National Museum of Surveying

Museum
In Springfield, Illinois
0.2 mi from Route 66

The National Museum of Surveying in Springfield, IL, has closed; it operated on the plaza beside the Old State Capitol from 2010 until January 2013. The collection started out in Michigan and moved to Springfield in 2007 to become a national museum. There is nothing to tour now, but the site sits in the heart of downtown, about 0.7 mile off the old road, surrounded by historic buildings worth a look.

What is National Museum of Surveying?

In roughly 10,000 square feet of space, the museum told the story of surveying, the craft of measuring land. Exhibits included a room backed by NCEES and a Science on a Sphere display. Its spot on the capitol's north side put it at the center of Springfield's historic core.

History of National Museum of Surveying

The museum began as the Michigan Museum of Surveying. In 2007 it relocated to Springfield with the goal of serving the whole country, and it officially opened on September 24, 2010. It closed in January 2013, after a little more than two years.

Visiting National Museum of Surveying: tips

Since the museum is gone, use the spot as a reference point for a downtown walk. The Fisher Building-Latham Block is right next to it, and the Old State Capitol State Historic Site and the St. Nicholas Hotel are each about 0.1 mile away.

Practical info

Address: 521 E Washington St V&R, Springfield, IL 62701
Phone: +1 217-523-3130
Hours: Closed permanently
On site & nearby

Sources: OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL) · Wikidata · official site — may be outdated.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

Where to eat near National Museum of Surveying

All diners →

Diner & restaurant
Charlie Parker's Diner
Springfield, IL · 2.6 mi from National Museum of Surveying
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 · 2.7 mi from National Museum of Surveying
A Springfield drive-in known for its cornmeal-battered Cozy Dogs, Route 66 memorabilia and guest book.