Illinois Historic Preservation Agency

Featured Articles

Walk, Hike, Bike and History

IDNR's State Historic Sites in Springfield invite you to check out Walk, Hike and Bike History, a brand new way to explore Illinois' capital city in 2021. Walk, Hike and Bike History is a series of inspiring outdoor experiences that connect you to "must-see" museums and monuments in the capital city.

Experience History

The state operates dozens of historic sites, museums and monuments where visitors can learn the stories of Illinois. Experience life in a frontier fort. Walk the halls where Abraham Lincoln rose to greatness. See the remnants of a Native American city.

Historic Sites are Reopening on January 26

All state historic sites and visitor’s centers will reopen effective January 26

“Following the recent announcement from the Illinois Department of Public Health that all regions in the Restore Illinois plan have moved out of tier 3, and under mitigation guidelines established in the Restore Illinois plan, the IDNR Office of Land Management is excited to reopen all visitors centers, indoor historic sites and, most notably, resume our volunteer programs around the state,” said Von Bandy, director, Office of Land Management, IDNR. “Opening our sites safely to the public and our staff, utilizing our volunteer base again and introducing some new types of interpretive programming creates a lot of enthusiasm heading into what we hope is an exciting spring 2021.”

Research History

From students to family historians to professional researchers, everyone can learn something from the vast records and helpful online tools provided by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. Look up an Illinois ancestor who served in the Civil War. Explore a timeline of Illinois history. Visit the Lincoln Presidential Library and examine rare documents.

Preserve History

Our preservation services division helps determine which Illinois buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Our staff reviews construction projects that might affect cultural resources and administer a tax incentive program for rehabilitation of historic buildings. Staff also can help communities turn their historic buildings into an economic asset.

Fort at Lewis and Clark Site

The Lewis & Clark site commemorates Camp Dubois, the 1803-1804 winter camp of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. It was at the camp on Wood River that members of the Corps of Discovery prepared their expedition to the Pacific Ocean.

'Experience History' Mobile App

Our new app offers information and photos that will help visitors get the most from their trips to state historic sites.

Announcements

NOTICE: The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) announced all state historic sites and visitor’s centers will reopen effective January 26^th.

All state historic sites and visitor’s centers will continue to follow public health directives and the following guidelines:

Guided interpretive tour groups are limited to 10 people or less, require face coverings, will be socially distanced and include enhanced site cleaning procedures;
Total site capacity will be limited to 50 people or no more than 25 percent occupancy in public facing areas, require face coverings, will be socially distanced and include enhanced cleaning procedures; and
Concession operations can open and will follow respective tier restrictions.

Some sites may have further scheduling restrictions, based on staffing, facility size and programming available. Guests may also visit individual sites social media pages for updates.