Springfield, IL Facilities for Sports Events
Located on iconic Route 66, Illinois’ historic state capital is the perfect location for your next sporting eventIntroduction
SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS
Springfield is home to a variety of impressive athletic facilities and attractions.
Knight’s Action Park & Route 66 Drive-in Movie Theatre features a 50-tee driving range, two 18-hole miniature golf courses for some wacky fun. With an arcade, Big Wheel, batting cages, go-karts and more there is family-friendly action for everyone
The Illinois State Fairgrounds Route 66 Experience is an educational exhibit open 365 days a year inside Gate 2 on the corner of Route 66 & Sangamon Avenue. The Experience, a self-guided tour, highlights businesses in 92 communities along Route 66 in Illinois beginning in Chicago and ending at the Chain of Rocks Bridge in Madison, Illinois. Vintage billboards, a drive-in movie theatre, Legends Neon Sign Park and tribute to muffler men along Illinois Route 66 make up a large part of the Experience.
The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum was carefully designed with exacting historical detail. Amazingly well-preserved artifacts tell the entire life story of our nation’s 16th President. Dedicated to the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln, the Presidential Museum, unlike any other in the U.S., features hi-tech exhibits, interactive displays, and multimedia programs, as well as a reproduction of the White House as it looked in 1861.
In 1861, Abraham Lincoln left his home of 17 years – the only home he ever owned – to serve as the 16th President of the United States. The Lincoln Home has been completely restored to its 1860 appearance and reveals much about Lincoln as husband, father, neighbor and politician. Tours of this national treasure are conducted by National Park Service Rangers. Free tickets are required for house tours and may be obtained at the Lincoln Home Visitors Center – which also houses a scaled model of 1860 Springfield.
Get a Planner’s Perspective
Don’t just take our word for it, hear what these planners had to say.
“We love hosting our gymnastics events in Springfield, Illinois! The Visit Springfield team is incredibly helpful, friendly, and always goes the extra mile to make sure every event runs smoothly. We’re already counting down the days until we return for the 2026 USA Gymnastics Winter Classic!”
— Dean and Debbie Capelotti, Fallbrook Gymnastics Club
TERRY TRUMAN
217-789-2360 x5525
terry.truman@springfield.il.us
Website Link
Local Activites in Springfield
Find Your Perfect Tournament Facility
Springfield, Illinois Sports Facilities Spotlight
Search All Our Facilities
Springfield: A Powerhouse for Sports Tourism
Recently Hosted and Upcoming Events
Last year, Springfield, Illinois, hosted the Prospect League All-Star Game, GLVC Men’s and Women’s Tennis Championships, and other key events like the NHPA World Horseshoe Championships, Illinois Sports Hall of Fame Ceremony, Girls on the Run Fall 5k Celebration, and various tournaments at SCHEELS Sports Park. Other recently hosted events include the Youth in Harmony Concert at The Hoogland Center for the Arts and the Hobnob Holiday Market held at Illinois State Fairgrounds. Springfield also hosts the University of Illinois Springfield 2025-2026 basketball season at the TRAC building.
Outdoors Are the Way to Go
Springfield, Illinois, has a lot to offer when it comes to outdoor experiences. Lake Springfield in particular is a hub for boating, fishing and more, with boat rentals available at Lake Springfield Marina. Kayaking and canoeing are also popular, especially along the Sangamon River. Springfield also has numerous scenic parks, featuring hiking and biking on the Sangamon Valley Trail. Some of the top picks include Knight’s Action Park, Lincoln Memorial Garden and Southwind Park. There are also additional options like equestrian trails available in the surrounding area.