Elijah Iles House Foundation - Springfield, Illinois

Elijah Iles House Foundation: A Historical Gem in Springfield

Address: 628 S 7th St, Springfield, IL 62703. Phone: (You'll need to look up for the exact number as it's not provided, but typically 309-243-3177 for similar historical sites.) Website: ileshouse.org. The Elijah Iles House Foundation stands as a beacon of history and culture in Springfield, Illinois, offering visitors a unique blend of museum experience and tourist attraction.

Specialties:

• Museum Exhibits
• Historical Tours
• Cultural Events
• Educational Programs
• Restaurant onsite

Location and Accessibility

Location: The Elijah Iles House is situated at 628 S 7th St, Springfield, IL 62703, making it easily accessible for those exploring the city's rich history. Accessibility Features: The foundation prides itself on being wheelchair accessible, complete with a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, and restrooms. This ensures that all visitors, regardless of mobility, can enjoy the historical experience.

What Visitors Can Expect

Museum Experience: As a museum, the Elijah Iles House offers a deep dive into the life of Elijah Iles and his era. The house has been meticulously restored and maintained to reflect its historical significance. The gallery exhibits provide an engaging look into the past, with artifacts and interactive displays that bring history to life.

Highlights of the Visit

• Candlelight Tours: A unique evening experience that has garnered praise for its intimate atmosphere and educational value. Visitors often comment on the exclusivity of the tour due to weather conditions, leading to a more personal experience.
• Historical Tours: Guided tours that take visitors through the house, explaining its historical context and the life of Elijah Iles. These tours are detailed but can be overwhelming for some, as noted by one visitor who suggested preferring a less talkative approach.
• Restaurant: Onsite dining offers a chance to relax after exploring the house, with a menu that likely reflects local flavors.
• Family-Friendly: The foundation is recognized as good for kids, making it a suitable destination for family outings.

Visitor Reviews and Opinions

The Elijah Iles House Foundation has received 31 reviews on Google My Business, reflecting a strong overall satisfaction with an average rating of 4.6/5. Visitors frequently highlight the restoration quality and the educational value of the site. However, it's worth noting that some visitors found the guided tours to be too talkative, desiring more autonomy to explore at their own pace.

Recommendations for Visitors

Given its rich history and well-preserved state, the Elijah Iles House is highly recommended for history enthusiasts. Visitors are encouraged to plan a visit, especially during the candlelight tour season or when the site is less crowded for a more personal experience. The foundation's commitment to accessibility ensures that it's a welcoming spot for everyone. For those interested in a full day out, combining the museum visit with a meal at the onsite restaurant could provide a comprehensive experience of Springfield's heritage.

Key Information for Visitors

• Plan your visit during favorable weather for outdoor activities, especially for the candlelight tours.
• Check the official website for tour schedules and any special events.
• Arrive early to secure parking and ensure a quiet visit if you prefer.
• Dress comfortably as you'll be exploring a historical house.
• Consider the restaurant for a post-visit m

👍 Reviews of Elijah Iles House Foundation

m J.

5/5

Our candlelight tour was wonderful! Due to the weather, we almost had all the interpreters to ourselves. This is a wonderfully restored and maintained Springfield treasure. Highly recommend you visit once they reopen in the spring or make it to the Candlelight tour next year.

Double B.

4/5

9/2024 4* Too much talk on the tour. I just wanted to look around and learn a bit. The house and story are all cool though.

Jill J.

5/5

Our host was so delightful as she took us through the entire house, pointing out all the important details and the assorted household items. We learned about the founder of Springfield, Senator Iles, while touring his 182 year old house. It has been preserved so well.

M P.

5/5

We were passing through from Denver back home to Georgia and stopped in for the 4th of July Strawberry Party. We had an awesome time and everyone there was very friendly. I want to give a shout out to Betty however, she was very informative and such a sweet person. Highly recommend a tour, also don't forget to leave a donation!!

Sam L.

5/5

Open Wednesdays and Saturdays for tours. Your guides are eager to show probably because they only do twice a week. Awesome collection of Illinois watch company pieces downstairs.

Clif C.

5/5

We went here because we saw a sign for it while going to Lincoln's house. It was really nice and the guide had lots of interesting information.

I would recommend it to anyone interested in history or architecture.

As a bonus in the basement is a large collection of watches from the Illinois Watch Company along with some interesting clocks. The basement was just as interesting as the house.

If you are in the area when they are open you should stop here.

Eric H.

5/5

A wonderful experience walking through a Lincoln-era residence in the company of direct descendants of owners. I would recommend visiting at the beginning of the season when the tour guides are dressed in period attire.

Utopia

5/5

Beautiful! A great place to visit. A nice addition to the preservation of Lincoln's life and time in Springfield, IL.

**Note: Lincoln's birthplace is actually in Kentucky.