Vandalia Statehouse State Historic Site

Vandalia Statehouse State Historic Site Built in 1836, Vandalia Statehouse is the oldest surviving capitol building for the State of Illinois.

Famous politicians including Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas served as representatives here while Vandalia was the second capitol.

05/23/2026

The Vandalia Statehouse State Historic Site will be closed on Sunday, May 24th. 

Thank you to an Airstream Club for stopping by and spending part of your travels with us — safe travels on the road ahea...
05/21/2026

Thank you to an Airstream Club for stopping by and spending part of your travels with us — safe travels on the road ahead, and we hope to see you again soon! 🚐✨

Update… Phones are back up and working! Please reach out to us on FB, until the phone line is fixed.
05/20/2026

Update… Phones are back up and working!

Please reach out to us on FB, until the phone line is fixed.

🎉 Grande Levee is just a little over a month away! 🎉Join us at the historic Vandalia Statehouse State Historic Site on S...
05/16/2026

🎉 Grande Levee is just a little over a month away! 🎉

Join us at the historic Vandalia Statehouse State Historic Site on Saturday, June 20th for a full day of history, music, demonstrations, food, family fun, and community celebration!

🕰 Step back into the 1800s with:
• Period craft demonstrations
• Abraham Lincoln presenter
• Folk & dulcimer music
• Wood carving demonstrations and judging
• Tours of the Vandalia Statehouse
• Farmers Market, museum tours, and more!

🍽 Don’t forget to kick off the weekend on Friday, June 19th with the Ham & Beans Dinner hosted by the Vandalia Historical Society from 5–7 PM (or until sold out)!

Mark your calendars and make plans to celebrate history and community with us at Grande Levee 2026!

We were thrilled to welcome the 2nd Grade class from Altamont Lutheran School for a fun-filled visit full of history, le...
05/14/2026

We were thrilled to welcome the 2nd Grade class from Altamont Lutheran School for a fun-filled visit full of history, learning, and exploration! The students had the opportunity to step back in time, learn about Illinois’ early government, and even meet President Abraham Lincoln inside the historic Statehouse.

Thank you to the students, teachers, and chaperones for spending the day with us and making history come alive with your curiosity and excitement!

We enjoyed welcoming 3rd & 4th grade students from Pocahontas School Friday morning to the Vandalia Statehouse State His...
05/09/2026

We enjoyed welcoming 3rd & 4th grade students from Pocahontas School Friday morning to the Vandalia Statehouse State Historic Site!

The students had the opportunity to learn about Illinois history, explore the historic Statehouse. It was a wonderful morning filled with learning, questions, and smiles as the students stepped back in time to experience a piece of our state’s history.

Thank you to the students, teachers, and chaperones for visiting — we enjoyed having you at the Statehouse!

We were excited to welcome, Bluford Grade School to the Vandalia Statehouse State Historic Site this morning!This energe...
05/06/2026

We were excited to welcome, Bluford Grade School to the Vandalia Statehouse State Historic Site this morning!

This energetic group brought great enthusiasm as they explored and learned about Illinois’ second Capitol. It’s always a pleasure to see students so engaged with history and asking great questions along the way.

Thank you for visiting—we hope you enjoyed your time stepping back into Illinois history!

We always look forward to welcoming Mr. Curll’s high school civics class to the Vandalia Statehouse State Historic Site!...
04/24/2026

We always look forward to welcoming Mr. Curll’s high school civics class to the Vandalia Statehouse State Historic Site!

Mr. Curll has shown incredible dedication by bringing his students not just once, but twice each year—returning in both the fall and spring— to explore and learn the rich history of the Vandalia Statehouse.

This week, his students visited on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, bringing excitement and a strong eagerness to learn during their time here. Their enthusiasm makes each tour a rewarding experience for everyone involved. It’s inspiring to see such energy paired with a commitment to hands-on learning and connecting with Illinois history in a meaningful way.

Thank you, Mr. Curll, for continuing to make this tradition a part of your classroom experience—we truly appreciate your support and look forward to each visit!

We were excited to welcome students from East Alton Middle School a couple of weeks ago. Their visit was made possible t...
04/24/2026

We were excited to welcome students from East Alton Middle School a couple of weeks ago. Their visit was made possible through a grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, helping bring history to life right here in Vandalia.

The students brought so much energy and enthusiasm as they explored Illinois’ second capitol and learned about its important role in our state’s history. We always enjoy seeing young minds engaged and excited to learn!

We were excited to welcome students from Amare Montessori School from Clarksville, Tennessee to the Vandalia Statehouse ...
04/24/2026

We were excited to welcome students from Amare Montessori School from Clarksville, Tennessee to the Vandalia Statehouse State Historic Site on Thursday afternoon!

Thank you for spending part of your day with us—we loved having your group visit. Safe travels, and we hope to see you again! 😊

Address

315 W Gallatin Street
Vandalia, IL
62471

Opening Hours

Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 4pm
Saturday 9am - 4pm
Sunday 9am - 4pm

Telephone

(618) 283-1161

Website

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