Easy Access Springfield

1 Old State Capitol Plaza (Cross Streets: Sixth and Adams)
Springfield, IL 62701
217-785-7960
www2.illinois.gov/dnrhistoric/Experience/Sites/Central/Pages/Lincoln-Herndon.aspx

Located in the heart of downtown Springfield, the Old State Capitol played an important part in Abraham Lincoln's life. Not only did he visit frequently as a lawyer and politician, but also served here as an Illinois Congressman. It was in the Representatives Hall in 1858 that he delivered his famous "House Divided" speech. In 1865 the President's body lay in state here before interment in Oak Ridge Cemetery. The present building, reconstructed in the 1960s, is accessible via an underground route that begins in an attractive brick kiosk on the south side of the Old State Capitol. To request an escort into the building, ring the bell (labeled with a wheelchair symbol) at the foot of the south steps. The underground parking garage, entered on S. 6th St. between Adams and Washington, connects directly by elevator. Visitors can view the building on their own or take a 30-minute guided tour.

Hours

• 9am-5pm everyday, all year round
• Closed on the following days: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Labor Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day
• Last tour begins 45 minutes before closing time

Admission

• Increase dollar amounts shown. Adults should be $5, children are $2.

Parking/Loading Zone

• Street parking
• Nearest offsite public parking lot/garage
  • Public Parking Garage
    Adams and Washington Sts.(underground)
  • Note: Connects directly to Old State Capitol—elevator is to the right as one enters the building

Educational Programs

• Add two additional points to the current info
  • Educational video on history and usage of the site
  • History Comes Alive programming running from June to August

Features for People with Service Animals

• Natural surface/grassy dog relief area
  • Location—Lawn surrounding building

Features for People with Hearing Loss

• Print information
  • Brochure with history of building
• Sign language interpretation—on request
  • Advance notice required

Features for People with Vision Loss

• Guiding/orientation during tour—on request
• Elevator has audible indicators
• Braille/Tactile Signage—elevator controls, hoistways, restrooms
• Interior Signage—large print, high contrast, non-glare
• No undetectable protruding objects in path of travel
• Note: Unenclosed staircases present an overhead hazard

Accessible Entrance

• Secondary entrance is wheelchair accessible (not a service entrance)
  • Location—Kiosk on Old State Capitol Plaza South
• Level entry
• Door has at least 32" clearance
• Threshold less than 1/2" beveled
• Automatic or push button door—kiosk
• Manual door—Capitol entrance from parking garage
• Note: Visitors must take the elevator to UL (Upper Level Parking), go down a ramp with rails on both sides, cross the parking garage, enter the building, turn right and take another elevator up to Level 4 (Ground floor of Old Capitol).

Assistive Equipment for Guests with Physical Disabilities

• Wheelchair
• Available from—Docent
• Interior Access
• Corridor/path of travel at least 36" wide
• Ramps provide access to one or more areas
  • From kiosk elevator to parking garage

Elevator

• Door clearance at least 36"
• Elevator controls 54" or less
• Note: Car size slightly smaller than standard—51" x 69"

Accessible Facilities/Amenities

• Brochure rack
• Seating—bench with arms
• Drinking fountain
• Program room—level 2
• Exhibits
  • On accessible route
  • Space to approach/view/maneuver
  • Freestanding cases 36"-39" max.
  • Items viewed from above, 36" to top of item/case
  • Labels are viewable from seated position

Performance Space

• None
• Note: In seasonable weather, the Old State Capitol lawn is used for events and performances

Accessible Public Restroom—Ambulatory Stall Only

• Men's and Women's
• Location
  • Level 3
• Access symbol identifies facility
• Entry door at least 32" clearance
• Threshold less than 1/2" beveled
• Stall door at least 32" clearance
• Stall door swings out
• Ambulatory stall only—grab bars on both sides of raised toilet
• Faucet controls automatic or lever type
• Easy grasp/lever handle or none
• Note: No wheelchair stall available