Jessi Thomas | Neurodivergent Experience Expert

This was our first time ever attending the Illinois State Fair in beautiful Springfield, and I was blown away!

With tickets to The Chicks Saturday evening and living three hours away, it made sense to book a room at the Drury Inn to turn this into a fun little overnight.

We arrived in the afternoon and headed straight to the fair; I’m glad we did because there was SO much to see! A circus, international food court, expo hall of vendors, free concerts, and I was VERY pleased to see an incredible sensory room that should be the standard at all events.

I conquered my fears to ride the lift, absolutely easiest way to cover so much ground and see everythingggg.

Bagged a pretzel, corn dog, and strawberry shakeup, hit the concert pre-party and then enjoyed The Chicks!

After the concert I completed my dream of being photographed under the Route 66 Experience Neon signs on the grounds. There is also a faux drive-in next to the signs!

Truthfully, we didn’t get to experience as much of Springfield as we wanted because we were so immersed in the fair. It was great! We ubered back to the hotel & got some California Kitchen (yummy Philly 🤤).

Springfield has definitely become our next must-check-out weekend trip, and we hope to visit during one of their October events!

Follow @myilstatefair and @visitspringfield for more pictures and trip ideas!

#illinoisstatefair #snapspringfield #enjoyillinois #centralillinois #springfieldil