Visit a beautiful and free botanical garden located in Springfield’s park district. The conservatory houses over 150 species of tropical plants and their garden has over 5,000 rose plants. Other gardens include an iris garden, a perennial border, a rockery garden, and an outdoor cactus garden. They also provide a scent and texture garden for the visually impaired. Educational workshops are also provided and school tours for preschool and college level students are offered free as well.
Things to do
This Springfield zoo has over 300 animals native to Australia, Africa, Asia, and North and South America. It’s nonprofit and spans over 14 acres. The animal collection here represents 90 exotic and some endangered species. They offer a variety of events such as “Breakfast with the Animals” – where you can feast on a continental breakfast – and “Harry Potter Party,” where you can view the movie and tour the zoo doing Harry Potter-themed activities. Admission is free.
In 1902, Frank Lloyd Wright was commissioned to reconstruct this family home for patron Susan Lawrence Dana. Wright’s penchant for organic architecture, Japanese aesthetics, and Prairie Style design were key inspirations for this estate. The flat, Illinois plain lands were ideal for this because like the flat lands, Prairie Style relies heavily on horizontal lines and flat, hipped roofs. Since its completion in 1904, the Dana-Thomas house has been turned into a modern museum for Wright-buffs.
As one of the largest retailers of ‘60s and ‘70s retro novelty gifts, Penny Lane Gifts’ is the go-to place in Springfield for vintage memorabilia. They sell posters, music t-shirts, record players, body jewelry, adult toys, and smoking supplies – just to name a few deviant items. They also host an Annual Jerry Garcia Tribute day with live bands and reduced prices on Garcia-themed items. To find it just look for the building with the Jerry Garcia mural on its side.
Enjoy live theater under the stars. This non-profit community theater puts on four musicals each summer at their beautiful outdoors amphitheater. Around for more than 50 years, the Muni is a real Springfield-staple. You can bring your own coolers, lawn chairs, and even booze! So go early, find a nice plot of land, and kick back and enjoy the show. Tickets are around $8.
