Always Legendary Springfield, Illinois - NTA Courier
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Always Legendary Springfield, Illinois

By Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau
April 26, 2023

Always Legendary Springfield, Illinois, located on iconic, historic Route 66, is the history-filled capital of Illinois! Your group is in for an experience that’s one for the history books. With charming and walkable streets, plenty of Abraham Lincoln legend and lore, and exciting special events, this is a destination that will help you fill your motorcoach and have them asking for more.

The Old State Capitol
The Old State Capitol

Imagine Abraham Lincoln himself stepping aboard your coach as you arrive and welcoming your group to his hometown of Springfield. (Lincoln appearances are subject to availability.) Group tours to Springfield find world-class sites that explore the life and legend of Abraham Lincoln, including:

  • The world-class Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
  • The Lincoln Home National Historic Site, the only home he ever owned
  • The Old State Capitol, where Lincoln delivered his famous “House Divided” speech
  • The Lincoln Tomb, the second-most visited cemetery in the United States

In fact, Springfield has more Lincoln sites than anywhere else in the world—plus many more group-friendly historical homes and museums.

Route 66 Drive-In
Route 66 Drive-In

Our city excels at offering a comfortable, well-organized experience. Visit Springfield provides complimentary itinerary planning and scheduling at our historic sites, helping you maximize your time as well as guaranteeing entry for your group. Travel planners will find complimentary bus parking, numerous bus-friendly one-way streets, a wide variety of group-friendly hotels to fit your budget, and dining options with culinary delights galore. There are unique evening entertainment options, from performing arts and historical ghost walks to concerts and the Route 66 Drive-in movie theater. Our central location between Chicago and St. Louis makes us a natural and economical overnight stopping point.

The SCVB team is a powerhouse team with more than 70 years of industry experience and a combined 200 years of living in our city! When the “brain trust” unites, there is literally nothing that we cannot solve for our customers and guests. The plethora of contacts, references, and experiences sets us apart to be able to tackle any challenge sent our way. Let our motorcoach marketing specialist and team help you create a unique experience that is perfect for your group. From hotel solicitation and itinerary planning to marketing support and creating a unique experience, Visit Springfield has you covered with the latest on what’s new in Springfield, Illinois.

Let our Explorer Passport guide your journey! One city, 25 unique sites, museums, legends, landmarks, and culinary adventures in one handy pocket-size passport. Don’t miss the newest addition: the seasonal, SLIDE DOWN 66! Soar down the iconic, 40-foot-high giant slide on the historical Illinois State Fairgrounds! Adjacent to the giant slide, groups can walk the entire Illinois Route 66 corridor in microform. They can marvel at the Neon Sign Park with new and restored signs, a paved brick road, a 25-foot-tall fiberglass Route 66 muffler man, and a drive-in theater replica; learn more about the Green Book Experience with the Route journey; and view interpretive signs highlighting all Route 66 communities from Chicago to the Chain of Rocks Bridge.

Unwind and relax at one of several local wineries and breweries while enjoying the ultimate in Springfield cuisine. Group tours that include a special “sneak peek” can be arranged with the locations.

During the 14th Annual History Comes Alive season this summer—June 2 through Aug. 6—Abraham and Mary Lincoln will lead a cast of characters for a trip back in time that you won’t want to miss. Meet the Lincolns at historic sites throughout the city. You can hear about their lives in Springfield; listen to Abraham deliver some of his most famous speeches; or enjoy an ice cream social at Edwards Place, where the Lincolns would visit their friends, Benjamin and Helen Edwards.

Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon
Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon

Enjoy an outdoor concert at Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon, one of the largest carillons in the world.

Visit the Illinois State Military Museum where a veteran shares stories of service, and the nearby Springfield and Central Illinois African American History Museum, where visitors enjoy appearances from important figures in African American history.

There are many itineraries crafted by our tourism experts that can help you make the most of your time in Springfield. The city is ready and able to assist planners in having a successful, stress-free experience that will leave their guests thanking them for years to come! 

In-person has never been so personable! Call Darrin Thurman, motorcoach specialist, to book your group today: +1.800.545.7300, ext. 5535.

Photos by Springfield CVB

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