An absolute must-see, one of the best museums I've ever been to. It was both interesting and entertaining, thanks to the wax figures and overall staging. Tons of good ideas. Don't miss Ghosts of the Library, it's amazing. I'd advise to allocate 2-3 hours to your visit.

A wonderful and educational experience for the whole family! I took my children (ages 9, 10, and 13), and they absolutely loved it. The exhibits are so engaging and interactive that they stayed interested the entire time — and they actually learned a lot about Abraham Lincoln and our nation’s history. The museum does an amazing job of bringing the past to life in a way that’s both fun and meaningful for kids and adults alike. Everything was clean, well organized, and the staff was friendly and helpful. We left feeling inspired and impressed — highly recommend visiting if you’re anywhere near Springfield!

I visited with friends and we had the absolute best time learning all about Abraham Lincoln. This was my second Presidential museum and I found it very insightful, informative, and overall intriguing to take my time going through each of the available exhibits. The staff and security were friendly and attentive to all of the people (and school groups) there in attendance on the day we visited.

An unforgettable journey through Lincoln’s legacy! Visiting the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum was an incredibly moving experience. The museum brings Lincoln’s story to life in such a vivid, immersive way — from his humble beginnings to his presidency and the Civil War. The exhibits are beautifully curated and emotionally powerful. Whether you’re a history buff or just curious, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation of Lincoln’s enduring impact. Just a few blocks away, we walked the same brick streets Lincoln did at the Lincoln Home National Historic Site. Touring his home and the preserved neighborhood truly made history feel alive. The park rangers were knowledgeable and passionate, sharing stories of Lincoln’s family life and his rise in politics. It was surreal to stand where the “Great Republican Rally” was held in 1860 right in front of his house. If you’re in Springfield don’t miss this powerful and inspiring stop — it’s a must-see for all Americans.

Very nice museum, enjoyable for people of all ages. You will feel transported back in time if you also tour Lincoln’s home during your visit.

Great museum that let's you walk through the stages of Abraham Lincoln's life. Recently added AR features are a nice way to keep children entertained while learning at the same time

Being a state-run attraction, the Abraham Lincoln President Library Museum is open during the federal government shutdown. This museum was really nicely organized. We went through only a portion of the full museum, the hall that showed Abe's early years up to his election, and the hall that showed his years as the president. The exhibits are really well done, with a lot of eye opening descriptions. Everything is on one level, so it's easy for the mobility challenged to move through the halls. They have a nice cafe, about $15 per meal.

We highly recommend arriving early as only a limited number of visitors are allowed per tour. It is not unusual to have to wait more than an hour or two for the next available tour. We arrived about a half hour before opening and there was already a group of visitors waiting for the NPS to unlock the door. Please note, though the museum and house tour are free, there is a fee for parking in the lot, it is self-pay through a machine, and we overheard they will not validate, though on street parking is free if it is a weekend. We had a fantastic National Park Service tour guide who delivered a well-paced and engaging narrative about the history of the home and the era in which the Lincoln family lived there. They also impressed us with their knowledge, confidently answering every question a visitor asked. There are many original personal artifacts from the Lincoln family on display inside the home and the railing inside the house is still original, meaning your hand will be touching the same railing the Lincoln’s touched countless occasions in a time so far removed from now. Don’t forget to tour the grounds and enter the other homes in the neighborhood. There is a luxury three-seater out house in the back yard that is quite interesting. (I can’t imagine.) If you love NPS sites, historic homes and/or past presidential history this should be on your bucket list.

We visited the Lincoln Home National Historic Site. They weren’t open for tours of the house when we went, but we still had a great time walking around, reading the history signs, and taking it all in. It’s so interesting to read about the people who used to live in Lincoln’s neighborhood. Such a beautiful area — especially in the fall with all the colorful trees. Definitely one to add to your bucket list if you haven’t been!

“A powerful step back in time – more than just a museum.” Visiting the Lincoln Home was one of the most meaningful experiences I had in Springfield. This is the actual house where Abraham Lincoln lived for 17 years before becoming the 16th President of the United States — and it’s been beautifully preserved. The guided tours are free (you just need to pick up a timed ticket at the Visitor Center), and the park rangers do a great job telling stories not only about Lincoln’s political life but also his everyday family life. It brings history alive in a very personal way.

Visiting the Lincoln Home in Springfield, IL was a truly memorable experience. Nestled in the middle of two preserved city blocks, the setting does an incredible job of transporting you back to the 1800s. The surrounding neighborhood, with its old roads and period homes, really helps set the stage for the life and times of Abraham Lincoln. It felt like stepping into a living piece of history. There is a wealth of information available not only about Lincoln himself, but also about the people and community that surrounded him. The exhibits and guided tours provide great insight into the social and political atmosphere of the time. It’s not just a house—it’s a deep dive into the world that helped shape one of our nation’s greatest presidents. Walking through Lincoln’s actual home and standing in the same rooms where he once lived was surreal. Many of the furnishings are original, and seeing his personal letter desk—shockingly small!—was a humbling reminder of how much was accomplished from such a modest space. It’s a quiet, powerful experience to be in a place that holds so much historical significance. This site is a wonderful destination for both adults and younger visitors. It’s the perfect place to help expand young minds and give them a tangible connection to history. Plus, here’s a fun fact I didn’t know until this visit—Lincoln loved cats and used to bring strays home regularly. That little detail just made him feel even more real. Highly recommend stopping by if you’re in the Springfield area!

This is a fantastic way to see into the life of Abraham Lincoln. The park guide was very knowledgeable. They have actual pieces of their furniture, books, stove, and artifacts that belonged to the Lincolns. The tour lasts about 30min but they have an entire neighborhood you can explore. You have to be able to climb stairs and fit in small spaces to go inside the house.

Lovely area with pictoral exhibits outside, but the Visitor's center was closed. No warning, no sign, just locked doors. There were at least 5 other couples wondering why it was closed, just like us. We're thinking it was because of the Government shutdown, but they could have at least posted a sign on the door.

Wonderful place to visit. Well done NPS! Make sure you see the film in the visitor center. Very good! Also check out the Dean House where you can see three different scale models of the home, each depicting different stages of renovations theLincolns did.

Fabulous tour by knowledgeable guide. Best free tour ever. Even on a cloudy day, 3 floors of fantastic design! Inspirational!

If you enjoy Frank Loyd Wright architecture, this house is a must-see see! It is literally a museum of his furniture and art glass. Make a reservation for the guided tour. It is well worth your time. Photos are not allowed inside.

I took the tour in Fall of 2024. Def. worth it! You're not allowed to take pictures inside. There is a bathroom in the gift shop across the street. Tickets are free, but must be obtained in advance.

The entire experience from beginning to end was breathtaking and informative! The staff were passionate and knowledgeable. The home and it's original furniture & fixtures have been maintained beautifully - you can truly appreciate the vision of all involved in the creation of the home.

I took the first tour on the last Sunday in June. Adam, the tour guide, was excellent. He was friendly and had great storytelling skills, especially about the home's original owner. He made history come alive. The home does have a lot of stairs. One must pay careful attention not to trip. The home design was fascinating, and it's in relatively good repair. Tour lasted about 1.5 hours. Make sure to reserve online. Highly recommended!

Justin was our guide for a wonderful tour through a Frank Lloyd Wright home. It has the most furniture designed for the home compared to other Frank Lloyd Wright homes. Admission is free and parking across the street east of the home is also free. There is a moderate amount of climbing stairs. Do not miss this beautiful home.

I love visiting old houses and this one is by far one of the most interesting houses I've ever been in. I couldn't have turned around and done the tour again after we finished. The architecture, stained glass and furnishings all combined in perfect harmony. The only thing that disappoints is that you are not allowed to take pictures. The only picture they allow is outside, of course, and the scale model of the house.

We had a good time! Enjoyable and very educational. I always love visiting state museums. We spent an hour here at least and I still feel like I could visit again and learn even more. The staff was awesome, weather at the desk or seen thru out, they were very pleasant and friendly.

A charming little museum that we have to admit we didn’t even know existed until now! There are some interesting permanent and temporary exhibits good for people of all ages. Go check it out!

The escalator was exciting and the displays are clean and informative. I enjoyed the conversations with the ladies at the front desk more than the exhibits and I'm entirely glad that admissions are free here as well as the parking. A person could run through this and see most the exhibits in less than a few hours very easily.

Free for Illinois residents, I took my 6 year old first grader here for the first time and he really loved it. The natural History exhibit on the first floor was his favorite, I was so surprised he was reading almost everything (he is a voracious reader right now). The 2nd floor is nice too but not as interesting as the first floor IMO, and the kids area in the basement is also nice, not as cool as a full children's museum, but it was a nice cherry on top since we went down there last - which is what I would recommend.

My partner and I visited and had a great time! We saw lots of fun exhibits and enjoyed browsing the indigenous beadwork and regalia portraits upstairs. Staff was very friendly. Entry is free, which was a nice surprise.

I cant believe they have 2 extinct animals taxidermys!!! Its a very informative place if you love nature. Its a bit small but otherwise its great!

Took my kids for a first day of school fieldtrip. We had a great time. We were pretty much the only people in the museum and had all the time in the world to examine the exhibits. We did a scavenger hunt through the museum. It was a great fieldtrip and we will be back to see the new exhibits when they have some

My wife and I were excited to visit Cozy Dog Drive-In on Route 66 in Springfield. There were lots of folks in the restaurant, both tourists and locals. We ordered two cozy dogs or corn dogs, two chili cheese, dogs, and a double cheeseburger. My wife really liked the corn dogs and the chili dog. I thought the corn dog was just okay. I thought the chili cheese dog was outstanding! The hamburger had a weird sort of taste that I have never experienced before. My wife picked up on that instantly. She had one bite and refused to eat any more of it. It was very strange. We enjoyed the history of the place in the story of the artist, Bob Waldmire. I purchased his Route 66 map artwork. It's a true treasure.

I love corn dog and I love this place sooooo much! The cozy dog is the best corn dog I have ever had. The restaurant interior is so fun and cute! I also love their cozy dog couple! I enjoyed all food I got and this atmosphere. I already want to come back! You have to go if you are around!!

We love historic eats and locally owned mom and pop joints like this one. Places like these are the backbone of what makes our country great. Cozy Dog Drive In had been on our must try list for a while, and we’re so glad we finally made it. After all, how could we pass up the chance to try “the original hot dog on a stick”? The place was buzzing with activity when we arrived. We lucked out and snagged the last available booth during the lunch rush. We ordered the Cozy Basket, which comes with four Cozy Dogs and a generous family-size serving of fries. Our total was $17.58 – Pro tip: They give you a 3% discount if you pay with cash. What makes this place special is that they still use the original batter recipe developed by the founder back in 1946. The difference between a corn dog and a Cozy Dog? These are made fresh to order! Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, with just a hint of sweetness in the breading—absolutely delicious. The fries were just as tasty. All in all, it was a true All-American meal in a nostalgic, one-of-a-kind setting. Definitely worth the stop!

The food was delicious! My boyfriend and I went with a traditional cozy dog and loved it! We first saw this place on “Man vs Food” and really wanted to try it. The Cozy Dog lived up to the hype!

A Route 66 stop and birthplace of corn dogs - how can you go wrong. We got our food about 11:30am and by the time we left, the place was packed. I’m sure it was locals and tourists like ourselves eating there. We enjoyed the experience, corn dogs and fries.

They made my food in less than five minutes. Everything was hot fresh crispy, delicious juicy, hot dog amazing cheese curds, and a burger was pretty good too. Plus, I think it’s really cool. How proud they are of the history of that place. They invented the corn dog after all well G.I. dog or whatever it was called all of it was a really enjoyable experience and I was outside smoking waiting for my food to get cooked and the guy even brought it out to me while I was sitting out there smoking I thought that was a really nice touch. Well done well done

Get Your Kicks On Route 66. The original corn dog. Historic stop on the Mother Road. Must stop.

The food is good, but the service not so much. It started when we arrived and were told we would not be seated until 30 minutes after our reservation. Two of us ordered beef Wellington and received a fillet instead. Took about 15 minutes to get our cocktails. It’s a nice place, just need to match it with better service.

This place was fabulous. I had the pork belly starter, and duck confit. They were so yummy. It server Dillion was great. Everyone enjoyed their food. The steak and salmon were cooked perfectly. The lemon cheesecake was so creamy and perfect. We are so glad we chose to eat here, It did not disappoint!

Fine dining. Good service. Prices are reasonable for what you get. The chef/owner gets produce from the Farmer's Market which makes the dishes exceptional. I highly recommend it. It is a Springfield historical establishment.

An iconic Springfield eatery.The food was actually better than expected.The specialty of the house ,Beef Wellington was well prepared and served with fresh vegetables. What brought the experience down was the attitude and indifference of an uncaring young dishwater blonde waiter. Food good.Decor very interesting.Pricing Reflective of quality ingredients.Off street parking.

Who says you can't go home? We returned to Maldaner's for a second time after a year's absence and it was excellent in every way. We had the tomato salad special and crab cake. The tomatoes had that distinctive fresh from the garden flavor. If this option is still available and you love tomatoes, don't hesitate. For mains we went with the Beef Wellington and Braised Chicken. It's an individual Wellington served over mash potato and it is wonderful. My only critique, is the mash could have been a little creamier, as in more butter and cream - might as well go all in on a dish like this. My wife's chicken was also excellent. We usually leave with doggie bags. Not from Maldaner's and it's not because the portions are small. We finished with a workman like apple crumble. The service was great. The waiter thought us how to uncork a bottle: you turn the bottle not the corkscrew. We tried it this weekend and it works. So our visit keeps on giving. Without question, Maldaner's is among our best restaurant experiences. Worth visiting Springfield just for this dining experience.

Came for dinner. Split the Beef Wellington & a salad. Both were very good. The only thing I wish was different were the mash potatoes. They tasted like they were boxed not fresh. Parking was free after 5:00.

Nice quaint setting with an upscale feel. Enjoyed the Duck Confit which was cooked very nicely, juicy, tender, perfectly rendered fat. The chicken two ways was also delicious and full of flavor. The outdoor seating was very nice, especially tonight for the 100th Anniversary Route 66 car show. Worth the stop. No reservations required.

Food Review: Cooper’s Hawk – Springfield, IL As a long-time fan of Cooper’s Hawk locations in St. Louis, MO and Orland Park, IL, I was truly looking forward to a special Mother’s Day dinner at the Springfield, IL location. Unfortunately, the experience didn’t meet expectations. We had an early reservation, yet service was sluggish from the start. After an extended wait, we had to flag down our waiter just to receive our dinner orders. One of the entrées arrived incorrect, though to their credit, the staff corrected it promptly. I was happy to see a gluten-free menu with several promising options. I ordered the gluten-free gnocchi chicken carbonara, but it fell flat—lacking the flavor and finesse I’ve come to expect from Cooper’s Hawk. The salad we ordered felt underwhelming in both size and value, and while I specifically asked for gluten-free bread, it never arrived. Service continued to be spotty. We had to track down our waiter repeatedly, and the final straw came when I opened my leftovers the next day. The lettuce wraps I had saved were a total mess—soggy and inedible, with the lettuce buried under wet toppings. A careless presentation that resulted in the entire appetizer being tossed. Cooper’s Hawk is typically a favorite of mine, but this particular visit was a disappointment from start to finish. Between the inattentive service, lackluster food, and sloppy packaging, I won’t be returning to the Springfield location.

It was phenomenal. The food came out at the perfect time. We were not rushed. It was so nice to have a quiet dinner.

Food was phenomenal and the service didn’t miss a beat. It was a hot summer day, and I assumed they were having HVAC issues, which is understandable. But the way the tables were crammed together made it feel more like they were chasing quantity over quality. Still, the meal itself was worth it.

We had a wonderful dinner at CH. Victoria was awesome and helped make our anniversary special. The sticky honey lemon cake was our favorite dessert we've ever had there!

Great food and environment. Service was good and with a party of 10 we had several wait staff take care of us. Had the chilaquiles that were on a brunch menu. Very good!!

Came here on 10/23 for an anniversary. Had reservation, so check in was fine. Service: Terrible. Our server was more preoccupied with cleaning, getting the place ready to close, and supervising other co-workers in the cleaning duties and such that they barely came over to check on us. Ordered our food and then asked for a diet. Half-way through my meal, the diet finally came. It was not busy, so the attention should have not been impacted. We asked for our check and waited over 25 minutes to get the check. We had to flag another server and even the manager to get the check taken care of. Manager "took off" the cheapest item on the bill. Our celebration was not the best due to the lack of service. Our bill was just two entrees, one soda, and one appetizer. The right thing to do after all of that would have been to just put it on the house. Server asked if we wanted wine or dessert, but why would we? We didn't want to wait so much time for items to be delivered to us. Not coming back to this place.

I'm very disappointed in the available of food/ wines at this location. I'm a member and have two magnum bottles of sweet wine that I'm unable to pick up because this location does not have them in stock. When I dined in a few nights ago, they were out of the item I wanted to order to eat however the chef did make it for me. Today I wanted to try the grilled cheese sandwich and they don't have that. I never have a problem ordering anything I want from any other location but this one. I understand Springfield, IL may not be as big as other cities however since there's a Cooper's Hawk here, they should have the same availability as other locations. I'm considering canceling my membership. I don't see the point of having it when items are constantly unavailable.

Solid meal overall - worth the visit. Came here to try the horseshoe sandwich. The food was very good. Horseshoe with angus beef was prepared well and tasty, and the serving size was very generous. Scotch egg was made with a hard boiled egg, so the sausage had a nice texture, but the egg was overcooked. Service was friendly, but a little slow.

A nice place to visit for dinner if you are in town, especially on a nice day as they have a big outdoor seating. I loved reading the history on brewery. The drinks were very tasty as well as the peach cider! I recommend Whiskey Glazed Salmon! Springfield, is know for the horseshoe, so we had to try it. The fries were super good the burger itself was a bit dry even with the cheese sauce on top. Overall, it was ok. The service was great! We did sit at the bar so we didnt wait at all for seating. Food and drinks came quickly.

A busy place so the noise level was a bit much for me since spaces for seating are small and crowded-I’ll plan another visit at a less busy time. The waiters were attentive and friendly. I went to try the fish and fries. Both excellent but the fries although were very tasty they came out on the lukewarm temp side. Still good but not hot. The fish was very crunchy and hot. The pretzel and cheese appetizers were very good as well. Worth a second go round.

Good food and atmosphere overall. Neat building from the outside, not as much character inside. Food was decent. Large enough portions to feel full. Had the spinach dip and pitas for appetizer. Was the best I've ever had, and usually not a huge fan of something like that. Had the Jager Spatzel dish. Needed salt and was not as tasty as it looked (thus, the 4). The pork horseshoe with Mac n cheese on corn bread was really good. Lots of flavor. Burgers were tasty too. Another in our party had the turkey wrap said it was good. Needed ranch though and for a small cup they charged us $1. With the chicken fingers, my daughter asked for ranch and they charged $1. Was a little surprised because that seems like a normal ask for something to dip chicken fingers in. Service was on it. Solid workers there. Drinks were always full.

Food was great drinks were great and I love that they gave mocktails! My husband got the fish and chips I got this burger forgot the name of it but it’s good!

Maybe the 3rd worst reuben I've had. The bread was so soggy, lacked flavor, and sauce. The beers are good. Our server did a great job with our big group. My husband says the burger was good.

We were visiting from Chicago and happy we found this place while doing the Lincoln tour. The food was amazing and the cherry Vanilla Seltzer was amazing, so amazing we went back the next day to eat again and drink…. Awesome place great bartender (Taylor) a must visit spot

D'Arcy’s Pint never disappoints! The horseshoes here are incredible—especially the catfish horseshoe, which we highly recommend. The food is flavorful, portions are generous, and the atmosphere is always welcoming. Whenever we’re in the area, this is our top pick without question. Shoutout to Sadie, our waitress—she was phenomenal and made the experience even better with her friendly, attentive service. Established in 1998, D’Arcy’s has clearly mastered the art of the perfect horseshoe. Don’t miss this Springfield favorite!

My friend and I were in Springfield for a teacher's conference. We hail from the Chicagoland area, and as you know, the food there is hard to beat. We had been struggling to find some good food in Springfield, and finally I decided that we were going to have our first horseshoe sandwich. Based on the reviews I've heard online and some people in the area, we decided to do it at D'arcy's Pint. I had the pot roast horseshoe sandwich, which was absolutely amazing! My friend had the Philly cheese steak horseshoe sandwich which she also loved. They had a great variety of drinks. I had a Watermelon High Noon which is not always easy to find. I would definitely go back to D'arcy's if I am ever in town again!

The Irish cheese steak horseshoe was supposed to come with peppers and mushrooms in it. The peppers were barely identifiable as peppers, just thin skin of what used to be a red pepper and the mushrooms were very few and far between. The cheese sauce was pretty decent. The menu said "piled high" with tender sirloin, but the meat wasn't very plentiful. Overall I wasn't very satisfied for the $18.

Ranked for their world famous horseshoe for a reason. Had a cold beer and good food with great service. Can be busy so expect a wait at times.

The horseshoes where good, the Shepards pie was a huge portion and tasty (but had mushrooms in it, even though when I asked they said no) the atmosphere was fun.

This is a nice restaurant with a good ambiance and quality servers. I thought the open face turkey Sandwich was great- excellent turkey, fresh gravy, and perfect mashed potatoes.

I ordered Greek Chicken Salad and it missed two things. No onions or cucumbers. I got cut-up tomatoes instead of cherry type as stated in the menu.

Today is my second visit and I just barely made the 10:30am breakfast cutoff. The owner or manager was kind enough to let me order breakfast. I got a made to order breakfast burrito with eggs and cheese. Was pleased to see it came with white flavorful cheese sauce mmmm. It had black beans and corn inside as well. A very generous and tasty portion. The nice touch was the side of fresh seasonal berries. My first visit here I missed breakfast but I got the Heather Feather plant-based burger which is amazing. This is a clean, pleasant cafe with very friendly staff. A nice place for a quick bite and some good iced tea.

My boyfriend and I ordered breakfast to go. We were both disappointed with the food. I ordered my burrito without onions. When I bit into it, it did not have onions, or almost any of the other listed ingredients. Only had eggs and bacon with nothing else when it should have tomatoes, beans, corn, and peppers. It was very bland. The hash brown casserole that comes as a side was honestly gross. It looks and tastes like someone else ate it first and then spit it into the container. Bland and gloopy. I was excited to try the food again since the last time I had their stuff was at their downtown location. Not saying I won’t try other things to give them a second chance, but I will definitely be avoiding their breakfast.

As always, the food was amazing! The staff was friendly and helpful. The restraunt was clean and tidy. I will be back soon!

Dined in. The grilled cheese sandwich my daughter got and the peanut butter and bakers cookie were very good. I got the salad with turkey and cranberries which used to be a really good salad. I will never get it again. The processed turkey chunks tasted awful(but I am not used to processed lunchmeat) and the lettuce was limited in quantity and brown around the edges. The guy who took our order was not pleasant. The young man cleaning tables kept busy and showed good customer service skills.

This was my first time visiting and I had a great meal with some fresh squeezed orange juice and a wonderful conversation with the owner that I hope will lead him to a small change that I think will make a big difference with a certain burger. 😁👍

Moxo is one of my absolute FAVES! I loved them downtown and I love them in the new location. I'm particularly obsessed with the breakfast burrito and the blended salty dog coffee. The whole staff is wonderful. Outdoor seating on a nice day is an absolute bonus.

Amazing! Food was absolutely delicious I got french toast and a smoothie it was so so good! The service was amazing, workers were so kind and friendly. Helped with anything we needed. HIGHLY recommend!