Springfield, IL – The 16th Annual History Comes Alive summer experience is kicking off in Springfield, Illinois! Starting Friday, June 6 through August 9, 2025 Abraham & Mary Lincoln lead a cast of characters on a trip back in time. Meet the Lincolns at historic sites throughout the city and learn about their lives in Springfield.
From historic portrayals at locations such as the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, the Historic Old State Capitol, and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum to a Flag Lowering Ceremony at the Lincoln Tomb with the 114th Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry Reactivated, visitors are invited to become a part of living history. Listen to Abraham deliver some of his most famous speeches at the Lincoln Depot, meet and greet both Mary Lincoln and General Ulysses S. Grant, and enjoy live music from the Municipal Band and an ice cream social at Edwards Place.
What’s happening in 2025?
“History Cooks: Presidential Food Favorites” Hosted at the Lincoln Home Historic Site, experience the flavors and stories behind the dishes of past Presidents as we bring history to life through food. In partnership with Lincoln Land Community College’s Culinary School. – Fridays at Noon at the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, beginning June 6 (No event August 8)
Summer Downtown Trolley Service – Experience the rich history of our downtown sites and attractions with our free historic site trolley service! Our hop-on, hop-off air-conditioned trolley is the perfect way to explore most of our major attractions. Available from 10am-4pm Wednesday-Saturday, board the trolley from any of our designated stops, hop off at the attractions you want to visit.
Neon Glow & Tell: Legends Neon Sign Park – Each Thursday at 8pm, soak in the neon at the Route 66 Experience. Visitors will have a birds-eye view of Illinois’ 90+ communities along the Mother Road. Learn about the stretch from a local 66 Roadie and enthusiast.
Bird Watching with Audubon – Join America’s premiere artist and ornithologist, John James Audubon, on a unique, bird watching adventure at the Adams Wildlife Sanctuary. Brian “Fox” Ellis portrays Audubon and will regale you with his in-depth observations of the species we happen to see along the trail. – Fridays at 8am at Adams Wildlife Sanctuary
Ice Cream Social – Every Wednesday from 2pm-4pm, at the Edwards Place, join Abe & Mary for an old fashioned ice cream social with complimentary ice cream. The Springfield Municipal Band plays sweet melodies at 3pm.
Flag Lowering Ceremony at the Lincoln Tomb – A breathtaking flag-lowering ceremony led by the 114th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment. The ceremony includes a powerful musket firing and a resounding cannon salute. Each week, a lucky audience member is honored with the presentation of the flag, creating a cherished memory.
Additional weekly special events can be found in the full program at: https://www.
About Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau –
The Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau (SCVB) is the official destination marketing organization for the City of Springfield, Illinois. The SCVB markets the capital city as a unique convention, meeting and leisure destination in support of our City, our community and our hospitality partners.
