Elijah Iles House
Explore Springfield's oldest house, a 1830s Greek Revival gem where Abraham Lincoln once socialized. Tours & special events await!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal tours
Elijah Iles House
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal tours
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Springfield's oldest house, a 1830s Greek Revival gem where Abraham Lincoln once socialized. Tours & special events await!
"A wonderfully restored and maintained Springfield treasure, highly recommended!"
🎯 Book Tours in Advance
Tours are limited, especially for special events. Book ahead to secure your spot!
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be on your feet exploring the historic house and grounds.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iles House Interior
Throughout the house
Explore rooms meticulously restored to their 1830s glory, showcasing period furnishings and household items.
Abraham Lincoln's Connection
Various rooms
Discover how this house was a social gathering place for Abraham Lincoln and learn about his early life in Springfield.
Strawberry Party
House grounds
Experience Clara Irwin's famous annual July 4th event, celebrating horticultural arts and delicious strawberry treats.
+1
Christmas Candlelight Tour
Throughout the house
Step back in time with festive holiday decorations representing different eras of Springfield's Christmas traditions.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Understanding the History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tours in Advance
Tours are limited, especially for special events. Book ahead to secure your spot!
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be on your feet exploring the historic house and grounds.
💰 Consider a Donation
Help preserve this historic gem. Donations are greatly appreciated by the staff.
📸 Photography Opportunities
The house and its grounds offer beautiful backdrops for photos, especially during events.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tours in Advance
Tours are limited, especially for special events. Book ahead to secure your spot!
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be on your feet exploring the historic house and grounds.
💰 Consider a Donation
Help preserve this historic gem. Donations are greatly appreciated by the staff.
📸 Photography Opportunities
The house and its grounds offer beautiful backdrops for photos, especially during events.
🗣️ Engage with Guides
The interpreters are passionate and knowledgeable; ask questions to enhance your experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Elijah Iles House for its excellent restoration and the passionate, informative guides who bring its history to life. The special events, like the Candlelight Tour and Strawberry Party, are highlighted as particularly memorable experiences. Some guests found the tours to be a bit lengthy with 'too much talk,' preferring more time for independent exploration. +1
"Our candlelight tour was wonderful! Due to the weather, we almost had all the interpreters to ourselves. This is a wonderfully restored and maintained Springfield treasure. Highly recommend you visit once they reopen in the spring or make it to the Candlelight tour next year."
m j
"Our host was so delightful as she took us through the entire house, pointing out all the important details and the assorted household items. We learned about the founder of Springfield, Senator Iles, while touring his 182 year old house. It has been preserved so well."
Jill Jones
"9/2024 4* Too much talk on the tour. I just wanted to look around and learn a bit. The house and story are all cool though."
Double B
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Elijah Iles House is located at 628 S. 7th Street in Springfield, Illinois. It's accessible by car, and parking information should be confirmed with the venue.
Information on public transportation routes serving the 7th Street area of Springfield can be found on the city's transit authority website.
Using a GPS or mapping app is recommended. Be aware of local traffic patterns, especially during peak hours or events.
The Elijah Iles House is in Springfield, home to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and Lincoln's Home National Historic Site. +1
Parking availability can vary. It's advisable to check with the venue or look for street parking in the vicinity.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The house is typically open for tours on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Special events may have different hours. It's best to check their official schedule.
Admission fees may apply, and donations are encouraged to support preservation efforts. Check their website for current pricing.
Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially for popular events like the Christmas Candlelight Tour or Strawberry Party, as tours can fill up.
Yes, guided tours are the primary way to experience the house, offering insights from knowledgeable interpreters. +1
Tours generally last about an hour, but this can vary depending on the guide and the level of visitor engagement.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
You'll see meticulously restored rooms from the 1830s, period furnishings, and learn about the Iles family and Abraham Lincoln's connection to the house.
As a historic structure, accessibility may be limited. It's advisable to contact the venue directly to inquire about specific accommodations.
Restroom facilities are typically available for visitors. Inquire upon arrival or from your tour guide.
Photography policies can vary. It's best to ask your guide if photography is permitted inside the house.
Notable events include the annual July 4th Strawberry Party and the Christmas Candlelight Tour, offering unique seasonal experiences.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The house itself does not typically offer dining services, but special events like the Strawberry Party may feature refreshments.
Springfield offers a variety of dining options. You can find local eateries and cafes within a short drive of the house.
Outside food and beverages are generally not permitted inside historic homes. Check their policy or enjoy them before or after your visit.
Springfield has numerous family-friendly restaurants. Ask locals or check online reviews for recommendations.
Springfield is known for its classic American diners and local cuisine. You might also find diverse options reflecting the city's population.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior architecture, the gardens, and the restored interiors (if permitted) offer excellent photographic opportunities.
Professional photoshoots may require special arrangements or permissions. Contact the venue to inquire about their policy.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset can provide beautiful lighting for exterior shots. Midday can be good for interior details if allowed.
Flash photography is often prohibited inside historic buildings to protect artifacts. Always check with staff for current rules.
The house's historic ambiance lends itself to vintage, fashion, and portrait photography, as seen in some social media posts.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For younger visitors, the Strawberry Party on July 4th provides a fun, outdoor atmosphere with treats. While the historical content might be more suited for older children, the interpreters often make the tours interactive. Consider focusing on the stories and the visual aspects of the historic home to keep children interested. 🏛️ History Buffs
The meticulously restored interiors and period furnishings provide an authentic glimpse into 19th-century life. 📸 Photographers
If photography is permitted inside, the restored rooms with period details present unique opportunities for capturing vintage and fashion-style shots. +1 Special events like the Christmas tour can also offer unique photographic subjects. Always confirm photography policies with the venue beforehand. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architectural Significance
The house's design reflects southern architectural inspiration, a common influence in frontier settlements. Its structure and details offer a glimpse into the building techniques and aesthetic preferences of the era. The ongoing restoration work, such as reglazes windows and roof repairs, highlights the commitment to maintaining this important historical landmark for future generations.
Beyond its architectural merit, the Elijah Iles House is significant for its association with Elijah Iles, a founder of Springfield, and its role as a social center where Abraham Lincoln was a frequent visitor. This dual importance—architectural and historical—makes it a key site for understanding the development of Springfield and the life of one of America's most iconic presidents.
A Hub for Social and Political Life
Lincoln's presence at the Iles House underscores its importance in the local community. It's where he would have socialized, discussed politics, and potentially strategized during his rise to national prominence. The house offers a tangible connection to this pivotal period in American history, allowing visitors to imagine the conversations and decisions that shaped the nation.
Furthermore, the house has a history of hosting notable events, such as Clara Irwin's annual Strawberry Party on July 4th. Clara Irwin, the spouse of the home's second owner, was known for her promotion of horticultural arts. These events not only celebrated local traditions but also continued the house's legacy as a place for community engagement and celebration.
+1Preservation and Special Events
Beyond regular tours, the house hosts special events that draw visitors and offer unique experiences. The Christmas Candlelight Tour transforms the house into a festive holiday display, showcasing Christmas traditions from different eras. This event provides a magical way to experience the historic home during the winter season.
Another popular event is the July 4th Strawberry Party, continuing a tradition started by Clara Irwin, known for her renowned strawberries. These events not only celebrate local history and traditions but also serve as important fundraisers, helping to support the ongoing preservation and maintenance of this invaluable historical site.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit