University of Illinois Springfield

 As one of three campuses in the University of Illinois System, UIS is a world-class institution with a stunning campus and friendly students and faculty. Two UIS-owned field stations (at Lake Springfield and Emiquon Preserve) provide excellent opportunities for field research. An average student-professor ratio of 15:1 ensures a more personalized learning environment in which students and professors can form strong professional relationships. The Recreation and Athletic Center (TRAC) was built in 2007 and boasts over 70,000 gross-square-feet consisting of three fitness areas, a 23,000 square-foot multi-sport arena, two racquetball/squash courts, a walking/jogging track, and more! The new UIS Student Union opened in early 2018, and offers a formal ballroom, a Starbucks coffee shop, the Student Leadership Center, on-campus dining, meeting spaces, a game room, and several lounges.

Gorgeous sunrises like this are not uncommon on campus!

The view from the UIS Field Station at Lake Springfield.

The Recreation and Athletic Center (TRAC)

Downtown Springfield

Perhaps best known for being the capital city of the Land of Lincoln, Springfield is a bustling midwestern metropolis with a vibrant downtown atmosphere and a plethora of historic sites. Boasting about 115,000 residents, Springfield provides a small-town feel but is large enough to support a wide variety of local shops, restaurants, cafes, breweries, and more. Grab a coffee and a treat at Wm. Van's Coffee House and stroll through the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, play some arcade games at Dumb Records, score some fresh produce at the awesome Farmer's Market during the summers, visit the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, go shopping for treasures at Springfield Vintage or any one of the amazing shops downtown, visit the Illinois State Museum, or finish off the week with a beverage from any of downtown Springfield's three microbreweries! There is truly no shortage of things to do in downtown Springfield.

The Illinois State Capitol Building dominates the Springfield skyline.

Springfield even has its own National Park right in the middle of downtown!

Lincoln's legacy lives on in Springfield!

Recreation

Kayaking, Boating, Fishing, and Birding - Lake Springfield is located just a stone's throw east of the University, and is full of fish to catch, wildlife to see, and beautiful tributaries to explore. Within about one hour's driving distance from Springfield are Sangchris Lake State Park, Lake Shelbyville, Lake Petersburg, and several sites along the Illinois River, including two National Wildlife Refuges.

Hiking and Biking - An extensive local trail system provides excellent hiking and biking opportunities, including trails at Washington Park, along the lake at the Lincoln Nature Center & Memorial Garden, along the Sangamon River at Carpenter Park, right in the middle of town at the Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, at the Lick Creek Wildlife Preserve by Lake Springfield, and more. Miles of cycling routes wind throughout the city as well. 

Parks - A plethora of parks provide a wide variety of opportunities for walking, exploring, golfing, fishing, picnicking, and more. The botanical garden at Washington Park abounds with beautiful and interesting flora during the summers. Not into that? Go play a round of golf on one of the public courses in town. Other parks to explore include Centennial Park, Carpenter Park, the Lake and Beach Parks, Washington Park, Iles Park, Southwind Park, the Wildlife Sanctuary Park, and more.

Lake Springfield abounds with natural beauty and recreational opportunities.

Washington Park is full of beautiful fields and wooded trail areas!

The botanical garden at Washington Park is a must-see!

A variety of wooded trails wind around Lake Springfield.

Nearby Adventures

Despite Springfield's charm, it can sometimes be nice to get away for the weekend. Though not famous for outdoor adventure, Illinois has a few little-known but incredible outdoor areas that make for excellent weekend trips. The southern portion of the state is dominated by the Shawnee National Forest, which supports multiple unique wilderness areas full of natural springs and rolling hills. Nearby Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Parks provide world-class hiking and waterfall viewing. Not feeling very nature-y? Nearby St. Louis and Chicago offer countless activities for urban adventures, and both can be easily accessed by an Amtrak line that runs straight through downtown Springfield. 

Bell Smith Springs in the Shawnee National Forest.

St. Louis is only 1.5 hours away!

There are endless activities in Chicago.

Frozen Waterfall at Buffalo Rock State Park.

The Garden of the Gods in the Shawnee National Forest offers incredible views and interesting rock formations.

Bison at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie.

Lab Member Natalie exploring the huge slot canyons in the Panther Den Wilderness.

Starved Rock State Park is full of lush green canyons and beautiful waterfalls.

Lincoln's New Salem is an excellent historic site for checking out old, historic structures and viewing fall colors!

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Dr. Tih-Fen Ting
Conservation Ecology Lab
Department of Environmental Studies
University of Illinois Springfield
Springfield, Illinois 62703-5407