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National Monument · Illinois

Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument

National Monument in Illinois. No entrance fee.

By The Green Adventures · Updated · How we check

TypeNational Monument
StateIllinois
Entrance feeNo entrance fee
CampgroundsNone
Nearest national parkGateway Arch (86 mi)
Closest airportSPI (3 mi)
A narrow grassy lot surrounded by fence.
View of Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument Today Photo: NPS

Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument is a national monument run by the National Park Service in Illinois.

In the park service’s words

In August 1908, a large White mob attacked the Black community in Springfield, Illinois. Rioters destroyed homes and businesses and lynched two men. The event led to the founding of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Today, archeological evidence gives a rare glimpse into a community devastated by the race riots of the early 20th century.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Fees and hours

Entrance fee: No entrance fee.

Getting there

Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument is a new national park located in central Springfield, Illinois. No facilities or services are available. The park is currently surrounded by a construction project and visiting is not advised.

Airport City Drive to the park Straight-line miles Type
Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport (SPI) Springfield, IL No road route 3 Regional
Decatur Airport (DEC) Decatur, IL No road route 41 Regional
General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport (PIA) Peoria, IL No road route 60 Regional
St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) St Louis, MO No road route 83 Large hub

Drive times run from the airport to Zion Canyon Visitor Center, estimated with OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap roads at normal speeds; allow extra for traffic, stops and construction.

Miles are straight-line distances.

Weather

Summers in Illinois are hot and humid. Winters can be cold and windy.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Know before you go

Drones are banned at almost every park site, and you may not take rocks, plants or artifacts. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet where they are allowed. Bring no firewood from home.

Nearby

The nearest national park is Gateway Arch, about 86 miles away in a straight line.

Sources

Last checked 1 November 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee at Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument?

No entrance fee.

Where is Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument?

In Illinois. The closest airport with scheduled flights is Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport, about 3 miles away.

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