. See accommodation in the Central Springfield Historic District.
Another great area to keep in mind when choosing the best location in Springfield is around the University of Illinois.
Keep reading to find more about the best areas to stay in Springfield, IL.
The Best Areas to Stay in Springfield, Illinois
1. Recommended area: Central Springfield Historic District
As its name clearly indicates, the Central Springfield Historic District is the Illinois capital’s historic and cultural heart.
This lively area is home to the oldest commercial areas in Springfield, as well as its historical mansions, tree-lined streets and cultural sights.
Centered around the Old State Capitol, many of the buildings in this area date back to the mid-19th century, when the city experienced a population boom.
This elegant district was included in the National Register of Historic Places back in the 1970s thanks to its well-preserved examples of historical architecture that includes 19th-century brick residencial and commercial structures, as well as neoclassical, neogothic and neo-Romanesque mansions.
Many of these old buildings are open to the public and host museums, galleries, shops, restaurants, cafeés, and even hotels.
Many of Springfield’s most striking landmarks, including the Lincoln Home, the Dana Thomas House and the Illinois Governor’s Mansion are located in this area, with many more attractions located in its immediate vicinity.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Springfield, IL:
- Central location
- Historic buildings
- Connected by public transport
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Carpenter Street Hotel
Located 1 mile from the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield, this hotel offers a free transfer service to area attractions and the Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport. All rooms have free Wi-Fi.
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Budget
Mansion View Inn Springfield
This hotel is located in downtown Springfield, less than 10 minutes’ walk from the Illinois Capitol, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum and Springfield Amtrak Station. Free Wi-Fi is available in all rooms.
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Luxury
Inn at 835 Historic Bed & Breakfast
The Inn at 835 Historic Bed & amp; Breakfast is located in Springfield, 1 mile from the Old State Capitol, and offers accommodation with access to a garden. Free Wi-Fi access is available.
2. South Springfield (Near the University of Illinois)
South Springfield is located, as its name in indicates, south of the city, near the campus of the University of Illinois and near Lake Springfield.
The area is characterized by annual festivals and activities that include parades, performances, dances and games that fill the neighborhood with life.
Being an area full of young people, it has several entertainment centers unique in the city, which maintains a lively atmosphere in restaurants and cafeterias.
In South Springfield, the Thomas Strawbridge farm stands out for being a historic house with a Greek Revival structure, located at the southern end of the University of Illinois on the Springfield campus.
In South Springfield, there are three easily identifiable areas: Legacy Campus, SSU Permanent Construction and the University of Illinois, all ideal for recreation.
Whether on a business trip or vacation, South Springfield is one of the best areas to stay in Springfield, due to the variety of hotels available on its streets.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Springfield, Illinois:
- University of Illinois Springfield
- Cheap hotels
- Cultural attractions
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
La Quinta Inn & Suites Springfield
La Quinta Inn & amp; Suites Springfield is located in Springfield, 2.4 miles from the University of Illinois at Springfield. Free WiFi access is available. The hotel is approximately 4 miles from Knight’s Action Park and 4 miles from BOS Center.
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Budget
Motel 6 Springfield Illinois
This Springfield motel is located off Interstate 55, less than 15 minutes’ drive from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and the Illinois State Capitol. It has an outdoor pool and offers rooms with cable TV.
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Luxury
Drury Inn & Suites Springfield
Located off Interstate 55 and 15 minutes’ drive from the Illinois Capitol and the Lincoln National Historic Landmark, this Springfield hotel offers rooms with a flat-screen TV and free Wi-Fi.
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