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Lincoln Depot (Great Western Depot)

4.5

·70 reviews·Springfield, United States

The historic train depot where Abraham Lincoln delivered his poignant farewell address before becoming president.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, more intimate feel

CrowdLow

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Lincoln Depot (Great Western Depot)

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, more intimate feel

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

The historic train depot where Abraham Lincoln delivered his poignant farewell address before becoming president.

4.5

(70 reviews)

"Stand where Lincoln gave his farewell address – a must-see for any Lincoln history enthusiast!"

TIP

Check Operating Hours

Hours can vary seasonally. Confirm opening times before your visit to avoid disappointment. :clock1:

Imagine the Farewell

Stand on the platform and envision Lincoln's historic farewell address. It's a powerful moment. :speech_balloon:

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.5 · 70 reviews

Type

Historical Place

Address

930 E Monroe St, Springfield, IL 62701, USA

Website

lincolndepot.org

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Lincoln's Farewell Address Site

The platform where Lincoln stood

Stand where Abraham Lincoln delivered his poignant farewell speech before becoming president. Feel the weight of history.

Historical Context & Plaques

Exterior and interior displays

Learn about Lincoln's departure and the historical significance of this train depot. Informative displays bring the past to life.

Abe Lincoln Doppelganger

At the Depot

Meet a Lincoln doppelganger who reenacts the farewell address. A unique and memorable photo opportunity for all ages.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit

The Lincoln Depot is a historic site, not a large museum. Check operating hours, as they can vary seasonally. Arriving early or later in the day can offer a more intimate experience, especially if you're interested in imagining Lincoln's farewell address.

Lincoln's Farewell

This is where Abraham Lincoln delivered his emotional farewell address before heading to Washington D.C. for his inauguration. Understanding this historical context enhances the visit, making it a poignant stop on any Lincoln pilgrimage.

Best Times

When

Weekdays, mornings

Why

Fewer crowds, more intimate feel

Crowd

Low

When

After April 1st

Why

Seasonal opening, check hours

Crowd

Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

About the disturbing history of the burial of President Abraham Lincoln. we will go on a tour through the Lincoln tomb in Springfield, Illinois while I tell you a little bit about the disturbed rest, and Wyatt took almost 40 years for Lincoln to be buried in peace. #abrahamlincoln #springfield #presidentialhistory #cemetery #cemeterytok

@freyzel_productions

21K likes • 773.4K views

Check Operating Hours

Hours can vary seasonally. Confirm opening times before your visit to avoid disappointment. :clock1:

Imagine the Farewell

Stand on the platform and envision Lincoln's historic farewell address. It's a powerful moment. :speech_balloon:

#abrahamlincoln #tomb #inside #springfield

@az990tony

13.5K likes • 374.7K views

Accompany lavender into the Holy of Holies, children of Abraham, for a direct message from Lincoln himself. 💜🐑☀️🐑💜 #abrahamlincoln #lincoln #fatherabraham #beforethefather #lincolntomb #holyofholies #sacredwalk #pilgrimage #springfieldil #springfieldillinois #illinois #landoflincoln #1865 #civilwar #gettysburgaddress #gettysburg #president #itmatters #ImWithAbe #lavender

@time2flylavender

4.4K likes • 274.1K views

Photo Ops with Abe

If available, meet the Lincoln doppelganger for a fun photo op and a reenactment. :camerawithflash:

Combine with Other Sites

This is an essential stop when visiting other Lincoln sites in Springfield. :world_map:

This is the old receiving vault that temporarily held the remains of President Abraham Lincoln after his assassination in 1865. This is located at Oak Ridge cemetery in Springfield, Illinois. #abrahamlincoln #cemetery #cemeterytok #History #presidents

@freyzel_productions

4K likes • 338.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Check Operating Hours

Hours can vary seasonally. Confirm opening times before your visit to avoid disappointment. :clock1:

Imagine the Farewell

Stand on the platform and envision Lincoln's historic farewell address. It's a powerful moment. :speech_balloon:

Photo Ops with Abe

If available, meet the Lincoln doppelganger for a fun photo op and a reenactment. :camerawithflash:

Combine with Other Sites

This is an essential stop when visiting other Lincoln sites in Springfield. :world_map:

What Travellers Say

4.5

(70 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Lincoln Depot a significant historical site, particularly for its connection to Abraham Lincoln's farewell address. While some note it's a brief stop, the opportunity to stand where history was made and potentially meet a Lincoln doppelganger makes it a memorable experience, especially when combined with other Lincoln attractions in Springfield.

"An excellent train station. We were able to meet the owner who was gracious. Abraham Lincoln made his farewell address here. The doppelganger of Abe also reiterated the address in period clothing. Afterwards we were able to take pictures with him. What a treat! My grandchildren really enjoyed the time spent in Springfield, so did I."

Tanya Fook-Marshall

"Abraham Lincoln left Springfield, Illinois, on February 11, 1861, after residing here for twenty four years, to begin his journey to Washington D.C. for his inauguration as President. He delivered his farewell address at the Great Western Depot.

Assigned to protect Lincoln on his train journey to Washington, DC was America’s first female detective—Kate Warne, a true unsung hero working for the Pinkerton Detective Agency out of Chicago, IL. But her most famous case was the Baltimore Plot, where she helped stop an assassination plot against Abraham Lincoln.

In 1861, Lincoln was on a railroad whistle-stop tour from Illinois to Washington, D.C. before his inauguration. During this time, she went undercover at secessionist parties in Baltimore and was able to uncover the assassination plot. After passing the information over to Pinkerton, Lincoln was posed as an invalid traveling on a night train to Washington D.C., with Warne acting as his caregiver and sister. They slipped through Baltimore undetected and they were able to evade those intended on murdering Lincoln.

Warne’s career was filled with triumphs and success, marking her as a leader in investigations — a field overwhelmingly run by men during that time. Highly praised by Allan Pinkerton himself, she continues to be a source of inspiration."

Lance Sheridan

"Well it's fitting that this depot now be the offices of a law firm, considering that Lincoln was a lawyer. Nice little area on the first floor for photos and an informative video."

Andy Chandler

What People Like

Historic farewell address site

Lincoln doppelganger reenactment

Essential Lincoln stop

What People Dislike

Brief visit duration

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Lincoln Depot is located in Springfield, Illinois. It's easily accessible by car and is often visited as part of a larger tour of Lincoln-related sites in the city. Parking is generally available nearby.

Yes, the Lincoln Depot is a key stop on many historical tours of Springfield, Illinois, focusing on Abraham Lincoln's life and legacy. It's often visited alongside Lincoln's Home and the Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission to the Lincoln Depot is often free, but it's essential to check the official operating hours and any potential admission fees, as these can change seasonally. Some visitors have noted being let in early outside of the official season.

Operating hours for the Lincoln Depot can vary, especially by season. It's recommended to check the official website or local tourism information for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.

Information on accessibility for the Lincoln Depot can be limited online. It's advisable to contact the site directly or check with local Springfield tourism resources for specific accessibility details.

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

At the Lincoln Depot, you can stand on the platform where Abraham Lincoln delivered his farewell address, read historical markers, and learn about the significance of this departure point. Some visits include a doppelganger reenacting the speech.

A visit to the Lincoln Depot is usually brief, often taking around 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your interest in the historical context and if you engage with any reenactments or displays.

While some visitors mention gift shops at other Lincoln sites in Springfield, the Lincoln Depot itself is primarily a historical site focused on the farewell address. You might find souvenirs at nearby Lincoln attractions.

Yes, photography is generally permitted at the Lincoln Depot, especially of the exterior and the platform area. If a Lincoln doppelganger is present, you may have opportunities for photos with them.

🎫 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Activities

The Lincoln Depot can be interesting for children, especially if they are learning about American history. The doppelganger reenactment can be particularly engaging for younger visitors.

Absolutely! Springfield offers numerous family-friendly Lincoln attractions, including Lincoln's Home, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, and Lincoln's Tomb, all of which can be combined with a visit to the Depot.