Agencies
Services
Old State Capitol Plaza, 6th & Adams Streets, Springfield
Site Holiday Closings:
New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Labor Day,
Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
The Old State Capitol State Historic Site will be closed to the public beginning January 17, 2023 until further notice for restoration and site improvement projects. Please also note the holiday closing schedule below. If you have a question about our site, you can contact our staff at DNR.historicspringfield@illinois.gov. We will announce a reopening date here and on our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/StateHistoricSitesOfSpringfieldIl)
- Our indoor capacity is 150 guests.
- Guests will be invited to use the hand sanitizing stations provided.
- Guests will not be permitted to touch any historic furniture, artwork or other artifacts in the building, regardless of sanitizer use.
- An accessible entrance is located in the kiosk on the Adams Street Plaza. Inside the kiosk, take the elevator down to the upper level (UL button) of the parking garage, then travel across the garage to the building door and push the call button for entry. If you need assistance, please call 217-785-9363.
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StateHistoricSitesOfSpringfieldIl
- Instagram: @statehistoricsitesspringfield
In the heart of our country stands the Old State Capitol, a reconstruction of Illinois' statehouse from 1840 to 1876. During the twentieth century's civil rights movement, its restorers faithfully recreated the building in which John Jones and Frances Gage worked to expand the meaning of freedom and Abraham Lincoln delivered his famous "House Divided" speech.
We invite you to see and experience the Old State Capitol by taking a guided or self-guided walk through the historic site.
Staff will be on hand to answer your questions as you view the building. The site is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
If you have any questions or would like to make a reservation (which are accepted but not required) please call us at 217-785-9363 or emaildnr.historicspringfield@illinois.gov
There is no charge for the tour, however, donations to support the historic site are appreciated. You can make a donation online or during your visit.
Arrival
You can enter the Old State Capitol from either the north (Washington Street) or the south (Adams Plaza).
Our grounds are open for your enjoyment and include a beautiful strolling path and perennial gardens for you to enjoy. Guests are welcome to picnic or play on the grass. Numerous benches are located along the pathway. Dogs are welcome on the grounds but not inside unless your pet is a registered service dog. Please clean up after your pet.
Restrooms and bottle-filling water stations are located on a lower level for your convenience.
Policies
Parking
An hourly-rate underground parking garage is located beneath the Old State Capitol; entrance is on Sixth Street between Adams and Washington. The rate is $1.50/30 minutes. The garage is open Monday to Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Metered street parking may also be available; please note, City of Springfield parking meters are enforced Monday-Friday.
Old State Capitol Parking Registration
Photography Policy
We welcome you to take photos and videos throughout the site, both indoors and outdoors. Please be respectful of the artifacts and other guests.
IDNR Information
Justin Blandford, Superintendent
Office of Land Management, Historic Sites Division
dnr.historicspringfield@illinois.gov
217-524-3971
Social Media
We also encourage you to watch the introductory video below in advance of your visit.
Old State Capitol of Illinois - YouTube
Old State Capitol of Illinois - YouTube
The Old State Capitol in Springfield Illinois is a reconstruction of the 5th State House. It served as the State Capitol from 1840-1876. Young Abraham Lincoln worked as a legislator the first year ...
NOTE: Teachers in Illinois schools (grades prekindergarten through 12) can apply for grant funds to visit this site on a field trip with their students.
