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)
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
Steer clear of the legislature and governor and you'll be far less likely to encounter criminals.
Probably best not to wear any of your IU merch if you are wandering around downtown.
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.
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.
I would be more worried about property crimes here. Most cities outside of Chicago and it’s burbs are “midwest safe”
the problem is the cashless bail and other lenient crime laws make young people steal around here. lock your cars at night for sure in hotels
I believe the legislature is not in session, so the bars may be safe.
A couple of decades ago, I remember a gay or bi legislator getting frisky in a restroom and getting the crap kicked out of him.
Not sure if he was Republican or Democrat not that there is much distinction between Democrats or Republicans in Illinois as RINO George Ryan was leaving Federal prison as Dem Blago was entering.
After all the greatest pervert to ever become Speaker of the House came out the Illinois Republican Party.
I grew up in IL but have not been to Springfield since I was a child.
If you can rent a car or find a tour, I suggest you find a way to get to New Salem for the historic Lincoln home.
Also, be sure to have a horseshoe sandwich somewhere.
https://visitspringfieldillinois.com/Landing/signaturehorseshoe.aspx
While it’s not within walking distance from downtown, a visit to the Cozy Dog Drive In could be fun. It’s part diner, part kitschy museum.
1. Stay out of Illinois.
2. If you must go to Illinois, look online. There are lots of Lincoln related sites to see.
3. Restaurants will advertise “the pony”. It’s a hamburger patty covered with fries and cheese whiz. I don’t recommend it, but it may sound good to you.