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Illinois World War II Memorial

·29 reviews·Springfield, United States

A solemn tribute in Oak Ridge Cemetery honoring Illinoisans lost in WWII. A place for reflection and remembrance of immense sacrifice.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Quieter reflection time

CrowdLow

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Illinois World War II Memorial

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Quieter reflection time

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A solemn tribute in Oak Ridge Cemetery honoring Illinoisans lost in WWII. A place for reflection and remembrance of immense sacrifice.

(29 reviews)

"This monument was absolutely beautiful in person, but it was very disappointing that the water for the water fountain wasn’t on. "

TIP

Combine with Lincoln's Tomb

After visiting Lincoln's Tomb, make time for this memorial. Lots of history! :world_map:

Water Fountain Check

The water fountain may not always be on, which can affect the full visual effect. :water_wave:

Quick Facts

Rating

5 · 29 reviews

Address

1441 Monument Ave, Springfield, IL 62702, USA

Website

ww2il.com

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Memorial Structure

A powerful monument dedicated to Illinois' fallen heroes of World War II. Its construction is impressive in person.

Oak Ridge Cemetery Location

Situated within Oak Ridge Cemetery, offering a peaceful and historic setting for remembrance.

Nearby Veterans Memorials

Adjacent to the Korean War and Vietnam Veterans Memorials, allowing for a comprehensive visit to honor all service members.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit

While the Illinois World War II Memorial is a solemn place, consider visiting during off-peak hours to fully absorb its impact. Weekday mornings or late afternoons can offer a more contemplative experience, allowing you to appreciate the details without large crowds.

Respectful Engagement

This memorial honors the sacrifice of over 980,000 Illinoisans. Visitors are encouraged to approach their visit with respect and quiet reflection.

Best Times

When

Weekday mornings

Why

Quieter reflection time

Crowd

Low

When

Late afternoons

Why

Golden hour beauty

Crowd

Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Elgin Illinois Trolley Museum Rails to Victory Reenactment #wwii #reenactment #reenacting #reenactingww2 #History #museum #trolley #worldwartwo #reenactor #german #america #usa #worldwartwo

@thegoodthegreat

79.9K likes • 1.4M views

Combine with Lincoln's Tomb

After visiting Lincoln's Tomb, make time for this memorial. Lots of history! :world_map:

Water Fountain Check

The water fountain may not always be on, which can affect the full visual effect. :water_wave:

Two Ole #Union #soldiers #filmed in 1921. One #veteran recounts his experience at the #Battle of Cole Camp and #WilsonCreek near #Springfield #Missouri #History #civilwar #Dutch #German

@historical_usa

77.2K likes • 970.3K views

The 80th anniversary of the beginning of the Battle of the Bulge was commemorated at the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. on Monday, December 16. A ceremony and wreath-laying hosted by the Friends of the National World War II Memorial was attended by two World War II Veterans, dignitaries from Belgium, Canada, France, Luxembourg and the United Kingdom, and Friends of Memorial officials. ...

deptvetaffairs

805 likes • 12.8K views

Honor All Veterans

Don't miss the nearby Korean and Vietnam Memorials. Pay respects to all who served. :military_medal:

Support Veteran Causes

Many memorials highlight veteran suicide awareness. Consider supporting related initiatives. +1 ❤️

In the heart of a small town in illinois , a modest monument stands as a profound gesture of gratitude. It honors a local hero, a World War II veteran whose courage transcended the boundaries of his hometown. This memorial may be small, but it represents a monumental tribute to sacrifice and service. Thanks @jojovsayson for all the hard work to accomplish this tribute. #WWIIVeteran #HometownHero ...

sweatlesstravel

4 likes • 26 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Combine with Lincoln's Tomb

After visiting Lincoln's Tomb, make time for this memorial. Lots of history! :world_map:

Water Fountain Check

The water fountain may not always be on, which can affect the full visual effect. :water_wave:

Honor All Veterans

Don't miss the nearby Korean and Vietnam Memorials. Pay respects to all who served. :military_medal:

Support Veteran Causes

Many memorials highlight veteran suicide awareness. Consider supporting related initiatives. +1 ❤️

What Travellers Say

(29 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Illinois World War II Memorial to be a beautiful and touching tribute to the state's fallen heroes. Its impressive structure and solemn atmosphere are frequently praised, though some note disappointment when the water fountain is not operational. The memorial's location within Oak Ridge Cemetery, near other significant historical sites, makes it a worthwhile stop for reflection and remembrance.

"This monument was absolutely beautiful in person, but it was very disappointing that the water for the water fountain wasn’t on. I was really hoping to see the full effect of everything come together, but the structure and construction of this monument was something that you have to see in person.. There were a lot of people visiting so be prepared that it might be a little crowded. A great view to look around Washington and see the Washington monument as well."

Shan B

"Review Date: March 11th, 2014

A touching tribute to those who fell/went missing in the battles of World War II.

Located in Oak Ridge Cemetery, this Memorial was dedicated in December of 2004 to the 980,000+ military persons of Illinois who lost their lives in World War II.

Thank you to all of those who have served and are still active in the Military. Nearby, there is an Illinois Korean War Memorial and an Illinois Vietnam Veterans Memorial. So if you are visiting this one, walk on over to the others and pay your respects."

Joshua Daily

"Definitely worth a stop to honor those who served. The Korean and Vietnam Memorials are close by too. The entire site is very well done and is impressive to see."

Clint Starnes

What People Like

Touching tribute

Impressive structure

Solemn atmosphere

What People Dislike

Water fountain off

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Illinois World War II Memorial is located within Oak Ridge Cemetery. It's accessible by car, and parking is generally available within the cemetery grounds. Public transportation options may vary depending on your starting point in Springfield, Illinois.

Yes, parking is typically available within Oak Ridge Cemetery, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.

Many visitors combine a trip to the Illinois World War II Memorial with nearby attractions like Lincoln's Tomb, as they are located in the same cemetery.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The Illinois World War II Memorial is a public monument and generally does not have an admission fee. Entry to Oak Ridge Cemetery is also free.

As the memorial is located within Oak Ridge Cemetery, its accessibility is typically tied to the cemetery's operating hours. It's advisable to check the cemetery's official hours before your visit.

No, tickets are not required for the Illinois World War II Memorial as it is an open public monument.

🎫 compass Onsite Experience

The memorial is a touching tribute to the over 980,000 military personnel from Illinois who lost their lives during World War II.

Visitors can expect to see a beautifully constructed monument that serves as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made during World War II. The structure itself is impressive.

Yes, the Illinois Korean War Memorial and the Illinois Vietnam Veterans Memorial are located nearby within Oak Ridge Cemetery, allowing for a comprehensive visit to honor veterans.

Oak Ridge Cemetery is generally accessible, but specific accessibility details for the memorial itself should be confirmed. The grounds are often paved or well-maintained.

Photography is generally permitted at the memorial, but visitors are reminded to do so respectfully, given the solemn nature of the site. +1

📸 camera_with_flash Photography

Early mornings or late afternoons can offer beautiful lighting for photography, especially during the golden hours. Weekdays tend to be less crowded, providing more opportunities for unobstructed shots.

While generally permitted, visitors are encouraged to be respectful and avoid intrusive photography, especially during moments of quiet reflection by others. +1

Many visitors capture wide shots of the monument's structure, close-ups of inscriptions, and the surrounding peaceful cemetery landscape.