Springfield tourist information
Springfield, the county seat of Effingham County, is named for a mineral spring in the area. The city was founded in 1799 and incorporated as a town December 31, 1838.
The Effingham County courthouse in Springfield was built in 1908 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Also, the four square block surrounding the courthouse is designated on the registry.
Springfield participates in the Better Hometown Program run by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. This community development program is a public-private partnership intended to revitalize small communities with populations between 1,000 and 5,000. These cities have access to technical assistance and fiscal resources designed to stimulate downtown revitalization.
Welcome to Springfield, Illinois, a city that offers you everything you're looking for in an unforgettable vacation. From our historical Lincoln attractions to our national art shows, from the Illinois State Fair to the ethnic festival - great adventures await your discovery.
Overflowing with small town friendliness and big city sophistication, Springfield - the capital of Illinois - is located midway between Chicago and St. Louis along historic Route 66.
From the moment you enter Abraham Lincoln's home, you'll be captivated by the historical details of the life of our nation's most beloved president. Tour the Old State Capitol, where the debates in the Hall of Representatives preceding the Civil War are almost audible. Walk the main street of the Illinois State Fairgrounds and soak up the sights and sounds of an authentic agricultural fair.
There is so much to see and do in Springfield, Illinois you should plan on staying with us for at least three days. We can help you plan an exciting and affordable vacation filled with adventure, history and most of all, fun!
Springfield became the Illinois state capital in 1837 with the help of a young lawyer and politician named Abraham Lincoln. He lived in the city until he left to become the 16th President of the United States, in 1861. From that moment on, the city’s history and future have been inexorably tied to this most famous and beloved American citizen.
Springfield, the capital of Illinois and the seat of Sangamon County government, is located at the intersection of Interstates 55 and 72. Chicago lies 200 miles northeast of Springfield, St. Louis and Indianapolis lie 100 miles southwest and 195 miles due east, respectively.
Balanced between the public and private sectors, Springfield has a well-diversified economic base an approximate population of 113,000 people. Springfield serves as headquarters for 12 nationally known insurance companies and more than 165 state, regional, and national associations. The community is recognized as a leader in the health care industry and is home to three major hospitals as well as a world renowned heart surgery institute. Springfield’s consumer market area lies within a ten county region, encompassing 5,839 square miles, and supports products for export throughout the world, ranging from cake mixes, livestock and poultry feeds to space age electronics.
Capital Airport provides 80 commuter flights in and out of Springfield on a daily basis; Amtrak runs twice daily between Chicago and St. Louis downtowns; Springfield Mass Transit provides intra-city bus service, covering all sectors of the city, Greyhound provides intercity bus service; nine taxi firms offer service to the capital city with an average fare of $1.25 for first 1/10 mile and 15 cents for each additional 1/10 mile.
Over one million visitors a year come to see Springfield’s historic Lincoln sites, which include the Lincoln Home and Neighborhood, Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices, Lincoln Tomb, Lincoln’s New Salem, and more. Other attractions include the Dana-Thomas House, the Old State Capitol, the Illinois State Capitol and the Executive Mansion. Plans are now underway for a Lincoln Presidential Library and Interactive Museum.
Springfield offers hundreds of exciting events throughout the year, including: the Old Capitol Art Fair in May, the International Carillon Festival in June, the Illinois State Fair in August and First Night Springfield on New Year’s Eve, just to name a few.
From charming, one-of-kind boutiques to nationally recognized, big city department stores, Springfield offers something for everyone. The city’s westside offers White Oaks Mall, (the largest central Illinois indoor shopping facility), national discount shopping centers, home improvement stores, state-of-the-art computer and home entertainment stores, fashion boutiques and more. The historical downtown area is brimming with specialty shops, antique stores, bakeries, art galleries and much more.
Springfield is steeped in tradition and heritage. Our illustrious past has given birth to a wide selection of events and attractions which are yours to visit and long remember! Washington County, the first Kentucky county formed after Kentucky became a state in 1792, was named for President George Washington. Here you will find a county steeped in tradition. Even before the revolution, pioneers discovered Washington County. Settlers followed the Wilderness Trace to Sandusky's and Cartwright's Stations and the lands along the Beech Fork. Our past has given birth to a tradition of events and attractions which are yours to visit and long remember.
Visit the Springfield-Washington County Courthouse on Main Street, completed in 1816. the archives located in the basement contain records dating from 1792, the most important of which is the marriage certificate of President Abraham Lincoln's parents, Thomas Lincoln and Nancy Hanks. The courthouse is the oldest still in use in Kentucky and will provide genealogical buffs with hours of enjoyment.
Those interested in Lincoln history will find Springfield a great place to begin their journey of the Lincoln Heritage Trail. President Lincoln's grandfather, Abraham Sr., brought his family to the Beech Fork area of Washington County in 1782. Residents enjoy the many stories and legends passed down from generation to generation relative to the Lincoln's settlement in Washington County. At Lincoln Homestead State Park you can go walking on a cool morning with early mist still clinging to the paths walked by Lincoln. This storehouse of Lincoln lore stretched out over 120 acres holds a reproduction of the cabin that was the boyhood home of Thomas Lincoln; and several other memorials and reproductions of the Lincoln heritage.
Just 4 miles from Springfield is the Mordecai Lincoln Home. Built by Mordecai Lincoln, an uncle of the President, in 1797, it is the only remaining residence to have been owned and occupied by a member of the president's family that is still standing and on its original site.
Washington County is home to some of the oldest Catholic educational institutions west of the Alleghenies. St. Rose Priory, founded in 1806, was the first Catholic educational institution west of the Alleghenies. Among its students was Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederacy. Near the Priory is St. Catharine's. Established in 1822, it is the first community of the Dominican Sisters in the U.S. It is today the Mother Community of the Order and the home of the St. Catharine College.
Springfield is a major urban industrial center of metropolitan status at the junction of regional routes between Boston and New York. The city lies in the Connecticut River Valley, and was originally settled as a private plantation of the Massachusetts Bay colony by William Pynchon in 1636. Commercial trade was the main business of the city from its earliest history, beginning with Pynchon's fur trading with the Indians. Trading led to warehousing and increasing population spurred the establishment of a saw mill. A painful setback in development occurred in 1675, when raids during King Philip's war destroyed 45 of the 60 houses in the settlement, but the community recovered and the building of the county courthouse in 1723 and the U.S. Armory in 1794 boosted development.
By 1820, Springfield's population of 3,914 made it the largest community in western Massachusetts. There were mills and cotton duck factories in town, but for 174 years, the armory remained the U.S. Army's primary design and production facility for small arms. This attracted skilled workers, among them inventor Thomas Blanchard who produced a steam motor carriage in 1826 and a steamboat on the river in 1828. David Ames established a paper mill and invented a cylinder paper machine in 1822, becoming the largest producer in the state. The railroad arrived in the 1830's and after 1859 the city became the hub of rail lines. Iron works in Springfield built bridges, trusses, locomotives and railroad coaches. The Civil War brought "intense and concentrated prosperity" to the city, according to historians. The city produced ammunition, uniforms and swords and employment at the armory leaped from 200 to 2600 when the army's other armory at Harper's Ferry was lost to the South.
After the war, when many communities lost their industrial capacity, Springfield shifted to producing luxury and consumer goods such as parlor games, gold chains, ice skates and photo albums. Immigrants in the city came from Ireland, French Canada and Italy to work in diversified production of everything from lawnmowers to beer. The auto industry began in Springfield when Charles and Frank Duryea built the first American car in 1893 and won the first auto race in the country in 1895. The motorcycle industry also began in Springfield in 1902. In 1900 there were over 500 plants in the city, 10% of all such facilities in the entire state. By the middle of the 20th century such companies as Westinghouse and Rolls Royce were located in Springfield, which remains in modern times a business and commercial hub of the area.
It is located in southwestern Massachusetts, bordered by Agawam and West Springfield on the west, Chicopee and Ludlow on the north, Wilbraham on the east, and Longmeadow and East Longmeadow on the south. Springfield is 89 miles southwest of Boston; 25 miles from Hartford, Connecticut; and 134 miles from New York City.
Springfield broke into the top ten of America’s Best Places to Live and Work, as determined by Employment Review. Springfield’s "thriving economy, first rate education and superior health care" put it at number nine on the list. "It may have one of the most common city names in America, but Springfield. . . is a well-kept secret just waiting to be discovered," the review stated. Also considered were unemployment rate, projected job growth and cost of living.The group also called Springfield "the cultural center of the Ozarks." It concludes, "Although it is not as big as other cities on this list, Springfield manages to hold its own."
In 1829 the future site of Springfield was designated by John Polk Campbell, of Tennessee. Three Fulbright brothers, William, John, and Levi, along with their families arrived early in 1830 and were quickly followed by other settlers. The town of Springfield was established on February 18, 1838 after founded by Campbell in 1829 (a copy of incorporation papers can be found in "Annexation Atlas" from State of Missouri Archives). Named to honor Nathanael Greene, of Revolutionary War fame, Greene County was organized in 1833 and once composed of the entire southwest corner of the state. National attention was given to Springfield in 1858 when the city became a stop on the Butterfield Overland Mail, a stagecoach line, from Tipton, Missouri, to San Francisco. In area bitterly divided between Northern and Southern sympathizers, a major Civil War engagement called "The Battle of Wilson's Creek" took place 12 miles from Springfield on August 10,1861. In 1863 the streets of the town were again embroiled in conflict during "The Battle of Springfield." John Smith Phelps, a leading citizen, served as Governor of the State of Missouri from 1879 to 1881, having previously served as United States Congressman. The first train of the Atlantic-Pacific Railway, which became the St.Louis-San Francisco Railway, or "Frisco," arrived in 1870, and over the years, it has added much to the economic growth of the entire area. Springfield has long been known for its homes, schools, and churches, and since World War II many distinguished industries have been developed. Park Central Mall, once known as the Public Square, has been the hub of redevelopment and business activity. Springfield has almost 200 churches, five colleges, 42 parks, and takes pride in many cultural organizations, among which are the Springfield Art Museum, Springfield Symphony, Springfield Little Theatre, and Springfield Greene County Historical Museum.
Mosher House The Moser House is located at 1147 E. Walnut. Built about 1893 on land originally purchased in 1837 by James Dollison, the home has a distinct charm. Of interest are the shingles on the roof, hand carved of wood and rounded as opposed to conventional square tipped shingles. A beautiful cut-glass, leaded window enhances the appearance of the entrance. Inside doorknobs are fluted and made of solid brass. The home has a total of eight rooms, with a breakfast nook the only addition to the original structure. Owners have included Harriet A. Mosher, William W. Woods, Nellie C. Milligan, Mrs. Forest R. Nichols, Mrs. Gentry North, Nellie C. Milligan, Mrs. Forest R. Nichols, Mrs. Gentry North, Mrs. Betty Upchurch, and Dr. and Mrs. James Riley. Architectural style: Late 19th century city residence Springfield Historical Site Register: January 17, 1975. Not open to the public. (top)
St. Paul United Methodist Church is at 413 E. Walnut, at the northeast corner of Walnut and Jefferson Streets. The cornerstone for the present stately brick building was laid June, 1903, and the first services were held on June 26, 1904. The congregation goes back to 1831. Through efforts of church members the present building was constructed at the cost of $50,000. In 1923 an expansion program costing $90,000 was completed. The architecture of the building is an example of the academic neoclassicism, common at the turn of the century. Outstanding exterior features of St. Paul Church are the four lonic columns, stained glass windows, and predominant dome.
The Gazebo, is in Maple Park Cemetery, on Grand Street between Jefferson and Campbell. It is a unique example of an ornamental structure and a longtime feature of the cityscape. An octagonal pavilion with a concrete floor, capped with an onion shaped dome, the Gazebo has been used as a bandstand and a shelter for public speakers. A circle drive surrounds the lacy Gazebo and many fine old trees grace the area. Construction date is undetermined, but late nineteenth century origin is indicated by construction. The cemetery association was organized in 1876. Maple Park Cemetery is a privately owned association and is the final resting place of many prominent Springfieldians.
The Bentley House, at 603 E. Calhoun, is a stately and much noted landmark in Springfield. Now owned by The Vaini Family, the 18 room structure, built in 1892 for J.F.G. Bentley, was designed by W.F. Hackney, an architect prominent in Springfield and Kansas City. The handsome turreted structure rests upon a foundation of cut stone and red brick. The wood is painted to match the brick foundation, and the roof is of slate. Cut glass leaded windows grace the entrance and the walnut paneled interior is marked by a magnificent stair lighted by a stained glass window. The builder, J.F.G. Bentley, served as president of the Bank of Springfield and other businesses. After Bentley's death in 1921, his widow, Tryphena Crane Bentley, continued to live in the house. After her death in 1932, Frank C. Bentley, a son, and his wife, Georgia Moist Bentley, lived there the remainder of their lives. The Bentley House was purchased by Drury College in 1965, and served as the college's French student center and swim team residence. The exterior remains unaltered, except for the removal of the carriage house from the grounds. Recently the house exterior and interior were preserved by the Vaini family. Architectural style: Queen Anne
The Jefferson Street Footbridge spans the north yards of the St. Louis-San Francisco Railway from Chase Street to the corner of Jefferson and Commercial. Completed in 1907, the bridge was constructed by the American Bridge Company of Patterson, Pa., for $8,200. The ordinance authorizing the bridge also provided for underpasses at Lynn and Washington Streets for vehicular traffic, offering safe passage for vehicles and pedestrians from residential areas north of the railway yards to the Commercial Street shopping area. As originally designed, the bridge's main span was 406 feet long, suspended by two towers. Access on the north was provided by steps and a bicycle ramp 245 feet long. In 1954 the ramps were replaced by the present concrete steps, but the main span remains as a rare example of a suspension bridge for pedestrian traffic, still serving as an imaginative solution to a public safety problem and an unusual feature of the city landscape.
The Calaboose, sometimes referred to as "the old city Calaboose," is located at McDaniel Street west of Campbell Street in a city-owned parking lot. Built in 1892 by contract with Alex Skoog for $2,988, the stone and brick building is the oldest remaining public building built by the city. It replaced a two-room frame jail with an earthen floor. At one time housing both male and female prisoners, the building was used as a detention facility for persons under investigation or sentenced to short terms. The exterior is essentially as it was after remodeling in 1916. The building is being is being restored to its original condition and is proposed to be a police museum, possible one of the few of its type in Missouri.
The National Cemetery is at the southwest corner of Glenstone and Seminole. Begun as a burial place for men who died in the Battle of Wilson's Creek, august 10, 1861, and other battles in Southwest Missouri, the cemetery now includes 14 acres. In 1870, on a four acre site separated from the National Cemetery by a stonewall, a Confederate Cemetery was established, the first in Missouri. The two cemeteries were united by direction of the federal government in 1911. Members of the United states armed forces of every war since 1861 rest here, as well as a soldier of the American Revolution, William Freeman. In the original National Cemetery is the monument honoring federal soldiers who fought at the Battle of Springfield, January 8, 1863, and a monument to General Nathaniel Lyon, who died at Wilson's Creek and was buried in his native Connecticut. In 1901 a monument to General Sterling Price and the Confederates of Missouri were placed in the cemetery. Near the entrance are cannons from the Civil War forts around Springfield and a bronze tablet bearing the Gettysburg address. This site has been proposed for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. Owned by the Veterans Administration, United States Government.
The Booth-Dickey house, located at 1620 East Walnut, is one of the oldest residences yet identified inside the Springfield City Limits. The lot upon which it stands was purchased in 1869 by Waldo Booth, and the house is presumed to have been built shortly thereafter. Charles Dickey, a prominent local attorney in the early years of this century, and his family were long-time owners and residents. Other owners have included Waldo Booth, William H. Park, Helen Stonebraker, and F.M. McDavid. The current owners, Dr. and Mrs. T.H. Tucker, have made some alterations in the exterior appearance of the house, which has been a long time favorite of Springfieldians.
Located at 614 South Street, this house was built in 1875 by George Sale Day. A former councilman and mayor of Springfield, Day began his career in Springfield as a mason and brick manufacturer. He also engaged in the grocery business. The house, solidly built of local brick, is a central hall plan capped with a Mansard roof. The porch is ornamented with jigsaw work, and the entrance retains the original hand blown glass windows. Mr. Day deeded the property to his wife, Theresa, for "Love and other Considerations" and after her death it was sold to the McCluer family, who retained title until 1943. The present owner of the structure is Richard P. Stahl, A.I.A. Mr. Stahel uses the building for his offices, and takes pride in maintaining its exterior in its original state. Architectural Style: eclectic, combining elements of Georgian and French empire, with Victorian jigsaw trim.
Christ Episcopal Church is at 601 E. Walnut, on the northeast corner of Walnut Street and Kimbrough Avenue. This church has the oldest sanctuary still in use in Springfield. The first service was held in this building on New Year's Eve, 1870. The congregation had been organized in 1859. The original church, on West Walnut, was struck by lightning. Lovely Christ Episcopal Church was construed from Michigan white pine timber delivered from Rolla, Missouri, by wagon. The nave, featuring memorial stained glass windows, remains virtually the same as it was originally constructed, despite additions to the church itself. In 1927 and additional nave was put into use, built at a cost of $60,000 and using native limestone in the English gothic style. The belfry is topped with four distinctive pinnacles and crosses.
The Keey-McElhany home is at 435 East Walnut. Built in 1881 by John C. Tolfree, the house was purchased by James E. Keet in 1883. By 1886 it had been converted from a plain two-story brick dwelling with a flat roof into a charming example of Victorian architecture. The home was designed by Mr. Keet after the Armour Mansion in Kansas City and features towers, spire, ironwork, and decorative plaster capitals. The brick, nails, pillars, and ornate cornices were made locally. Owners have included James E. Keet, president of Keet-Rountree Dry Goods and other businesses, his wife, Katherine Holland, and his daughter and her husband, Mr. and Mrs. Claude (Katherine Keet) McElhany. The home retains most of its original interior. The proud elegance of the residence and its association with a family prominent in banking and business circles create a flavor of the nineteenth century in current day downtown developments.
The Shrine Mosque, 601 St. Louis Street, is on the northeast corner of St. Louis Street and Kimbrough. The building was dedicated on November 3, 1923. built by members of Abou Ben Adhem Temple, the "Mosque" was designed by architects Heckenlively and Mark at a cost of over $600,000. The four story building, containing a large auditorium, stage, seating for 4,750 persons, and offices, is built of red brick with polychrome terra cotta trim. Other interesting features of the building are the mosiac tiles in the foyer, mahogany woodwork, and Arabic designs. An outstanding stained glass window was designed by Stanley Uthwatt, a local artisan. Atop the Mosque are domes with Arabic inscriptions. The Shrine Mosque has served as a cultural and entertainment center and as the scene of political, religious, musical, and sports activities. Personalities contributing to the history of the building include President Harry S. Truman, General John J. Pershing, John Philip Sousa, John F. Kennedy, Richard Nixon, Admiral Richard Byrd, Will Rogers, Jeanette McDonald, Glen Miller, Lyndon Johnson, and many others. Recently the Mosque's lower level was renovated.
Stone Chapel is at the notheast corner of Benton and Central on the Drury College campus. The name of the chapel is derived from its doner, Mrs. Valeria G. Stone, of Malden, Mass., whose gift of $50,000 to Drury College allocated $20,000 to the chapel. It is said to be the first stone building in the city. It was the college's first major building. Stone was chosen over brick to correspond to the name of the donor, and the cornerstone was laid on November 16, 1880. The first sturcture, while still unfinished, was damamged by fire, and reconstruction was begun with local contributions. The work was completed in 1892. Renovation of the interior was begun in the 1950's and was completed in 1962. Stone Chapel stands today as a symbol for Drury College and a landmark for the city. For many years it served as a chapel, place for classes, setting for weddings, concerts, lectures, chatauquas, and civic meetings, as well as the scene for awarding of honorary degrees from Drury College to nationally known figures, including General Omar Bradley, Composers Rogers and Hammerstein, General Jonathan Wainwright, and Congressman Walter Judd.
The Landers Theatre is at 311 East Walnut Street. It is only legitimate theatre still standing in Springfield, and since 1970 has been the home of Springfield Little Theatre, Inc. Built in 1909 by John and D.J. Landers and R.W. Steward, the building opened with the musical comedy "The Golden Girl." The exterior is of brick and terra cotta, with theatre masks forming the keystones above double windows and cartouches bearing the letter "L." The orchestra, parquet, and balcony remain essentially unchanged. Original plaser and carved wooden moldings have undergone renovation, and many original light fixtures remain. The proscenium opeing is 26 feet wide and 28 feet high. Springfield Little Theatre is restoring the theatre in appearance. As the Landers Orpheum Theatre, vaudeville and stage presentations were given, ranging from Lillian Russell, John Philip Sousa's Band, and Fanny Brice to wrestling matches. In 1928 the Landers became the 35th theatre in the world to acquire "talkie" installations. In 1940 it became a Fox-Midwest Theatre, and in 1959 was the home of Jubilee, U.S.A., national NBC-TV show. The Landers has made a significant contribution to the social and cultural life of Springfield.
City Hall is located at 830 Boonville, at the northeast corner of Boonville Avenue and Chestnut Trafficway. The building, constructed of cathage stone, has served 80 years as a federal or city government center. Authorized in 1888 by legislation steered through Congress by Representative William H. Wade of Springfield and signed by President Grover Cleveland, the building was opened on June 21, 1894. This noble bilding has housed the post office, land, and federal district attorney, and federal court. An addition was completed in 1914. In 1938, the present central post office was completed and the city of Springfield acquired the building. City offices moved in during October, 1938. Little change has been made in the appearance of the building, and restoration of the woodwork and other portions of the interior has enhanced City Hall. The forcast flag for the weather bureau once flew from the tower. The building boasts rare gargolyes on two roof areas. Architectural style: H.H. Richardson Romanesque
by City of Springfield Missouri
Springfield's 5.06 square mile area is home to a diverse selection of shopping, restaurants, entertainment, and services, and is conveniently located approximately 23 miles southwest of New York City.
Nestled at the foot of the Watchung Mountains, Historic Springfield is home to one of the world’s most famous golf courses, Baltusrol Golf Club.
Notable things have been happening in the Springfield/Clark County area ever since the first Indian fighters and settlers began discovering this region of the country more than two centuries ago.
Prehistoric mound builders were probably the first residents of Clark County. Traces of their structures can still be found in Enon.
George Rogers Clark, for whom the county is named, led a band of Kentuckians, including Daniel Boone and Simon Kenton, into this territory and defeated the Shawnee Indians at the Battle of Piqua on August 8, 1780. One of the tribe was a boy of twelve named Tecumseh who later became a famous Shawnee leader dedicated to fighting white settlers. Born in Clark County, emissary to all the Indians of the Northwestern and Southwestern territories, Tecumseh opposed westward migration in the early 19th century. He led unremitting warfare against white settlement in his land.
A member of the Clark Expedition, John Paul, returned to the area and built a home in 1790. He is believed to be the first white settler to locate in what became Clark County.
The Treaty of Greenville in 1795 between the Indians and General Anthony Wayne, in which the Indians agreed to stop hostile acts toward settlers, generally opened this area for settlement. Indian hostility in Ohio ended with General William Henry Harrison's victory at Tippecanoe in 1811. It began the opening of the Northwest Territory.
One of the County's early settlers was James Demint, who erected a cabin at the confluence of Mad River and Lagonda (Buck) Creek in 1799. It was on his land that a plat on the city was made in 1801 by surveyor, James Dougherty. The same year, Griffith Foos built the first tavern which became a famous stagecoach stop. In 1804, the first post office was recorded for Springfield. Simon Kenton built a gristmill and distillery where the old International Harvester plant now stands.
The 412 square miles that became Clark County were mapped out of parts of Champaign, Greene and Madison Counties in 1817. The first meeting of Clark County Commission was held on April 25, 1818. The 1820 census showed a total population of 9,535. By 1827, the tiny frontier hamlet had become a town and was granted a city charter by the State of Ohio in 1850. "Springfield" was named by Simon Kenton's wife for its many springs and abundant waters.
Several factors contributed to the rapid growth of Springfield and Clark County. The Old National Road was completed through Springfield in 1839, and the railroads of the 1840's provided profitable business to the area. Agriculture, then industry, flourished. By the beginning of the Civil War, the two had joined to help Springfield become one of the world's leading manufacturing of agricultural equipment.
International Harvester Company (now Navistar International) is noteworthy in this regard. The manufacturer of farm machinery became the leading local industry after a native, William Whitely, invented the combined self-raking reaper and mower in 1856.
Springfield is a great place to live, work, and play. It is bordered north and south by the McKenzie and Willamette Rivers, great spots for whitewater rafting, fishing, and other recreational opportunities. Springfield is an easy drive to either the Pacific Ocean beaches or year-round mountain recreation spots.
For Springfield's more than 51,700 citizens, natural and cultural assets inspire both varied lifestyles and a high quality of life. The City of Springfield offers several informational tours to the public, geared toward a variety of age groups.
The Springfield community has rich cultural assets like the Springfield Museum and Historic Interpretive Center, Washburne Historic District, Springfield Railroad Depot, Oregon Trail Mural, and Dorris Ranch Living History Farm. Springfield's Arts Commission fosters an emerging arts community, the innovative Terra Nova Theater, public arts programs, 12 Art Alley murals, and public art and sculpture. The award winning Willamalane Park and Recreation District provides high quality recreational programs including the first indoor wave pool in the west. Springfield has an excellent school system for grades Kindergarten-12 not only winning numerous teaching awards but also by providing a broad range of extracurricular activities. The community is very health conscious combining its nationally top-rated Emergency Medical Services with McKenzie-Willamette Hospital's superior health care facilities, services, birthing center, and preventive health care and outreach programs.
All this justifies the community's interest in keeping and enhancing this high quality of life through its local government. The City of Springfield builds on this spirit with a "Can Do" attitude. There's a no-nonsense, pragmatic, accessible approach to local government, providing basic services at a reasonable cost.
Practical, hard-working, independent people drive Springfield's economy. A strong work ethic is the spirit and core of this community. We enjoy a good local business climate and the community's key role and strategic location in Oregon's second largest metropolitan area of 225,000 people.
Springfield has an excellent spirit of community cooperation with both the existing firms and new industries that have located on a variety of high-quality industrial sites with assistance from the Springfield Chamber of Commerce and other local organizations. Springfield has convenient access to both Interstate-5 and the expanded Eugene Airport as well as excellent rail, air, and truck freight service. Springfield's local utility rates are among the lowest in the nation thanks to the Springfield Utility Board and Rainbow Water District. The area has sewer capacity in regional wastewater treatment facilities to meet demand expected through the year 2010.
Springfield aerial map
Please click on any icon on the Springfield aerial tourist map, to find close by places, offering hotels and tourist information. You can zoom in and zoom out our touristical map as well as switch between satelite and map view of Springfield.
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