Great Western Depot
Great Western Depot
4
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
80 reviews
Excellent
31
Very good
29
Average
16
Poor
4
Terrible
0
Miriam
Fort Collins, CO47 contributions
Dec 2022
There is a very small, free museum on the main floor, with a law office on the second floor. We were free to browse the exhibits on the first floor and they were interesting. It completed the Abe Lincoln tour since it was the place he said farewell to Springfield.
Written December 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ChickenParm41
USA673 contributions
Sep 2022
Depot where Honest Abe gave his farewell speech.
Seemed like he knew he wouldn't be coming back alive.
It is very small and it was closed. Tracks are right there. I found a loose rail road spike on the ground and thought it was a good omen.
Spent 15 minutes there reflecting. There is a marker with his speech and one for history to read.
Seemed like he knew he wouldn't be coming back alive.
It is very small and it was closed. Tracks are right there. I found a loose rail road spike on the ground and thought it was a good omen.
Spent 15 minutes there reflecting. There is a marker with his speech and one for history to read.
Written October 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Joe L
196 contributions
Jun 2022
This is now a law firm on one side and the train station on the other. Amazing just to imaging Lincoln leaving for DC was stirring.
Written June 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
valliam13
Sorrento, FL380 contributions
Sep 2021 • Couples
I’m disappointed the inside is closed currently due to COVID but the law office that shares the building says to call weekly and see if they reopen. There are some plaques be lyes around the building so it’s worth the 5 minute stop if you’re in the area. There’s lots of quick history here.
Written September 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
SuzanneLG
Gresham, OR816 contributions
Aug 2021
This is definitely worth going to, we’re Lincoln gave his fair well speech to a throng of his supporters!
Written August 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Janis H
6 contributions
Apr 2021
It was great to see the outside of this building. Due to current restrictions we couldn't go inside. Looking forward to going back.
Written May 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Taylor B
Chicago, IL8,345 contributions
Oct 2020
The Great Western Depot in Springfield, Illinois, more commonly known as the Lincoln Depot, is often overlooked amid all of the Lincoln historical sites situated in the Sangamon County area. It shouldn't be. The railway station, which was built by the Great Western Railroad in 1852, is the site of Abraham Lincoln's memorable farewell address to friends and citizens before leaving on his journey to Washington DC to become the 16th president of the United States. Belatedly, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2014. Located at 930 East Monroe Street, at 10th and Monroe Streets, two blocks from the Lincoln home, the building has been renovated, remodeled and restored, survived a fire and served as a passenger station, warehouse, storage space, law office, classroom and museum. On a dark, gloomy morning in 1861, an estimated crowd of 1,000 people assembled at the station to see Lincoln off. As the train pulled in, Lincoln mounted the rear platform. He said: "I now leave, not knowing when, or whether ever, I may return, with a task before me greater than that which rested upon (George) Washington." In 1865, his body arrived at the station en route to burial at Springfield's Oak Ridge Cemetery. Today, the depot serves as a museum with displays of Lincoln artifacts relating to his 1860 presidential campaign, his 1861 departure and farewell address. A video, narrated by Scott Simon, which describes Lincoln's 12-day journey to Washington DC, is shown on the second floor. As with every Lincoln site in the Springfield area, it is a very poignant and moving experience.
Written November 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
JeffBreedlove
Atlanta, GA4,282 contributions
Jun 2019
This is where Lincoln departed Springfield and headed to DC - it is full of Presidential history. We went by, found a parking spot, and took some photos - they have two free flyers on a sign out front and it is, as you would expect, literally next to the train tracks.
There is a cool sign on the building next door which also makes a good photo.
If you are into Presidential history, this is a must visit.
Go Enjoy!
There is a cool sign on the building next door which also makes a good photo.
If you are into Presidential history, this is a must visit.
Go Enjoy!
Written January 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Brian D
Auburn, IN6 contributions
Aug 2019
Memories of Abraham Lincoln on the campaign of 1860. Good video displays. Great building restoration.
Written November 11, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
BLtrvl
Glenview, IL1,433 contributions
Oct 2019
The spot at which Lincoln departed Springfield, the last time he set foot there, before he set off for Washington. It's a quick visit here, but a poignant one.
Written October 29, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mandy E
Plainfield, IL91 contributions
What is the closest parking to this? We will not yet have checked into our hotel for the day and want to catch this while it is still open to the inside (we arrive on a Friday)?
Klpbuckeye
Raleigh, NC52 contributions
You can easily park on the street.
Great Western Depot (Springfield) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Great Western Depot
- Great Western Depot is open:
- Mon - Fri 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Hotels near Great Western Depot:
- (0.21 mi) President Abraham Lincoln Springfield - a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel
- (0.19 mi) Wyndham Springfield City Centre
- (0.27 mi) Henry Mischler House
- (0.76 mi) Inn At 835 Boutique Hotel
- (0.63 mi) Carpenter Street Hotel
- Restaurants near Great Western Depot:
- (0.14 mi) Saputo's
- (0.20 mi) Nick & Nino's Penthouse Steakhouse
- (0.29 mi) Maldaner's Restaurant
- (0.31 mi) Obed & Isaac's Microbrewery and Eatery
- (0.19 mi) The Grille at City Centre