Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument is within an hour's drive of many attractions. It is also within a few hours' drive of other National Park Service sites. Check out the information below to find a variety of experiences for all interests.
Springfield, Illinois Nearby Attractions
NPS Lincoln Home National Historic SiteLocated in downtown Springfield, the Lincoln Home is the site of the only home that Abraham Lincoln ever owned. The home was the residence of the Lincoln family from 1844-1861, when Lincoln was elected president. Surrounding the home, is the restored, historic neighborhood that Lincoln lived in along with his neighbors. Visitors can "travel back in time" to learn more about the story of Lincoln and other who lived in Springfield. Free, guided tours are offered of the Lincoln Home daily, tickets can be acquired day-of in the visitor center. 
NPS The Old State CapitolLocated a few blocks from the site, the Old State Capitol served as the seat of the Illinois state government from 1839 to 1876. The building had an important role in the political struggle between Stephen A. Douglas and Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln delivered the famous 1858 "House Divided" speech here and used the governor's room as a headquarters during the 1860 presidential campaign. Visitors can walk through the Old State Capitol free of charge. 
NPS Lincoln's New Salem State Historic SiteLocated 20 miles northwest of Springfield, Lincoln's New Salem stands as a reconstruction of the village where Abraham Lincoln spent his early adulthood. At New Salem, he worked as a store clerk, split rails, served as postmaster, enlisted in the military during the Black Hawk War, started learning law, and more. Visitors can explore the site free of charge, and learn about Lincoln's early adulthood. 
NPS Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & MuseumThe Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (ALPLM) is located in downtown Springfield. The ALPLM offers a wide range of exhibits covering the life and times of Abraham Lincoln, including replicas of his boyhood cabin and the Lincoln White House. There is an entrance fee for the museum. 
NPS Illinois State CapitolThis is the current state capitol of Illinois. The first legislative session was held in the "new" state capitol in 1877. The growth of the state had increased the need for more space than the "old" one allowed. Today it is the center of state government. Visitors can watch Illinois politics in action from the balcony-level seating when the legislature is in session. Free guided tours are offered of the building throughout the day. 
NPS Lincoln TombDedicated in 1874 and located a few miles north of downtown Springfield, the Lincoln Tomb is the final resting place of Abraham Lincoln, his wife, and three of their four sons. On the site is the public receiving vault where the scene of the funeral services for Lincoln took place on May 4, 1865. Entrance is free and visitors can walk around the outside of the tomb and enter the inside during public viewing hours. 
NPS The Dana-Thomas HouseThe Dana-Thomas House is an early Frank Lloyd Wright design that stands as the finest example of the creativity and unique characteristics of the Prairie School of Architecture. The Dana-Thomas House is located in downtown Springfield. Visitors can take a free, hour-long guided tour of the house and learn about its unique architecture and residents. 
NPS Springfield and Central Illinois African American History MuseumThe Springfield and Central Illinois African American History Museum is a couple miles north of the site. The museum offers a look at stories about African-American life in Central Illinois, past and present. An exhibit titled, "The Springfield Race Massacre of 1908" can also be found here. Admission to the museum is free. Going West Jacksonville is about 41 miles west of the site on Interstate 72. Find more history here at the Jacksonville African American History Museum and Jacksonville Area Museum. Art lovers might enjoy the David Strawn Art Gallery. Jacksonville also offers many restaurants, shops, and fishing opportunities.
Learn more at the Jacksonville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. Barry is about 86 miles west of the site on Interstate 72. Barry is the location of another Illinois national park site, New Philadelphia National Historic Site. Here, you can learn about the first U.S. town platted and legally registered by an African American. Dive into the rich history and stories of the people who called New Philadelphia home.
Learn more at New Philadelphia National Historic Site. Hannibal is about 108 miles west of the site on Interstate 72. Hannibal is famous as the hometown of Mark Twain. There are many family-friendly attractions with Twain connections. That includes the Mark Twain Cave Complex, Jim's Journey African American Museum, and Haunted Hannibal Ghost Tours. Hannibal also has many shops, restaurants, cafes, and entertainment venues on its main street.
Learn more at Visit Hannibal. Quincy is about 116 miles west of the site. Take Interstate 72 west, then Interstate 172 north. Quincy offers a wide variety of activities for groups, friends, day trippers, and families. There are many museums, including The Quincy Museum, John Wood Mansion, Quincy Children's Museum, and Dr. Richard Eells House - a station on the Underground Railroad.
Learn more at See Quincy. Going South St. Louis is about 101 miles south of the site on Interstate 55. St. Louis offers a wide variety of activities for all ages. From the zoo and aquarium to the sports teams and museums, there is something for everyone. St. Louis is also home to Gateway Arch National Park, a commemoration of President Jefferson's vision of a continental nation, the individuals and cultural groups who helped shape its history, St. Louis's role in westward expansion, and Dred and Harriet Scott, who sued for their freedom in the Old Courthouse.
Learn more at Explore St. Louis. Learn more about Gateway Arch National Park. Chicago, Illinois National Parks |
Last updated: August 29, 2025