Skip to main content

Search the middle of everything...

Shedd Aquarium

Illinois State Capitol

401 S. 2nd St, Springfield, IL 62701

Historic Sites

Watch Illinois politics in action, in this beautiful Renaissance Revival/Second Empire style building topped with a stunning 405-foot dome. All tours are free.

The first legislative session was held here in 1877. The growth of the state had increased the need for more file storage and office space than the Old State Capitol allowed. Today it is the center of Illinois government. The building is topped with a 405-foot dome and is a convention of Renassance Revival and Second Empire Style. Visitors can watch Illinois politics in action from balcony-level seating when the legislature is in session.

What's happening nearby...

The Harlem Globetrotters at the BOS Center

Bank of Springfield Center •  Jan 08 @ 7PM

The Harlem Globetrotters celebrate their 100th anniversary at the BOS Center on January 8th.

Read more about The Harlem Globetrotters at the BOS Center

Springfield Jr Blues Hockey Season

The Nelson Center •  Oct 31 – Apr 11 @ 6:30PM

Catch all the action of the 2025-2026 Springfield Jr Blues Hockey Season!

Read more about Springfield Jr Blues Hockey Season

Winter Old Capitol Farmers Market at Springfield Union Station

Union Station •  Nov 22 – Apr 25 @ 8AM

Visit Springfield's longest-running and most popular Farmers Market in beautiful downtown Springfield.

Read more about Winter Old Capitol Farmers Market at Springfield Union Station

You might also be interested...

Route History Museum & Souvenir Shop

Springfield

At Route History visitors can experience and learn about pioneers that made significant contributions to Illinois, the city of Springfield, the greater society, located along…

Read more about Route History Museum & Souvenir Shop

Illinois Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Springfield

The Illinois Vietnam Veterans Memorial, dedicated in 1988, honors the almost 3,000 Illinoisans killed or listed as missing in action during the Vietnam War.

Read more about Illinois Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War Museum

Springfield

The war that helped shape a country is remembered here in "War of the Rebellion: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies."

Read more about Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War Museum

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get inspired by top travel stories, gain access to exclusive promotions and contests, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois.