To be where Lincoln argued before the Illinois State Supreme Court more than 200 times. To be where Lincoln laid in state, prior to burial. To be in the House chamber where Lincoln was a state representative for multiple terms. To see where President-Elect Lincoln received dignitaries prior to his departure to DC. WOW! WOW! WOW! If you love history, if you want history and if you need history this is the place!PS: Keep your personal politics private otherwise the staff inside will jump on you. Even if you do they seem to want to distance Lincoln from his GOP roots, even to say that had Lincoln lived today he would be a Democrat.

First: check to the visitors center to see what is open and if you have to sign up for a time slot! We had to walk around for about 1 hour until the next tour time - which we didnt mind but if you are on a time schedule I would definitely check tour times first. Besides that, definitely come visit this! Original state capitol and so full of history. Tours have a guide who is very knowledgeable and once inside its a self guided tour. Masks are required as well as social distancing and hand sanitizers are available too.

Great knowledgeable staff is very helpful. Interesting history with well presented tours. FREE! They ask for donations, and it is worth it! Good displays, very thorough. The only original part of the building is the outer wall stonework. Everything else is reconstruction, but beautifully done.

Very well kept piece of history, the hosts at the house have pretty awesome facts if you chat with them for a minute... like how the whole building was taken apart and rebuilt to accommodate the underground parking structure.

We received a one on one tour because no one else was in the Capitol. The female guide was VERY informative and showed us every room in the building. This was more interesting than I thought it would be.

Very informative guide. Beautiful building with amazing history.

I’d recommend visiting because this building is a snapshot in time. It was used for only a short period before the “new” state house was built. Also, it was built before electric or gas light, which is interesting to see from an architectural point of view (the windows are incredible).There’s a lot of interesting memorabilia and the staff is friendly.It would probably benefit from better signage but the staff is happy to answer questions and give the rundown on the building.

Beautiful artwork. Incredible architecture. They offer a free tour every half hour. The tour guides are pleasant and extremely knowledgeable. They dont just point out rooms they know dates and facts and names and so much more. It was a wonderful experience and a very fun way to learn a little history.

Learned so much about Abe Lincoln and the early days of Springfield. Theres just no reason NOT to visit! Self-guided tour of two levels so you can spend as much time as you like. Very interesting!

This is definitely a must see. The building is awesome to see from the outside. The tour of the inside was self guided but staff was available for any questions. It was awesome to see the history behind the building.

This place is amazing. Have a free tour and check out the indoor scenery :) they do tours every half hour... or if its slow.. the minute you turn up :) incredible artwork throughout and plaster art.

The Junior Ranger program was fun and the Park Rangers were so nice.

Cool historical site. The kids learned some history and i got to enjoy some nice architecture and got to see how people used to live. Cool spot for a school field trip.

We made an appointment at the end of the day and arrived 40 minutes prior to the place closing and it was already locked up and nobody would answer the phone with multiple phone calls made, and all entrances were locked already. Drove over 3 hours to get here. Thanks alot for wasting our time. Why dont the employees stay till when they are supposed to? Must be nice to work for the government. Get paid to be lazy and not do your job with no repercussions. Would give 0 stars if possible.

It not as big as other capital but it nice building. It was mine 20th capitol that I have visited so far.. so 30th more to go

The staff tried his best to answer our questions though guided tours are suspended due to Covid.

I love coming back to the old capital I like coming out once a year with my family. To enjoy seeing our history that are falling fathers built we like going to small businesses and buying things and going to family-owned restaurants all the small businesses deserves to stay in businessI will fight for small businesses family-owned restaurants like no one has never done before I will always make sure they will not lose their business they need to be helped out and taken care of too.WALLECK FOR GOVERNOR 2022

Attended the Springfield art fair held on the old state capital plaza. Its a great event if your in the area stop and enjoy a couple of hours.

This building is definitely old looking from the outside with its rough hewn columns. Inside is a wealth of history meticulously preserved. Various rooms are available for browsing and the squeaky stairs leading up to the second floor speaks to the age of the building. Amazing to think you are walking in the very footsteps of our (IL) founding fathers. A great must stop location.

Amazing historical landmark! The place could use a little love on the maintenance end. I get that the building is older but they still have plenty of guests coming to visit and could stand to at least fix the stalls in the restroom. None of the stall doors locked properly and even had hand written notes to NOT lock them.It is still a place that always leaves me in awe to think of the amazing history that was created there.

Excellent free tours about 25 minutes.

Beautiful old building, glad its not been torn down!

Amazing History, Guide was super helpful and knowledgeable. Great for families while learning about our History.

First time being here. Was for a naturalization ceremony but it was also Flag Day, what a nice cerenony. My children caught Abe walking around too.

Had a wonderful time. Brian was enthusiastic and helpful and the building was intriguing and so full of history.

This was our first year visiting during the Christmas season.We did a free carriage ride that provided warm blankets. We visited the Old State Capitol where we were greeted by Santa and Mrs Claus who handed out candy canes. Crafts and old fashioned toys for the kids to enjoy...hot cocoa and yummy treats as you walk down the streets. Smiling faces and Christmas cheer to keep you thru the rest of this year.

The pandemic has everything closed but it is beautiful from the outside. We look forward to returning when we can see the inside.

Very interesting and educational visit. Staff was available to answer any questions we might have and were very friendly. The building was very well-maintained in Era. I could almost feel of the aura of the time while visiting this beautiful building.I would definitely recommend visiting while in the area.

Very nice place. The art and the design of the building is superb. It has a lot of history while still being able to be modern. The old state capitol is also a good place to visit if you wanna see another piece of Illinois History. Easy parking and very nice staff.

Great place to stop for a quick tour and lots of interesting history plus tons of old interesting artifacts. They operate on donations and give good tours.

This is a hidden gem. Lincoln spent a lot of time here and the inside is kept up to look like it did in his time. There are guided tours that are very informational and fun. Check it out while in Springfield.

Pretty awesome! Artifacts and details of the building are pretty cool. I enjoyed strolling the building. Here are a few of my views... enjoy

Great place to visit, so many things to see, ask the guide about the map that never got published (thanks to Texas ). Take your time to really soak it in.

Architectural wonder. Preserved wonderfully. Self guided in the center of the historic district.

Alot of homeless asking for money, very sad. Its a ghost town......

The old State Capitol is surrounded by historic sites, shops and dining options. Tour the Capitol to experience Springfields early political history. The Old State Capitol is a nice venue for special events, too. The whole plaza is beautiful in every season.

Always a nice and history rich visit. The rooms almost seem like theyve never been touched in over 100 years.

The most beautiful state Capitol Ive been to. Ive been to about 10 others and none compare to the size, intricacy, ornateness and luxury of the Illinois capitol. Daily tours dip a good job describing just how grandiose it really is. Wish there was a tour up into the dome

Great place to visit and the staff was really friendly and informative.

We enjoyed our visit to this wonderful town.

Impressive structure that is just oozing with history. The rooms inside have been recreated to a period feel with interesting interprative plaques.

I very much enjoyed my time in Springfield. Much was learned about the early history of our government. The people we met were all pleasant and helpful which made our time there all the more enjoyable. Thanks!

Not a great deal here, but free entry and make sure you stop in on the way through town. Staff explained things well but not a huge amount here. Good stop through town.

This place needs some restoration love but it was really amazing to see a part of government history.

5☆ from a historical perspective, its amazing what they have done to preserve Lincolns memory; his home, office, town and original State Capitol. The town of Springfield its another matter, although its easy to access and has some great restaurants, its seems to be surrounded by poverty and homes in need of repair. I cant understand why legislators havent been able to attract more industry and help build the local economy.

Well maintained and didnt get too crowded on the day I visited.

Had so much fun with my 8th grade class and learned a lot about our old state capital

This site provides so much value in regards to American history. With IL being in the middle, so much passed through and happened on these last. This site has loads of history to uncover and they are always doing a reenactment of some kind

Ive been to several states Capitol buildings. This one is nice. You can walk around at your own pace. Lots of cool historical things to see. I liked seeing all the heaters to remind us of what it was like to live and work without central heat and air conditioning.

The toour guider was a very funny guy

Historic building with friendly staff. Parking nearby is a little tricky, but we enjoyed learning some history here.

Very knowledgeable volunteer guide. Beautiful building with amazing historical value.

If you have a chance to check this place out, I highly recommend it. Walk the halls where a young Abraham Lincoln practiced law. Pretty awesome.

In this hours only

Well preserved building with a lot of mid-91th century artifacts within. Being able to sit down in Representative Hall where Lincoln delivered the House Divided speech in a debate against Stephen Douglas was moving.

Free walk through. Nice gonna dressed up for the era.

Place is amazing. Really cool inside

This is a Springfield gem. The building is lovely, the tours informative, and the programming varied and excellent. The staff truly seek to serve the community with this centerpiece of Illinois history.

As we did most of the touring in Springfield we stopped at the old capital we didnt go on the tour we enjoyed seeing the history of the building

Really enjoyed looking around. We went on a Monday when it was slower and was able to have someone take us around and tell us about each room and answer all our questions.They have a suggested donation but do not require you to pay to enter.Was interesting to learn how the capital came to Springfield.

Awesome tour, great place for all Americans to visit, if you love President Lincoln its a must visit !

This place makes me feel like Im back in time. I love historic places so if you love them too check this out. They had a reenactment when my wife and I went and the guy did s fantastic job. So if you are in Springfield this is on my list of places to see while you are the. I thought I remembered taking pictures there but I cant find them on my phone, but do check it out. Any questions just ask!

It was very neat to walk back in history and see all the displays here. We enjoyed our visit.

Very cool to learn about the history of this amazing building.

Today I had the honor of being promoted to CSM in Representative Hall, what an extremely proud moment in my military career.

Awesome place to learn about our state

Excellent site to visit downtown. On this weekend, we went to see the Old Capital Art Fair, a four-block area (+ the area around the Old State Capital) showing talents of craftsmen throughout the country. Excellent place to find some beautiful artwork, have a bite to eat & enjoy the day!

Walk the stairs that Lincoln climb before becoming President. From the tour one learns that Lincoln spent time in the building, where he tried cases before the Illinois Supreme Court, borrowed books from the state library, and swapped stories with other lawyers and politicians. But its in the House of Representative room that Lincolns body laying in state, as a crowd of 75,000 mourners filed past to pay their last respects. Pause as history permeates the room, building and city.

Wonderful historical tour. Obama announced his bid for president on the steps where Lincoln served in the Illinois house. So wonderful a visit, donation only.

We walked through during the art fair. Very interesting displays. We thoroughly enjoyed it. If youre in the area, its worth your time to go and see it. I especially enjoyed seeing the legislature meeting rooms.

As taxpayers of Illinois this is your building and you owe yourself to visit it. You will go through a metal detector but the security people are very friendly and courteous. I encourage you to visit your lawmakers and let them know how you stand on issues that are important to you. The rotunda of the building a spectacular you should see it in person.

Beautiful building. Ive visited multiple times, this time for a wedding. And have to say was a great venue for it!

So much history. A great association with Lincoln, Douglas, Grant. The history comes alive program in the Summer is great. Larry Werline as Grant is the best.

A true historical treasure and surprisingly cool place for a wedding!

Totally worth the drive to this historic building. Its beautifully constructed and maintained.NOTE: If youd like a quiet experiece, go in the afternoon. Or after school time, as many tours go through educating groups of school kids when we went at 11a.

Beautiful building with friendly guides .. loved it!!

Old State Capital Art Fair is stupendous! Bands are playing, food stands available and I see something unique and excitingly different every year that I attend. ;-) Works of art are fairly expensive but these are some of the best artists from the Midwest and beyond in the U. S.

Very interesting and informational.

Went to the art festival. It was very nice. Lots of beautiful artwork by some amazingly talented people. The weather was delightful which made it even better!

Incredible restorations and historical artifacts. Self-guided tour allows as much time as you want to see and enjoy the history.

You go JP..way to get Sprinfield cleaned up and back on the map.

What an amazing Half Marathon

Car show today. Great weather. Great cars. Fantastic people showing their cars.

Went to the Old State Capitol on a field trip with my daughter and this place was awesome and the tour was very informative.

Well maintained, friendly staff, historical building where Lincoln walked, and an ice cream shop across the street. Informative and readily available for self- exploration and learning. What more could you want?

Fun building to visit. Rich history, knowledgeable care taker. Underground parking garage is cheap, which is nice, but creepy as only half the lights were working. I imagine half were off to save energy, but it makes the parking garage dimly lit.

Weather was terribleTransportation was terribleHowever it was still nostalgic visiting the State Capitol with my 4th college bound studentShe was extremely interested in seeing as much as possible before we headed back to the train station to return to ChicagoWe spent 7hrs together exploring and enjoying history being made during her lifetimeI told her she has many more historical moments shell have to share with her own family one dayThats why I try to engage myself into my children lives because once-in-a-lifetime dont always come back aroundWE NEED EACH OTHERWHETHER WE WANT TO ADMIT ITBUILDING / REBUILDINGOUR FAMILY (FAMILIES )

We enjoyed our day very much went to the state capitol and to the State Museum walked the streets had lunch went by Lincoln Museum plan on coming back and spending a whole day at the Lincoln Museum we want to bring the train up next time had a wonderful day

Everyone should go at least one time. It is so interesting and cool to see where our forefathers decided laws, held cases and kept our state running.

Awsome place being in an old mansion. Great atmosphere and great staff.

Our guide, Charles, was extremely friendly and knowledgeable. Such wonderful history here. Dont miss it!

Neat to be here where history is so abundant. See the building where Abraham lincoln worked for many years and delivered his famous house divided speech. Not a huge building, can see most things in about 30 minutes unless you are reading and examining everything. Definitely worth checking out when in Springfield.

Nice staff nice benches really liked going here!

Great history there. From Lincoln to Obama.

Earth Week here! Volunteers are FANTASTIC!

Great service but the food was not good

I go during the art festival/gay pride time of the year and its accommodating underground parking is lovely. The history shines through, but it can be a little stale year after year growing up here.

Street parking and parking garages are close. Great for a quick see if youre in the area.

I visited the Old State Capitol after touring the modern-day state capitol. It was very cool to see the technological and functional differences between the two capitols. At the same time, it was interesting to realize that the fundamental operation of the government hasnt really changed much between Abraham Lincolns era and now. The visit was especially moving when one of the tour guides gave a very vivid description of President Lincoln laying in state in the representatives hall where he once served. It was amazing to think that ten percent of the country at the time came to Springfield and filed through that same small room to pay their final respects to their fallen leader. The Old State Capitol is a must-see for anyone wanting to retrace Lincolns steps in Springfield.

Great to learn about history. The performance the young people put on was knowledgeable and entertaining