Things to Do in Springfield If You’re Headed Down to Illinois State Fair
I spent a couple of years living in Illinois' capital city of Springfield, and one of the highlights of the summer was always the concerts at the Illinois State Fair.
If you're planning a trip downstate for the concerts, livestock shows, carnival rides, and legendary fair food, here are some other things to eat, watch, and do while you're in the area.
Something to Eat in Springfield
If you've never had a Horseshoe, there's really only one place to get it, and that's at Charlie Parker's Diner. Located just off the original Route 66 (700 North Street, Springfield, IL), this restaurant is inside a refurbished World War II Quonset hut, which is an experience in itself.
The iconic Horseshoe sandwich features your choice of either Hamburger, Ham, Bacon, Sausage, Turkey, Chicken Breast, Chicken Fingers, Country Fried Steak, Walleye, Pork Tenderloin, or Buffalo Chicken, topped with Fries or Tater Tots & cheese sauce.
Something to Watch in Springfield
While the Illinois State Fair is happening from August 13 through 23, not far from the fairgrounds at Robin Roberts Stadium, the first season of the Women's Professional Baseball League is being played.
This historic 30-game season, including playoffs, is being played through mid-September, allowing fair visitors to take in a game during the league's inaugural season. CLICK HERE to find out more about tickets.
Something to Do in Springfield
One of the most visited attractions in Springfield is, of course, the Abraham Lincoln Burial Site at Oak Ridge Cemetery.
A long-standing tradition is to rub the nose on the bronze bust of Lincoln for good luck, which has been done so many times that there's a brilliant shine that's been polished.
Springfield is also a signature city along Route 66, with dozens of attractions to see during the 100th Anniversary of the "Mother Road."
CLICK HERE to find out which Route 66 spots not to miss while you're in town.
