Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport, Springfield, IL

Clicking links on this website may result in a commission being paid to Jettreks. The price you pay is not affected.

Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport (FAA: SPI, IATA: SPI, ICAO: KSPI) is a public, towered airport 3 miles NW of Springfield, Illinois. There are two runways: 4/22, which is concrete measuring 8,001 x 150 ft. The other is 13/31, which is grooved asphalt and measures 7,400 x 150 ft.

Stellar Aviation of Springfield is the FBO here. There is a terminal with a passenger lounge. Parking is ramp or tiedown, and they can provide catering, aircraft maintenance, major powerplant, airframe service, and bulk oxygen. Both AvGas and Jet-A are available.

The Levi, Ray & Shoup Aviation Center at Lincoln Land Community College operates the flight school here.

Transportation

There isn’t a courtesy car here, but at the east end of the terminal, you will find rental car counters.

Taxi service is available through Lincoln Yellow Cab, A Diamond Transportation, or Mid-State Cab. Ubers and hotel shuttles are your other options. Carla Car Rental can find you the best deal on a rental car.

Where To Stay

Prices and names change frequently. For current prices, amenities, and new owner rebrands, check Expedia.com or Hotels.com.

Ramada by Wyndham Springfield North – Casual hotel with free breakfast, Wi-Fi, indoor pool, and gym. Great for travelers seeking comfort at a reasonable price.
President Abraham Lincoln Springfield – a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel – Upscale property downtown, offering modern rooms, free Wi-Fi, and shuttle service. Perfect for those wanting proximity to historic attractions.
Carpenter Street Hotel – Low-key and affordable, with free breakfast, parking, and shuttle service to the airport and downtown.
Northfield Inn Suites and Conference Center – Relaxed property with straightforward rooms, an indoor pool, and complimentary breakfast.
State House Inn & Conference Center – Trademark Collection hotel located downtown, offering easy access to Springfield’s historic sites.
Mansion View Inn & Suites – Budget-friendly option with basic amenities, some rooms featuring whirlpool tubs.
Spark by Hilton Springfield Southwest – Modern Hilton property with comfortable rooms, located a short drive from the airport.

Where To Eat

There is no restaurant in this terminal, but there are several recommendations in town. One of them is to try a horseshoe sandwich at a place called D’Arcy’s Pint (an Irish Pub). It’s the signature sandwich of the City of Springfield.

Smokey Bones Springfield is probably the closest sit-down restaurant. This is a casual smokehouse with BBQ and cold beer.
Chesapeake Seafood House-Classic seafood and steak in a beautiful old historic mansion.
Star 66 Cafe-24-hour diner serving home-style American fare, perfect for early or late flights. It’s in the Pilot Truckstop off I-55.
Mariah’s Steakhouse & Pasta-Upscale log-cabin style steakhouse with Italian staples.
Westwoods Lodge Pub & Grill and Big Timber Bourbon Bar-Beyond rustic, this lodge atmosphere has generous helpings of American comfort food.
Route 66 Motorheads Bar & Grill– a quirky stop with classic cars, memorabilia, and neon signs.
Cozy Dog Drive Inn-Last but not least, at least not to me, is the birthplace of the corndog on a stick. This one is quite a bit farther away from the airport, but the bragging rights from eating at the original home of the American corndog will last a lifetime. It’s an iconic little restaurant with no website, but you can find it on Facebook or with Google Maps. It’s a Route 66 attraction.

Things To Do

The big attraction on this side of Springfield is, of course, Lincoln’s Tomb. Nestled in the Oak Ridge Cemetery, surrounded by memorials and landscaped ponds. It’s approximately 4 miles from the airport, and no American or world history buff should miss it. Rubbing the nose of the bronze bust of Lincoln at the entrance is supposed to be good luck.

Along those same lines, there is also the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum, where immersive exhibits and artifacts bring his story to life; you can also walk through the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, the only home he ever owned, preserved with guided tours of the neighborhood; and then stand inside the Old State Capitol Historic Site, beautifully restored to the place where Lincoln delivered his famous “House Divided” speech.

If you need a little exercise, just north of the airport is the 9-hole Long Bridge Golf Course.

Architecture gets a nod in Springfield, as it is home to the Dana-Thomas House. This is one of the most complete Frank Lloyd Wright homes in the country. There are over 100 pieces of original Wright furniture here.

Why Fly Here?

Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport serves as a welcoming gateway to central Illinois. With its convenient location, easy access, and nearby dining and attractions, it gives travelers a smooth start or finish to their journey. Whether you’re flying in for business, exploring Route 66, or discovering Springfield’s cultural gems, the airport provides a practical hub that connects you to the heart of the region.

As always, safe travels,

jo@jettreks