Lincoln Historic Site
Step into the only home Abraham Lincoln ever owned, a preserved glimpse into his life before the presidency in Springfield, Illinois.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate tours
Lincoln Historic Site
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate tours
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into the only home Abraham Lincoln ever owned, a preserved glimpse into his life before the presidency in Springfield, Illinois.
"A fascinating tour that truly transports you back in time to experience Lincoln's life."
Book Home Tours Early
Free tours of the Lincoln Home are popular. Arrive early or check for online reservations to secure your spot. :ticket:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the historic neighborhood. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Lincoln Home
Springfield, Illinois
Step inside the only home Abraham Lincoln ever owned. Fully restored to its 1860 appearance, it offers an intimate look at his family life.
Historic Neighborhood
Springfield, Illinois
Wander through the four blocks surrounding the Lincoln Home, featuring preserved 19th-century homes that paint a picture of Lincoln's community.
Visitor Center Exhibits
Springfield, Illinois
Gain deeper insights into Lincoln's life and times through engaging exhibits and historical artifacts at the visitor center.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Lincoln's Homes
Immerse Yourself in History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Home Tours Early
Free tours of the Lincoln Home are popular. Arrive early or check for online reservations to secure your spot. :ticket:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the historic neighborhood. :athletic_shoe:
Combine with Other Sites
Consider visiting the Lincoln Tomb and Presidential Library for a full Lincoln experience in Springfield. :world_map:
Junior Ranger Program
Kids can earn a badge by completing a fun, easy booklet. Great for families! :child:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Home Tours Early
Free tours of the Lincoln Home are popular. Arrive early or check for online reservations to secure your spot. :ticket:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the historic neighborhood. :athletic_shoe:
Combine with Other Sites
Consider visiting the Lincoln Tomb and Presidential Library for a full Lincoln experience in Springfield. :world_map:
Junior Ranger Program
Kids can earn a badge by completing a fun, easy booklet. Great for families! :child:
Free Admission
The grounds and visitor center are free to explore. Home tours are also free but require a ticket. :moneywithwings:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Lincoln Home National Historic Site for its authentic preservation and the insightful guided tours that bring history to life. The opportunity to step into Lincoln's actual home and explore the surrounding historic neighborhood is a major draw, offering a tangible connection to the past. Some visitors note that tickets for home tours are limited and recommend arriving early.
"Everything you wanted to know about the Lincoln County War and Billy the Kid. Tunstall store still stands and a number of other buildings... homes, stores and church that you can walk into. Graveyard of some of the unfortunate who got shot and killed behind the store. Start at the museum and see the film. Or start at home and watch "Young Guns"."
Diane F
"Stopped at the Lincoln museum and looked around the old Western town on our way to Capitan. Took the scenic route on the way back to Roswell that overlooked the Capitan Mountains."
J Guz
"I love the town of Lincoln, NM. Quaint walk back in time when Billy The Kid roamed the streets. Pretty authentic. There are not many side hustles there. But the historical surroundings is a great way to share history and the fabric of NM. Come armed with your own books and maps about the area. Hikes and homes that are truly NM’s history. Just wish the town would repair the dwellings that are left behind. Some are crumbling. Lincoln is an out of the way place and most small businesses can’t survive. But the town does not help much to preserve the landscape. But it truly is a piece of the old west without the hype. Opposite of Tombstone AZ. You can feel the history of Lincoln. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy a walk back in time!"
Tata Cartier
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Lincoln Home National Historic Site is located in Springfield, Illinois. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available near the visitor center. Public transportation options may also be available within Springfield.
Yes, there is parking available near the visitor center. It's recommended to arrive early, especially during peak season, as spots can fill up.
Absolutely! The site is located along historic Route 66, making it a perfect stop for road trips between cities like Kansas City and Chicago. 
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to the grounds and visitor center is free. However, tours of the Lincoln Home itself are also free but require a timed ticket, which can be obtained at the visitor center. It's advisable to get these early in the day.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official National Park Service website for the most up-to-date hours for the visitor center and home tours.
The Lincoln Home National Historic Site is a unit of the National Park Service and offers free admission to its grounds and visitor center. Tours of the home are also free.
While tickets are free, they are timed and limited. Some sources suggest arriving early to secure tickets, while others recommend checking for online reservation options if available, especially during busy periods.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can tour Abraham Lincoln's preserved home, explore the surrounding historic neighborhood, and visit the visitor center for exhibits on his life and times.
Information on accessibility can be found on the National Park Service website. Generally, National Park sites strive to be accessible, but specific details for the historic home should be confirmed.
Pets on a leash are generally allowed on the grounds of the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, but not inside the historic buildings. Always check the latest park regulations.
The Junior Ranger program offers an engaging way for children to learn about Abraham Lincoln and the historic site. Completing a booklet earns them a Junior Ranger badge.
A typical visit, including a home tour and exploring the grounds, can take about 1-2 hours. If you plan to visit the nearby Presidential Library and Museum, allocate more time.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities within the Lincoln Home National Historic Site itself. However, Springfield offers numerous restaurants and cafes within a short distance of the site.
While there aren't designated picnic areas within the historic home itself, you may be able to enjoy a picnic in nearby public parks or green spaces in Springfield.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted on the grounds of the Lincoln Home National Historic Site. Inside the historic home, photography rules may vary, so it's best to check with your tour guide or park staff.
The exterior of the Lincoln Home, the surrounding historic streetscapes, and the visitor center exhibits offer great photo opportunities. Capturing the home with its period details is a popular choice.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The guided tours of the home are generally suitable for children, providing a tangible connection to the past. Encourage them to imagine what life was like for Lincoln's sons in the house. While exploring the historic neighborhood, point out the architectural details of the 19th-century homes and discuss how life was different back then. The visitor center often has exhibits that can capture younger attention spans. Consider combining your visit with the Lincoln Tomb for a more complete, albeit somber, historical experience that can spark curiosity.
📚 History Buffs & Researchers
+1Researchers will find the visitor center a valuable resource, potentially offering access to archival materials or detailed exhibits that shed light on specific aspects of Lincoln's time in Springfield. It's highly recommended to complement your visit with the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and the Lincoln Tomb to gain a comprehensive understanding of his journey and legacy.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Lincoln Home: A Glimpse into Pre-Presidency Life
+1During your visit, you can take a guided tour led by National Park Service rangers who share fascinating details about the Lincoln family's daily life, their social interactions, and the historical context of the time. You'll see period furnishings, personal belongings, and learn about the challenges and triumphs the family experienced within these walls. It's a deeply personal and educational experience that humanizes the iconic figure of Abraham Lincoln.
+1Beyond the house itself, the site encompasses four blocks of the surrounding neighborhood, preserving the historical integrity of the area. Walking these streets allows you to imagine Lincoln interacting with his neighbors and experiencing the community that shaped him. The visitor center also provides valuable context through exhibits and films, making the entire experience comprehensive and enriching.
+1Exploring Springfield's Lincoln Legacy
Just a short distance away is the Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site, the final resting place of Abraham Lincoln, his wife Mary Todd Lincoln, and three of their four sons. It's a solemn and impressive monument that provides a powerful sense of closure to Lincoln's story. Nearby, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum offers an expansive and interactive exploration of Lincoln's presidency, the Civil War, and his enduring impact on American history.
For a deeper dive into Lincoln's early legal career, consider visiting the Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices State Historic Site. These preserved offices offer a glimpse into the professional life that laid the groundwork for his political ascent. Together, these sites in Springfield create an unparalleled opportunity to connect with one of America's most pivotal historical figures.
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