Will be visiting Chicago later this year and in surfing the web noticed that Amtrak goes from Chicago to Springfield, IL. Is this a doable day trip. Early train leaves around 8:30 a.m. and arrives Springfield 11:45. Return train leaves Springfield close to 4:00 p.m. Are Springfield historical sites, i.e. Lincoln Homestead, Old State Capitol, Lincoln Tomb and New State Capitol Bldg. doable in that amount of time? Anyone know of the reliabilty of the train service and is the depot located near these sites? Finally, is Springfield small enough to be walkable since obviously I would be without a car. Thanks much. (P.S. Amtrak is running fare specials and thought this might be way to take advantage).
Chicago - Springfield Daytrip on Amtrak?
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All school children in Chicago take day trips down to Springfield. However, I don't think it will work with Amtrak. Springfield, while small, is spread out and you would have to take a cab from one area to another. Plus Amtrak will probably be late in arriving. Much easier on your nerves and wallets to rent a car and drive yourself.
i have taken that train many times to dallas, the train leaving chi at 6 p.m. the chi.-st. louis part was always very crowded. it was always late, one time a 2+ hour wait just outside chi because an engine ahead of us had broken down. coming back also slow. if it is in the summer, hot weather makes the rails warp so the train crawls.
only scenery is corn fields, riding the rails or driving.
if you decide to do this...here are a few tips. You need a reservation ahead of time for the Lincoln Home tour...free but timed entry. There is about a block of period homes that you can wander and go into some without the ticket.
The Lincoln Museum is great. Much better than I anticipated.
Didn't make it to the library. The tomb is way out by the airport. The train depot is right downtown (trains can be delayed, but more often on the way back to Chicago). You can walk to the Museum from there and the Lincoln Home is a healthy walk or short cab ride.
Also the Old State Capitol and the New-ish (still old!) are right by the museum.
Yes, this is an old thread, but my info may be useful to someone currently thinking about a Springfield visit.
I've done this before, and if you're really serious about sightseeing in Springfield it will take a very full day -- and that means you'll have to stay overnight prior. It's not really a true "day trip" from Chicago as a result. The Springfield train station fortunately is right downtown.
Many of the attractions can be reached on foot within the downtown area, though as mentioned, Lincoln's Tomb is definitely not within walking distance of all else. The good news is that there's a loop bus that goes to the tomb and back from the Lincoln Presidential Library Museum.
Liked the Lincoln Library Museum, Lincoln's Tomb, Lincoln's Home, and both state capitols very much. Also consider tours of the Executive Mansion and Dana-Thomas House, both worth a visit.