Springfield Information

Springfield became the Illinois state capital in 1837 with the help of a young lawyer and politician named Abraham Lincoln. He lived in the city until he left to become the 16th President of the United States, in 1861. From that moment on, the city's history and future have been inexorably tied to this most famous and beloved American citizen.

Springfield, the capital of Illinois and the seat of Sangamon County government, is located at the intersection of Interstates 55 and 72. Chicago lies 200 miles northeast of Springfield, St. Louis and Indianapolis lie 100 miles southwest and 195 miles due east, respectively.

Population/Economy

Balanced between the public and private sectors, Springfield has a well-diversified economic base an approximate population of 113,000 people. Springfield serves as headquarters for 12 nationally known insurance companies and more than 165 state, regional, and national associations. The community is recognized as a leader in the health care industry and is home to three major hospitals as well as a world renowned heart surgery institute. Springfield's consumer market area lies within a ten county region, encompassing 5,839 square miles, and supports products for export throughout the world, ranging from cake mixes, livestock and poultry feeds to space age electronics.

Taxes

Springfield has a 10% room tax for accommodations and a 7.75% sales tax on all shopping purchases.

Government

Springfield is the hub of Illinois political activity. As one of the largest and most influential states in the U.S., the state capitol building is a flurry of legislative activity each fall and spring. The city also serves as the seat of county government. The local government is based on a strong mayoral aldermanic council.

Education

The University of Illinois at Springfield, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Lincoln Land Community College, Springfield College in Illinois and St. John's College, Department of Nursing offer students a diverse selection of higher education opportunities.

Climate
Moderate year-round temperatures. Average temperatures range from 70-80° in the summer months to 30-40° in the winter months.

Transportation - To Springfield

Getting here is easy. By car, you'll find us on Interstate 55 (a.k.a. Route 66 for nostalgia lovers), just 200 miles from Chicago, and 100 miles from St. Louis. By plane, Springfield's Abraham Lincoln Capitol Airport is linked with the international gateway airports of St. Louis Lambert and Chicago O'Hare for daily flights, as well as Midway Airport in Chicago. And, by train, Amtrak offers daily stops in Springfield between both Chicago and St. Louis.

Transportation - In Town

Springfield Trolley -- An old-fashioned, open-air trolley (closed and heated in the winter) with regular stops at the major historic attractions. Tickets sold at several downtown locations. For a list of stops, ticketing locations and days of operation, call (800) 545-7300 or (217) 789-2360.
Mass Transit Buses -- Public buses are available to most areas of the city. The buses run from 6am - 6pm, Monday through Saturday, except for holidays. For bus schedules and maps, stop by the Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau at 109 N. 7th St., or call the mass transit office at (217) 522-5531.
Taxis -- Several taxi companies offer service to and from the airport and train station, as well as to all areas of the city. Check the local yellow page listings for phone numbers.

Sightseeing
Visitor Information

Over one million visitors a year come to see Springfield's historic Lincoln sites, which include the Lincoln Home and Neighborhood, Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices, Lincoln Tomb, Lincoln's New Salem, and more. Other attractions include the Dana-Thomas House, the Old State Capitol, the Illinois State Capitol and the Executive Mansion. Plans are now underway for a Lincoln Presidential Library and Interactive Museum.

Year-Round Festivals

Springfield offers hundreds of exciting events throughout the year, including: the Old Capitol Art Fair in May, the International Carillon Festival in June, the Illinois State Fair in August and First Night Springfield on New Year's Eve, just to name a few.

Shopping
From charming, one-of-kind boutiques to nationally recognized, big city department stores, Springfield offers something for everyone. The city's westside offers White Oaks Mall, (the largest central Illinois indoor shopping facility), national discount shopping centers, home improvement stores, state-of-the-art computer and home entertainment stores, fashion boutiques and more. The historical downtown area is brimming with specialty shops, antique stores, bakeries, art galleries and much more.