The best things to do in Springfield

13 things to do we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Entertainment · 13 places · showing the latest additions first

Lincoln Greens Golf Course serves up 18 classic holes along Lake Springfield, with those calming water views that somehow make your tempo…

700 E Lake Shore Dr

Lincoln Greens Golf Course serves up 18 classic holes along Lake Springfield, with those calming water views that somehow make your tempo behave. Loop it with the crew this week, enjoy the park-district vibes, and remember that a flushed 7-iron counts as self care.

From the Decatur newsletter, September 4, 2026

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Grab a putter and tackle the 18-hole course at Knight's Action Park, then stick around for go-karts, a driving range, and other old-school…

1700 Knights Recreation Dr

Grab a putter and tackle the 18-hole course at Knight's Action Park, then stick around for go-karts, a driving range, and other old-school amusements that keep the competitive banter going. Perfect for an easy hang with friends or kids, plus built-in bragging rights this week. Check it out.

From the Springfield newsletter, September 18, 2026

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Need a low-commitment golf fix this week? Pasfield Golf Course has been entertaining Springfield golfers since 1898, and its easygoing…

1700 W Lawrence Ave

Need a low-commitment golf fix this week? Pasfield Golf Course has been entertaining Springfield golfers since 1898, and its easygoing 9-hole layout makes it ideal for a lunchtime loop or after-work tune-up, whether you’re chasing pars or just happy to make decent contact.

From the Springfield newsletter, September 20, 2026

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3rd Street Murals

Entertainment

When you need a breather from errands, 3rd Street Murals is an easy stroll of bold color and local flair that turns a regular block into a…

South 3rd Street &, E Monroe St

When you need a breather from errands, 3rd Street Murals is an easy stroll of bold color and local flair that turns a regular block into a mini pick-me-up. Grab a coffee, wander a bit, and come home with a fresher camera roll and a lighter mood.

From the Springfield newsletter, September 21, 2026

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Bergen Golf Course

Entertainment

Need a breezy round this week? Bergen Golf Course dishes up a lively nine with no hazards and new FootGolf, perfect for sharpening your…

2900 E Clear Lake Ave

Need a breezy round this week? Bergen Golf Course dishes up a lively nine with no hazards and new FootGolf, perfect for sharpening your swing, bringing a newbie, or sneaking in a quick loop that feels like a win even when the putts lip out.

From the Springfield newsletter, September 2, 2026

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Route 66 Drive In Theater brings back the classic drive-in vibe with two screens and summer double features, perfect for low-key evenings…

1700 Knights Recreation Dr

Route 66 Drive In Theater brings back the classic drive-in vibe with two screens and summer double features, perfect for low-key evenings when the couch just won’t cut it. It’s the kind of laid-back Springfield tradition that turns a regular night into a memory.

From the Springfield newsletter, September 13, 2026

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Brookhills Golf Club is the low-stress spot for a speedy 9-hole loop with approachable par 3s and 4s, then a relaxed bar to debrief.…

5350 Old Jacksonville Rd

Brookhills Golf Club is the low-stress spot for a speedy 9-hole loop with approachable par 3s and 4s, then a relaxed bar to debrief. Perfect for after-work swings, live music from their band schedule, or hosting your own get-together without overcomplicating it.

From the Springfield newsletter, September 14, 2026

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When you need a little outside time that still feels social, Long Bridge Golf Course delivers with a fun layout for all skill levels…

1055 W Camp Sangamo Rd

When you need a little outside time that still feels social, Long Bridge Golf Course delivers with a fun layout for all skill levels overlooking the Sangamon River Valley, a driving range, and Friday night live music with a Bar & Grill menu that hits the spot. Make it your move this week.

From the Decatur newsletter, August 20, 2026

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Championship-caliber yet totally welcoming, Piper Glen Golf Club brings 18 holes with bentgrass fairways, undulating greens, and five sets…

7112 Piper Glen Dr

Championship-caliber yet totally welcoming, Piper Glen Golf Club brings 18 holes with bentgrass fairways, undulating greens, and five sets of tees. S. S.

From the Springfield newsletter, September 6, 2026

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From splashy wave-pool laps and lazy-river floats at Splash Kingdom to go-kart bragging rights, mini golf victories, and a post-ride flick…

1700 Knights Recreation Dr

From splashy wave-pool laps and lazy-river floats at Splash Kingdom to go-kart bragging rights, mini golf victories, and a post-ride flick at Route 66 Drive-In, Knight's Action Park packs a whole weekend into one spot. This week, when the kids say bored, you already know where to roll.

From the Springfield newsletter, September 19, 2026

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Bunn Golf Course

Entertainment

Bunn Golf Course brings classic Springfield vibes with a tree-lined 18 holes designed by Roger B. Packard that rewards commitment and…

2500 S 11th St

Bunn Golf Course brings classic Springfield vibes with a tree-lined 18 holes designed by Roger B. Packard that rewards commitment and punishes the wobble. Sneak in a round this week, chase a personal best, and let the trees frame every shot in the best way possible.

From the Decatur newsletter, September 16, 2026

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Malibu Jack's Springfield packs go karts, laser tag, bowling, miniature golf, arcade games and big rides into a massive indoor playground…

2501 Wabash Ave

Malibu Jack's Springfield packs go karts, laser tag, bowling, miniature golf, arcade games and big rides into a massive indoor playground that actually keeps kids and adults smiling. Great for birthdays, group hangouts, or burning off energy when Illinois weather does its thing.

From the Springfield newsletter, September 9, 2026

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Robert Trent Jones Sr. turned an old dairy farm into The Rail Golf Course, a public 18 with quick greens, five lakes, and 82 bunkers that…

1400 S Club House Dr

Robert Trent Jones Sr. turned an old dairy farm into The Rail Golf Course, a public 18 with quick greens, five lakes, and 82 bunkers that keep you honest. Solid practice area and PGA instruction if the wedges misbehave, plus leagues and outings when you want a little friendly pressure.

From the Decatur newsletter, September 2, 2026

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