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Old State Capitol State Historic Site
Old State Capitol State Historic Site
4.5
Temporarily closedClosed until further notice
About
Painstakingly rebuilt after being disassembled in the 1960s, this Greek Revival masterpiece saw Lincoln serve as a lawyer and legislator. In 1858, Lincoln delivered his landmark "House Divided" speech in the Capitol's Representatives Hall. It is currently closed for restoration and site improvements.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
906 reviews
Excellent
548
Very good
294
Average
58
Poor
4
Terrible
2
BigMerk
Glasgow, UK2,303 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
We had already visited the current State Capitol,and decided to visit the Old Capitol. The building is unmissable and unmistakable. It’s very picturesque but sadly it was closed when we were there due to ongoing works so we only saw the exterior. Maybe next time!
Written 7 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Passenger07112771838
9 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
This is a great old building to tour. It is a good example of 1800's decor. The tour guides do a great job of explaining Abe Lincoln's relationship to this building. The story of how it was dismantled and reconstructed if fantastic.
Written 5 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sydney
Saint Louis, MO211 contributions
May 2022
This site is self-guided so you can spend as much or as little time as you'd like, but half an hour was plenty for my family. Great stop on a Lincoln Tour. Beautiful interior with a rich history.
Written 4 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carie501
Knoxville365 contributions
Jun 2022
The most interesting thing about this site is the "living history" presentations that are performed inside...most notably, the House Divided speech.
Written 14 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elizabeth B
7 contributions
Oct 2022
Lincoln gave his house divided speech here, in the front. It feels so small compared to the new capital building, but so rich in important history. A MUST see if you’re in Springfield!
Written 20 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
vocalynn
Oak Park, IL19 contributions
Nov 2022
This is a self guided site and only takes about 20-30 minutes but well worth seeing where Lincoln spent his time in the House of Representatives
Written 17 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A L
Edinburg, IL19 contributions
Nov 2022
Downtown Springfield died over the past twenty years. So while this is a great historic building, visiting it is a bit sad.
Written 14 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sue N
Columbia, MO214 contributions
Mar 2022
After viewing the Lincoln Library, we took a short walk over to the Old State Capitol. A charming building with a beautiful staircase leading to the various floors. The chambers were well decorated.
Written 11 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ChickenParm41
USA769 contributions
Sept 2022
It's the Old Capital Building where Honest Abe roamed the halls and Layed in State after he died.
Not really a whole lot to see, but a lot of history took place here. If only the walls could talk.
Walked over after visiting Lincoln Museum.
Parked on the street for free. Meters were not being enforced.
Donations were solicited.
Not really a whole lot to see, but a lot of history took place here. If only the walls could talk.
Walked over after visiting Lincoln Museum.
Parked on the street for free. Meters were not being enforced.
Donations were solicited.
Written 9 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
trimic
montreat368 contributions
Sept 2022
Almost decided not to visit since it was our last day in Springfield and we wanted to continue our trip. However, since it was near our b&b we decided to make a quick stop. This was a good decision. We ended up spending about an hour touring the old state capital. They had done a good job in keeping the building pretty much as it was. It was moving to stand in the very room where Lincoln had laid in state.
Written 29 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
do you have days and times for speeches presented by Lincoln, and Grant
Patrick J
Chicago, IL432 contributions
a block and a half from there is the Lincoln Presidential Library. That is where those things happen more often.On Saturdays by the old state capital they have a Lincoln look alike walking around outside there. Check with the chamber of commerce for dates at the capital. It does happen several weekends each summer.
do you have a day schedule for the times that Abe, Grant and others give their speaches
Trish F
New York City, NY115 contributions
No. Sorry. Try the Visitors Centre at the Lincoln home.
Are you able to take pictures for prom at the old state Capitol and do you have to make reservations to do so?
GertieRN
Plainview, IL167 contributions
Yes you can take photos there any time they are open. You do not need to schedule a time as it is open to the public and they do not block any areas for you; this goes for weddings also. You can hope people don't interfere with your photos but you are at the mercy of common decency ~ that's not always good.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Old State Capitol State Historic Site
- Old State Capitol State Historic Site is open:
- Sun - Sat 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Hotels near Old State Capitol State Historic Site:
- (0.19 km) President Abraham Lincoln Springfield - a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel
- (0.20 km) Wyndham Springfield City Centre
- (0.55 km) State House Inn, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
- (1.02 km) Inn At 835 Boutique Hotel
- (0.70 km) Carpenter Street Hotel
- Restaurants near Old State Capitol State Historic Site:
- (0.03 km) Subway
- (0.03 km) Terra Ferment
- (0.04 km) Cold Stone Creamery
- (0.04 km) La Piazza Cucina Italiana
- (0.05 km) Jimmy John's