Logan County Tourism Bureau
101 N. Chicago St.
Lincoln, IL 62656
(217) 732-8687
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The Logan County Tourism Bureau/Visitor Center is uniquely positioned in Downtown Lincoln, at the Historic Train Depot. The Depot was built in 1911 by the Chicago and Alton Railroad. Back in the mid-late 19th Century the City of Lincoln was a hub for the train. This depot replaced the original one that was built in 1853. It acted as a train station until most of the building was closed to the public in 1972. It was then sold and renovated in 1977-78 into the Depot Restaurant. The restaurant was a popular fixture for locals and travelers for many years.
It later became a catering hall and was last known as McCarty’s at the Depot untill it closed in 2013. The Depot went through a $4.04 million renovation project through the City and an IDOT grant, it was reopened the end of 2017 and the Bureau took up residence here in 2018.
Today, when you visit the Bureau office and Visitor Center, you can learn about all that Logan County has to offer and see. Also on display in the Depot is a bronze statue of Abraham Lincoln christening the town with a watermelon in 1853, as well as replica lifecastings of his hands. Head outside on the South lawn, to the Lincoln Christening Site, where you can read more about Abraham Lincoln, his connection to the City of Lincoln, and this historic event for the City of Lincoln.
For more information head across the street and see the Lincoln Train History Markers.
The Lincoln Depot train station is located in the connecting building to the Visitor Center and is still an active stop for Amtrak travelers. Train tickets can be purchased online or on the train. Visit the Amtrak Site for more information.
