Lincoln Depot, Springfield Travel Guide

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Visit the historic Lincoln Depot in Springfield, IL, where Abraham Lincoln bid farewell before becoming president. A journey into American history.

The Lincoln Depot in Springfield, Illinois, marks the poignant site of Abraham Lincoln's farewell address before his departure to Washington D.C. in 1861 to begin his presidency. This beautifully preserved depot offers a glimpse into a pivotal moment in American history.

A brief summary to Lincoln Depot

930 E Monroe St, Springfield, Downtown, Illinois, 62701, US
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Monday 10 am-4 pm
Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
Thursday 10 am-4 pm
Friday 10 am-4 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Lincoln Depot.

Admission to the Lincoln Depot is free, making it an accessible historical site for all visitors.
The Lincoln Depot is open Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 4 PM.
Metered street parking is available near the depot, or you can use a nearby parking garage.
The first floor of the Lincoln Depot is wheelchair accessible.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Dana-Thomas House State Historic Site

Illinois State Museum

Allen Miller House

Lincoln Home National Historic Site

Vachel Lindsay Home State Historic Site

Explore Lincoln Depot on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Lincoln Depot, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, head north on S 8th St towards E Jackson St. Walk two blocks to E Monroe St, then turn left. The Lincoln Depot will be on your left at the intersection of E Monroe St and S 10th St. This is a short, easy walk through the historic neighborhood.
Public Transport

The Sangamon Mass Transit District (SMTD) provides bus service throughout Springfield. Check the SMTD website for the most up-to-date routes and schedules to reach the vicinity of the Lincoln Depot. A day pass costs $3.00. From a bus stop in downtown Springfield, it's a short walk to the Depot.
Taxi/Ride-Share

Taxi and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Springfield. A short trip from the Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport (SPI) to the Lincoln Depot is approximately 6 miles and costs around $15-$25.

Discover more about Lincoln Depot

The Lincoln Depot, located in downtown Springfield, Illinois, is a significant historical landmark. Originally built in 1852 as the Great Western Depot, it served as a bustling transportation hub. The depot is best known as the location where Abraham Lincoln delivered his heartfelt farewell address on February 11, 1861, before leaving Springfield to assume the presidency.On that gray morning, a crowd of Springfield citizens gathered to bid farewell to their beloved Lincoln. As Lincoln boarded the train, he gave an impromptu speech expressing his sadness at leaving his home and friends, entrusting them to God's care. This emotional moment is commemorated at the depot, offering visitors a chance to connect with a pivotal moment in American history.The depot's history extends beyond Lincoln's departure. It suffered fire damage in 1857 and was remodeled. After passenger operations moved to another location, the building served as a freight house. In the 20th century, it faced further changes in ownership and even another fire. Today, the Lincoln Depot is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.Visitors can explore the first floor, which is open to the public and wheelchair accessible. Inside, exhibits showcase the depot's history, railroad memorabilia, and a video about Lincoln's journey to Washington.