Permits & Reservations

No permits or reservations are required to visit the National Monument

Please contact us for questions about group tours or hosting an event. Rangers can provide more information about necessary permits and reservations. Keep in mind: the site is undeveloped and does not have restrooms, seating, or indoor facilities.

Filming, Still Photography, or Audio Recording

In most cases, permits and fees are not required for filming, still photography, or audio recording that involves eight or fewer individuals. In order to avoid permit and fee requirements, the filming, still photography, or audio recording must meet all of the following conditions:

  • Occurs in areas open to the public;

  • Uses hand-carried equipment only;

  • Does not require exclusive use of a site;

  • Does not adversely impact park resources, values, or other visitors; and

  • Is not likely to result in additional administrative costs for the NPS.


Permits and fees are never required for filming, still photography, or audio recording that is associated with an activity or event that has been authorized under a written instrument (e.g., permit or agreement), such as a wedding, sporting event, demonstration or other activity.

All filming, still photography, and audio recording is treated the same under Section 125 of the EXPLORE Act. It does not matter whether it is commercial, non-commercial, for content creation, by a student, or conducted by media or for news gathering.

When a filming, still photography, or audio recording permit is required, the National Park Service will charge location fees and fees to recover its costs to administer the permit, including application fees.

Individuals and groups conducting filming, still photography, or audio recording remain subject to all other laws and regulations applicable to visitors to park areas, including those requiring permits for certain activities (e.g., special events or demonstrations) and those prohibiting disturbance or other negative impacts to natural or cultural resources.

Last updated: December 7, 2025

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument
413 S. 8th Street

Springfield, IL 62701

Phone:

(573) 880-3120

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