About
Welcome to Springfield, Kentucky, the seat of Washington County, one of the first counties in the Commonwealth and the place where legends and icons found their beginnings. Steeped in tradition and heritage, our illustrious past has given birth to a wide selection of events and attractions which are yours to enjoy and long remember!
Abraham Lincoln – Springfield’s Hometown Hero! Springfield is the ancestral home of Abraham Lincoln, our nation’s 16th President. Several family homes and homesites are accessible to the public, including the Berry Cabin at Lincoln Homestead State Park and Mordecai Lincoln House, home to his favorite uncle. The Lincoln Foundation of Washington County has the most up to date information about the Lincoln Family.
The 1816 Courthouse on Main Street across from the Abraham Lincoln statue “In Sacred Union” holds the original marriage certificate of Thomas Lincoln and Nancy Hanks. In this building, the oldest active courthouse in the state of Kentucky is the Lincoln Legacy Museum.
While you’re in town, visit the Berry cabin home to Nancy Hanks and museum at Lincoln Homestead State Park.
Springfield is the birthplace of Giants’ Super Bowl winning quarterback and CBS’s No. 1 NFL analyst, Phil Simms. Check out the Phil Simms display at the Springfield Opera House, and spend the night at the estate he lived in, now home to historic Maple Hill Manor Bed and Breakfast.
Check out displays at The Cultural Center at the Opera House. Here you will find unique pieces of local artifacts and talent as well as historic story telling about Springfield and Washington County.
Legendary Ernie Brown Jr., a.k.a. Turtleman, known from Animal Planet’s Call of the Wildman, was born right here in Washington County, in the quiet town of Mackville.
The very first Dollar General store opened in Springfield, Kentucky, on June 1, 1955, making 2015 the neighborhood dollar discount store’s 60th anniversary. You will still find a Dollar General here today, and many more unique small-town shopping treasures.
The elusive location of Matt Groening’s Simpsons may well be Springfield, Kentucky. With its iconic Main Street bustling with college life, shops, art, theatre and plenty of local dining options, you will feel like you landed smack-dab in the “Americana” of Simpsons’ Springfield. Stop and shop a while, then join the Simpsons family for a photo-op at the Opera House while you are downtown.
As for adventure . . . we have a beautiful panoramic golf course, fishing, hunting or enjoy our Festivals and Markets. Bring your bike and ride the crossroads of Bike the Bourbon Trail™ and the Trans America Bicycle Trail.
If you are here for business, this friendly town has historic B&B’s, city camping, and a variety of eateries, both fast food and full service local dining options.
The Opera House has sparked all kinds of creativity in downtown Springfield featuring live theatre from Central Kentucky Theatre, Art Exhibits, Visitor’s Center, meeting rooms and offices. We invite you to stop by for free maps and area information. And don’t forget to log onto Springfield’s free wifi! Have any questions? We’d love to hear from you!!