Visiting Central Illinois

Central Illinois in spring means opening day at Hammons Field with the Springfield Cardinals. The 2013 Springfield Cardinals home opener is April 11th – join the crowds in downtown Springfield for exciting minor league baseball. No less enthusiastic is opening day in Danville with the Dans taking the field at historic Danville Stadium. Spend summer evenings each month at Cruise Nights in Pontiac with fellow automobile enthusiasts. The season is here for Illinois spring and summer traditions. Cap off your summer fun with a visit to the 2013 Illinois State Fair, hosted in Springfield, the Illinois state capital.

The state fair runs August 8th through 18th, filling the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield with 10 days of concerts, exhibits and entertainment. Headline concerts include shows by The Band Perry, Toby Keith, and Journey. Other events include Illinois Harness Racing, and the ARCA Super Series Auto Races along with the best of Illinois livestock and agriculture.

The sound of bells fills Springfield’s Washington Park in June when the Springfield Parks District hosts the 52nd Annual International Carillon Festival. Drawing carillonneurs from around the world, the 2013 Carillon Festival is June 2nd through 8th. Pack a picnic, lawn chair & blanket and enjoy a delightful evening of music in Washington Park.

Central Illinois has a full calendar of spring and summer challenges for runners and athletes. April’s schedule includes the International Lincoln Presidential Half Marathon, Abe’s Mini Triathlon and the Pioneer Sprint Triathlon. Celebrate Memorial Day weekend running and biking at the 2013 Capital City Biathlon, May 25th.

Take your pick of challenges on July 27th: the Route 66 Half Iron Triathlon starting at historic Lindsay Bridge and featuring a bike course on old Route 66; the Stoneman Sprint Triathlon with the finish at the Lake Springfield Beach House; or the Iron Abe Olympic Triathlon, also at the Lake Springfield Beach House.

Danville, on the eastern Illinois state line north of Interstate 74, hosts the 2013 Illinois State Horseshoe Tournament, Labor Day weekend. The tournament features men’s, women’s, junior and doubles classes, offering a challenge for horseshoe players of all ages. On a July visit to Danville; stop by Vermilion County Museum to admire the works in the 31st Annual Midwest Heritage Quilt Show.

Central Illinois Hotel Map