Returning for its 15th season, History Comes Alive transports you back to the 19th Century Springfield.  Immerse yourself in Lincoln's hometown while meeting our largest cast of historical reenactors yet.  Live performances, a varity of demonstrattions, as well special presentations of some of Lincoln's most famous speeches.  Springfield is truly a city where History Comes Alive!  Free downtown trolley service to historic sites Wed.-Sat.!

You’ll have a front row seat as Civil War battles rage all weekend long. Armies of both the Union and the Confederacy will battle it out along the shores of lovely Lake Pittsfield. Explore the encampments surrounding the battlefield for a rare glimpse into the life of the soldiers, officers, doctors and others who served on the front lines of the War Between the States. Watch as the Infantry, Cavalry and Artillery conduct their practice drills. Witness a vintage baseball game, and talk with Lincoln, Grant and Lee. Plus, enjoy a ladies’ fashion show, children’s games and crafts, and be part of a Sunday morning period church service.

The Grande Levee is a celebration of the grand receptions that took place during the 1800s to honor government dignitaries and important visitors when Vandalia was the seat of Illinois state government.  Visitors can enjoyed period demonstrations, the selling of wares, an Abraham Lincoln presenter, period folk music, children's area with fun period games, and tours of the Vandalia Statehouse.  The event it free and open to the public.