Skip to main content
Shedd Aquarium

Jacksonville's Underground Railroad Tour

1463 Gierke Lane, Jacksonville, IL 62650

Historic Sites

See a variety of locations in Jacksonville that have connection to the Underground Railroad.

In the mid-1800s, Jacksonville acted as a hub for the Underground Railroad, sheltering hundreds who wished to escape the horrors of slavery. Serveral local historic homes served as havens on this journey to freedom, making Jacksonville one of the first such stations in the area and by far the busiest. Drive by a number of these locations and end out at Woodlawn Farm for a tour of the farm. 

What's happening nearby...

Hy-Vee Perks 40

Jacksonville Speedway •  Apr 25 @ 5PM

The Jacksonville Speedway is set to host some World of Outlaws Sprint Car action in April, promising a thrilling night of racing after last year's non-stop…

Read more about Hy-Vee Perks 40

Underground Railroad Spring Bus Tour

Beecher Hall •  Apr 27 @ 1PM

Join our Storyteller tour guides, outfitted in 19th century period attire, as we travel the sites of the Underground Railroad!

Read more about Underground Railroad Spring Bus Tour

Blues & Brews Festival

Downtown Jacksonville •  May 03 @ 12noon

Join the free Jacksonville Main Street Blues & Brews Festival on May 3, 2025, 12-4 PM! Enjoy blues music, food trucks, and a beer wagon. Bring…

Read more about Blues & Brews Festival

You might also be interested...

Jacksonville African American History Museum

Jacksonville

The Jacksonville African American History Museum is located in the historical Underground Railroad site, the Asa Talcott home.

Read more about Jacksonville African American History Museum

Jacksonville Historic Homes Walking Tour

Jacksonville

Take a stroll through Jacksonville and view its historic homes.

Read more about Jacksonville Historic Homes Walking Tour

Charters of Freedom Monuments

Jacksonville

Visit the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights in Jacksonville!

Read more about Charters of Freedom Monuments

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get inspired by top travel stories, gain access to exclusive promotions and contests, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois.