Springfield Tourism Projects Receive Over $615,000

More than $615,000 in state funding is headed to Springfield and Central Illinois to support tourism projects, promote local attractions and highlight the region's connection to Route 66.

State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) announced the funding, which will support several initiatives aimed at attracting visitors, expanding tourism programs and promoting Illinois destinations internationally.

“Springfield has a number of attractions that bring visitors here from across the country,” said Turner. “Continuing to make strong investments to drive the tourism industry helps boost our local economies. Central Illinois has so much to offer, and investments like these show the world it’s a great place to be.”

Springfield received nearly $160,000 through the International Tourism Grant Program to support marketing campaigns, trade shows, sales missions, advertising and other promotional efforts.

A portion of the funding will help expand Springfield's History Comes Alive program beyond its traditional summer schedule. The program will offer additional experiences during the spring and fall, giving visitors more opportunities to explore the city's history throughout the year.

The funding will also support print and digital advertising, familiarization tours and promotional activities in cooperation with the Illinois Office of Tourism.

Springfield was also awarded nearly $355,000 through the state's Route 66 Grant Program, including funding for five new Route 66-themed murals that will be installed downtown.

The statewide $2 million grant program supports projects that promote, develop and preserve destinations along the historic highway as Route 66 celebrates its 100th anniversary.

Additional funding was awarded through the Tourism Marketing Partnership Grant Program, which provides matching grants to promote Illinois attractions, destinations and events.

The Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Alliance received more than $30,000 to update and expand the Illinois Wine Guide magazine and Illinois Wine Map brochure.

The Illinois Route 66 Heritage Project received $15,000 to support research, updates, graphic design and professional layout for the 2027 Illinois Route 66 Visitor Guide.

Looking for Lincoln was also awarded more than $56,000 to promote heritage tourism throughout the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area.

“Springfield is the heart of Route 66 in Illinois,” said Turner. “With this funding, we have a great opportunity to showcase its ties to the capital city and Central Illinois.”