Agencies
Services
Old State Capitol Plaza, 6th & Adams Streets, Springfield
The Old State Capitol is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Saturday, 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Sunday through Monday. Please note the holiday schedule for info on what holidays the site is open and closed. If you have a question about our site, you can contact our staff at DNR.historicspringfield@illinois.gov.
Site Holiday Closings:
New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Lincoln's Birthday, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
Site Holiday Openings:
Juneteenth, Independence Day, Columbus Day, Veteran's Day.
- Our indoor capacity is 150 guests.
- Guests will not be permitted to touch or utilize any historic furniture, artwork or other artifacts in the building.
The accessible elevator inside the Adams Street Plaza kiosk is currently out of operation and we apologize for the inconvenience. A temporary accesibility ramp has been installed and a permanent lift for the Old State Capitol State Historic Site in the future.
- 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 Tuesday through Saturday 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 east (6th Street) or the south (Adams Plaza) gates. An accessibility ramp is available at the south (Adams Plaza) entrance.
Registered service dogs are allowed inside the site, but other pets are not allowed.
Restrooms and bottle-filling water stations are located on a lower level for your convenience.
Policies
Parking
The parking garage under the Old State Capitol has recently been changed to monthly parking ONLY with no public access. If you would like to get register for access to the garage, please see the link below.
Street parking may also be available; please note City of Springfield parking meters are enforced Monday-Friday, however, you do not need to feed the meters.
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.
