Illinois State Museum, Springfield Travel Guide

4.5 (663)

Discover Illinois' natural history, Native American heritage, and artistic achievements at the Illinois State Museum in Springfield.

Home
Travel Guides
Illinois
Springfield
Illinois State Museum

The Illinois State Museum in Springfield showcases the state's rich natural, cultural, and artistic heritage. With exhibits spanning prehistoric fossils to contemporary art, the museum offers an immersive experience for visitors of all ages, revealing the story of Illinois' land, life, people, and art.

A brief summary to Illinois State Museum

502 S Spring St, Springfield, Vinegar Hill, Illinois, 62706, US
Click to display
Click to display

Monday 9 am-4:30 pm
Tuesday 9 am-4:30 pm
Wednesday 9 am-4:30 pm
Thursday 9 am-4:30 pm
Friday 9 am-4:30 pm
Saturday 9 am-4:30 pm
Sunday 12 pm-4:30 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Illinois State Museum.

Check the museum's calendar for upcoming events, including science lectures and family-friendly activities.
Visit the Mary Ann MacLean Play Museum for interactive exhibits designed for children.
Allow ample time to explore all three floors of exhibitions, from natural history to fine art.
Take advantage of the free parking available in the lot on the southwest corner of Spring and Edwards Streets.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Dana-Thomas House State Historic Site

Allen Miller House

Lincoln Home National Historic Site

Vachel Lindsay Home State Historic Site

Lincoln Home National Historic Site Visitor Center

Explore Illinois State Museum on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Illinois State Museum, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

The Illinois State Museum is located in the Capitol Complex, just south of the Illinois State Capitol. From the Capitol building, walk one block south on Spring Street to reach the museum entrance. The walk is short and straightforward.
Public Transport

The Springfield Mass Transit District (SMTD) provides bus service to the Illinois State Museum. The 'Historic Sites' route stops at the Illinois State Museum. Check the SMTD website or visitor centers for the most up-to-date route schedules and fare information. A single ride fare is around $1.
Driving

The Illinois State Museum is located at 502 S Spring St, Springfield, IL 62706. From I-55, take the Sangamon Ave exit and head east. Turn south onto Sixth Street, then east onto Edwards Street. The museum is at the corner of Spring and Edwards Streets. Free parking is available in the lot on the southwest corner of Spring and Edwards Streets. Metered parking is available along Edwards Street. Pay attention to the time limits on the meters to avoid tickets.

Discover more about Illinois State Museum

The Illinois State Museum, founded in 1877, is located in the Capitol Complex of Springfield, Illinois. It stands as a dynamic institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing the natural, cultural, and artistic heritage of the state. The museum's extensive collections and research activities form the foundation for its diverse exhibitions and public programs, offering visitors a comprehensive understanding of Illinois' past and present.The museum features three floors of exhibitions that narrate the story of Illinois' land, life, people, and art. Visitors can explore the state's natural history through interactive displays, life-sized dioramas of Ice Age mammals, and thousands of authentic fossils and zoological specimens. Exhibits also delve into the lives of the American Indians who inhabited the land for over 10,000 years and the European settlers who shaped the prairies of Illinois. Changing exhibitions highlight ongoing scientific research and showcase Illinois' artistic legacy with displays of fine and decorative art by Illinois artists.The Illinois State Museum also includes the Mary Ann MacLean Play Museum, a dedicated space for children to engage in hands-on learning experiences. Here, young visitors can dig for Ice Age fossils, study specimens under a microscope, and create their own art and history exhibits. The museum's commitment to education extends to a variety of programs and events for all ages, ensuring an enriching and engaging experience for every visitor.Beyond the Springfield location, the Illinois State Museum system includes the Research and Collections Center in Springfield, Dickson Mounds Museum in Lewistown, and the Lockport Gallery in Lockport.