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Illinois State Museum

Museum
In Springfield, Illinois
0.1 mi from Route 66

The Illinois State Museum in Springfield, IL, tells the story of the state's land, people and art, a mission that dates to 1877. Exhibits range from local fossils and mining to Native American dioramas, historic household displays and even glass paperweights. It is free to visit, sits one block southwest of the State Capitol and is about 0.8 mile off the old road.

What is Illinois State Museum?

The main museum mixes natural history with the culture and art of Illinois. Visitors can see fossils found in Illinois, displays on mining, rooms showing how households looked in different periods, scenes of Native American life built as dioramas, and archaeological and ethnographic artifacts. Art is part of the mix alongside the science. Because it covers so many subjects under one roof, it works well for groups with different interests, from fossil fans to art lovers.

History of Illinois State Museum

The museum was founded in 1877. Beyond the headquarters, the museum runs three other locations: Dickson Mounds, in Lewistown; a gallery in Lockport; and a research and collections center elsewhere in Springfield.

Visiting Illinois State Museum: tips

Allow one to two hours. It is free to visit and listed as wheelchair accessible, which makes it an easy family stop on a hot or rainy day. The Illinois State Capitol and the Fred Gottschalk Grocery Store are each about 0.1 mile away, while the Jennings Ford Automobile Dealership is about 0.2 mile off, so park once and walk between them.

If the day allows only one indoor stop in Springfield beyond the Lincoln sites, this museum gives the broadest picture of the state that Route 66 crosses, from its ancient fossils to its household life. The Dickson Mounds branch in Lewistown makes a separate trip for travelers with extra time, and the museum's website covers all of its locations.

Practical info

Address: 502 South Spring Street, Springfield, IL 62704
Phone: +1 217-782-7386
Website: museum.state.il.us
Hours: Mon–Sat 9–4:30 · Sun 12–4:30
On site & nearby

Sources: OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL) · Wikidata · official site — may be outdated. Suggest a fix

Where to eat near Illinois State Museum

All diners →

Diner & restaurant
Charlie Parker's Diner
Springfield, IL · 2.2 mi from Illinois State Museum
A Springfield diner dating from 1992, handy for a meal while exploring the Illinois capital on Route 66.
Diner & restaurant
Cozy Dog Drive In
Springfield, IL · 2.4 mi from Illinois State Museum
A Springfield drive-in known for its cornmeal-battered Cozy Dogs, Route 66 memorabilia and guest book.