Posted on 09/23/2025 10:23:59 AM PDT by MplsSteve
Next month, I'm gonna take a few days and take Amtrak down to Springfield Illinois. I wanna see Lincoln's Home, etc. Basically, everything I mostly want to do is right in downtown Springfield. I won't have a rental car.
I've heard mixed stories about crime in Springfield. Can anyone tell me if the downtown is safe? What are food options? How are the hotels? Are there any other places or things you'd recommend? Would I be better off staying on the outskirts of Springfield and taking an Uber or cab in to downtown?
I'd appreciate any advice.
Stay out of Illinois?
Ask AI.
This is one of the few things it’s good at.
I visited Springfield three years ago, yes, the Lincoln Library and the 10 minute walk to the Lincoln home are great to see. There’s also the train depot he left Springfield on his way to Washington. The Lincoln grave is about a ten minute drive from the Library. I stayed at the DoubleTree which is right downtown a couple blocks from the Library, parking is in a garage next door. I never felt unsafe, and there were a few restaurants within walking distance of the hotel. The downtown area is pretty quiet, but again, I never felt unsafe.
The Air Combat Museum looks very interesting.
As for crime and the general situation today, you’ll have to see if someone who lives there now replies.
Use either a train, plane or automobile ... or walk if where you’re going is closer (/humor)
My experience with google AI that it is very inaccurate on geographic facts.
Be careful with Uber on the “outskirts”. Often you can get out there with Uber , but then you can’t get back. Uber is dangerous for that, they will leave you stranded out there
If the MPLS in his name refers to Minneapolis, then Illinois may be a visit to a more conservative area.
Steer clear of the legislature and governor and you'll be far less likely to encounter criminals.
I took my daughter on a cross country trip years ago. She actually enjoyed visiting the tomb in Springfield. It was a fun day before setting off for the Wild West.
(Then the next yearshe turned into a teenager and didn’t like anything for eight years or so. Then we got her back, LOL)
Probably best not to wear any of your IU merch if you are wandering around downtown.
Much like most Americans.
I actually live just outside Springfield. You should be OK around the Presidential Library museum & walking to the Lincoln sites, only a couple blocks, stay on the sidewalk on 6th street to Capital Ave. if you walk. But be VERY careful. Crime here has gotten really bad. During the day there is usually enough foot traffic from state employees that it’s not bad. Just keep your head on a swivel, act like you know where you’re going & you’ll be fine. Or grab an Uber or cab.
My dad was born in Springfield, and grew up in Decatur and Forrest, Illinois. I visited Springfield once just to go to the Sangamon County courthouse to get a copy of my dad’s birth certificate (while doing some genealogy research). I stayed over night somewhere in the southeast end of town. Did not see why I would want to go to Springfield again.
If your trip coincides with the Illinois fall veto session, I would think downtown Springfield would have extra security. That said, as an older fuddy-duddy I would suggest getting back to your hotel area by sunset.
That was my thought, leave Illinois and never return. 😁
The cemetery is a short trip from downtown and also worth a few hours while you are there.
And the settlement at New Salem, especially is the reeactors are on duty.
If they have tours, I would take that to see all of the major attractions you might want to see.
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