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Photo: User:Visviva, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
A reservoir that also serves as a popular fishing spot.
Lake Springfield is a 3,965-acre (16.05 km2) reservoir in the southeast of the capital city of Springfield, Illinois. It is 560 ft (170 m) above sea level. The lake was formed by building Spaulding Dam across Sugar Creek, a tributary of the Sangamon River. It is the largest municipally owned body of water in Illinois. The lake and the lands adjoining it are all owned by City Water, Light & Power, the municipal utility for the city of Springfield, which operates the Dallman Power Plant at the lake's north end. Multiple city parks border its more than 50 miles (80 km) of shoreline.
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A large venue that hosts big-name national touring acts of music, dance, broadway theater, etc.
Springfield Municipal Opera
This non-profit community theater stages four musicals each summer at their outdoor amphitheater. The organization has been active at this location for more than 50 years, which testifies to the fine productions. Park-like setting has areas for pre-show picnics. Reserved seats and lawn are both available.
The site features Abraham Lincoln's residence of 17 years, beautifully restored to its 1860 appearance. Entry to the home itself is only by ranger guided tour, but tickets can be obtained at the Visitor Center desk, and admission is free. The Visitor Center also offers an orientation film, along with other exhibits that change periodically. In addition to the home, a four-block area has been preserved to look as it would in Lincoln's time period. Several of the other homes feature exhibits as well.
This restored railroad depot, located a few blocks from Abraham Lincoln's home, was where he started his inaugural journey to Washington, D.C. On 11 February 1861, a large crowd gathered outside to watch him board a special presidential train.