Skip to main content
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...

Moonlight Market

500 S 6th Street •  May 07 – Sep 17 @ 6PM

Moonlight Market takes place the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month, May through September on Jackson Street between 6th and 7th.

Read more about Moonlight Market

Old Capitol Farmers' Market in Downtown Springfield

Downtown Springfield-Corner of 4th & Adams St •  May 14 – Oct 25 @ 8PM

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

Read more about Old Capitol Farmers' Market in Downtown Springfield

Old Capitol Art Fair

Old State Capitol I Downtown Springfield, IL •  May 17 – May 18 @ 10AM

Art lovers find new love and appreciation for artistic expression at the Springfield Old Capitol Art Fair. Discover fine art and hidden jewels from…

Read more about Old Capitol Art Fair

You might also be interested...

Illinois State Military Museum

Springfield

Rare artifacts, including the artificial leg of Mexican General Santa Anna, preserve and showcase the diverse military history of Illinois from its earliest citizen soldiers to…

Read more about Illinois State Military Museum

Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon

Springfield

Surrounded by gardens and a reflecting pool, this magnificent musical instrument is one of the few in the world open to the public and offers exquisite…

Read more about Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon

Camp Butler National Cemetery

Springfield

Once the site of a Union Civil War training camp and Confederate prison, now a national cemetery for veterans and their dependents. There are over 25,000…

Read more about Camp Butler National Cemetery

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

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