Obelisk with Lincoln Statue
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Oak Ridge Cemetery

4.8
·98 reviews·Springfield, United States

Explore the final resting place of Abraham Lincoln and discover a vast historical landscape in this beautifully maintained cemetery.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Obelisk with Lincoln Statue

Oak Ridge Cemetery

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore the final resting place of Abraham Lincoln and discover a vast historical landscape in this beautifully maintained cemetery.

4.8
(98 reviews)

"A beautifully kept grounds and such a unique part of American history!"

Vertical photo
TIP

Rub Lincoln's Nose for Luck

Rubbing the nose of Lincoln's bronze bust is believed to bring good luck!

Wear Comfortable Shoes

Oak Ridge Cemetery is expansive. You'll be doing a lot of walking to see all the sights.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Lincoln Tomb

The Lincoln Tomb

Center of Oak Ridge Cemetery

The imposing final resting place of Abraham Lincoln and his family. A must-see for any visitor to Springfield.

Lincoln's Receiving Vault

Lincoln's Receiving Vault

Near the Lincoln Tomb

This historic vault temporarily held Lincoln's remains after his assassination in 1865. A poignant piece of history.

Governor Tanner's Tomb

Governor Tanner's Tomb

Near Lincoln's Tomb

A massive and haunting grave of a former Illinois governor, located close to the Lincoln family's final resting place.

Historic Gravesites & Memorials

Historic Gravesites & Memorials

Throughout the cemetery

Discover numerous other notable graves, war memorials, and sculptures scattered across the beautifully maintained grounds.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit to Lincoln's Tomb

Oak Ridge Cemetery is a popular historical site, especially Lincoln's Tomb. To avoid the largest crowds, aim for weekdays outside of peak summer months. Early mornings or late afternoons can offer a more serene experience. TikTok

Exploring Beyond Lincoln's Tomb

While Lincoln's Tomb is the main draw, Oak Ridge Cemetery is vast and holds many other historical figures and memorials. Consider dedicating ample time to explore the grounds and discover lesser-known gravesites and the receiving vault. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon weekdays
Why
Golden hour light, fewer tour groups
Crowd
Medium
When
Fall or Spring
Why
Pleasant weather, beautiful foliage
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Yo if my girl eliza still alive i got some real questions 😂😂😂 #darkhumor #graveyard #oakgrovecemetery #oakgrove #1888 #nodeathdate #dateofdeath #deathdate #passing #eliza #foryoupage #fypシ #foryou #goviral #trend #funny #graveyard #gravetok #gravestone #viralaudio #9k?
@wallflower620
52.2K likes • 257.4K views

Rub Lincoln's Nose for Luck

Rubbing the nose of Lincoln's bronze bust is believed to bring good luck! TikTok

Wear Comfortable Shoes

Oak Ridge Cemetery is expansive. You'll be doing a lot of walking to see all the sights. Reddit

#greenscreen would y’all visit this haunted cemetery? #strangestories #missouri #doniphanmissouri #hauntedcemetery #spooky #cemetery #paranormal #legend #folklore #urbanlegend #haunted #hauntedplaces
@amberbowdenvance
5K likes • 62.3K views
Spent the day in SpringField, IL. As a class, we visited Illinois State Military Museum, Oak Ridge Cemetery, Lincoln Presidential Museum, Lincoln’s home, and the capital of Illinois. It was a fun day, thanks to #worldstrides touring company. #springfield #fieldtrip #history #abrahamlincoln
vinny_ciccarelli
14 likes • 153 views

Check for Special Events

The cemetery hosts yearly walks with volunteers in period dress, offering unique historical insights. Reddit

Explore the Receiving Vault

Don't miss the old receiving vault, which once held Lincoln's body after his assassination. TikTokInstagram

#lincolntomb #abrahamlincoln #oakridgecemetery
ldutchviewthrualens
7 likes • 168 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Rub Lincoln's Nose for Luck

Rubbing the nose of Lincoln's bronze bust is believed to bring good luck! TikTok

Wear Comfortable Shoes

Oak Ridge Cemetery is expansive. You'll be doing a lot of walking to see all the sights. Reddit

Check for Special Events

The cemetery hosts yearly walks with volunteers in period dress, offering unique historical insights. Reddit

Explore the Receiving Vault

Don't miss the old receiving vault, which once held Lincoln's body after his assassination. TikTokInstagram

Visit the Funeral Coach

See Lincoln's original funeral coach displayed near his tomb for a deeper historical connection. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(98 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Oak Ridge Cemetery for its beautiful upkeep and significant historical importance, particularly Lincoln's Tomb. Many appreciate the opportunity to explore the grounds beyond the main attraction, finding numerous other notable graves and memorials. The yearly cemetery walk is highlighted as a particularly engaging and educational experience.

"Beautifully kept grounds and such a unique part of American history!

The Lincoln family's tomb is easy to park and walk to/through and includes several beautiful sculptures and facts about the President's early years and legacy. This is also a National Historic Site and a must-see stop for any history lovers traveling through Illinois."

Elizabeth Fehring

"Abraham Lincoln's Cemetery. Nice place to visit at least once. Beautiful and right outside of it, you can buy the cutest items."

Carmen Turner

"We went on the yearly cemetery walk, the volunteers were in period dress and described the lives of the people that made Springfield what it is today. It was a beautiful day for a walk and we learned a lot. It was also helpful the had a small school bus to take you to the beginning of the tour and then back to where you parked. Oak Ridge is a stunning cemetery, well designed and where Lincoln and his family are buried. They had Lincolns funeral coach on display, next to his original tomb."

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What People Like

Beautifully maintained grounds
Significant historical site
Lincoln's Tomb and memorials

What People Dislike

Can be crowded at peak times

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Oak Ridge Cemetery is located at 1500 Monument Ave, Springfield, IL 62702. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available near Lincoln's Tomb. Public transportation options may be limited, so driving is often the most convenient method. Instagram

Yes, the cemetery is well-marked, and Lincoln's Tomb is a prominent landmark visible from many points within the grounds. GPS navigation is also highly recommended. Instagram

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft typically operate in Springfield and can drop you off at the cemetery. Confirm availability and pricing before your trip. Reddit

Yes, there is parking available, particularly near Lincoln's Tomb and other key attractions. It can get busy during peak times, so arriving early is advised. Reddit

From downtown Springfield, head north on 9th Street, which becomes Monument Avenue. The cemetery entrance will be on your right. Always use a GPS for real-time traffic updates. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Oak Ridge Cemetery itself is free to enter and explore. However, some associated museums or exhibits, like the Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, may have admission fees. Instagram

The cemetery grounds are typically open daily from dawn until dusk. However, specific buildings like the Lincoln Tomb may have their own operating hours, so it's best to check their official website. TikTok

No, tickets are not required to visit Lincoln's Tomb. Entry to the tomb itself is free. Instagram

While not always formally scheduled, volunteers often provide insights, especially during special events like the yearly cemetery walk. Check for any scheduled tours or events. Reddit

Lincoln's Tomb is generally open during daylight hours, but it's advisable to confirm the specific hours of operation for the tomb itself, as they can vary. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Oak Ridge Cemetery is a vast historical landscape featuring the Receiving Vault, Governor Tanner's tomb, numerous other notable gravesites, war memorials, and beautiful sculptures. TikTokReddit

To fully appreciate the cemetery and Lincoln's Tomb, plan for at least 2-3 hours. If you wish to explore more extensively, a half-day or more would be beneficial. Reddit

Some visitors and local legends suggest Oak Ridge Cemetery has a haunted reputation, particularly due to its historical significance and age. TikTok

Restroom facilities are generally available, especially near the main attractions like Lincoln's Tomb. It's always a good idea to locate them upon arrival. Reddit

Photography is generally permitted within Oak Ridge Cemetery and around the exterior of Lincoln's Tomb. However, check for specific restrictions inside the tomb itself. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The Lincoln Tomb itself offers iconic photo opportunities. The Receiving Vault, various sculptures, and the grand mausoleums also make for striking images. TikTokInstagram

While exterior photos are widely encouraged, interior photography rules can vary. It's best to observe any posted signs or ask staff for clarification. TikTok

Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best lighting for photography, with softer shadows and a more atmospheric feel. Reddit

Generally, respectful photography is allowed. Avoid intrusive behavior, especially near gravesites or during any ceremonies. Instagram

A standard DSLR or mirrorless camera with a versatile lens is ideal. A wide-angle lens can capture the grandeur of the tomb and mausoleums, while a telephoto can isolate details. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Oak Ridge Cemetery can be an engaging visit for families, especially with the allure of Abraham Lincoln's Tomb. The sheer scale of the tomb and the surrounding monuments can capture a child's imagination. Consider focusing on the 'fun facts' like rubbing Lincoln's nose for luck TikTok or the story of the receiving vault. TikTokInstagram

To make the visit more interactive, you could turn it into a scavenger hunt for specific grave markers or memorials. The Abe Lincoln Homestead and Presidential Library are also nearby and offer more kid-friendly historical exhibits that complement a visit to the cemetery. Reddit Remember to bring comfortable shoes for everyone, as there's a lot of ground to cover. Reddit

🏛️ History Buffs & Enthusiasts

For history enthusiasts, Oak Ridge Cemetery is a pilgrimage site. The Lincoln Tomb is, of course, the primary draw, offering a direct connection to one of America's most revered presidents. Take time to read the inscriptions and understand the symbolism of the tomb's design. Instagram

Beyond Lincoln, the cemetery is a treasure trove of Illinois history. Seek out the graves of other prominent figures like Governor John Tanner TikTok and explore the various military memorials. The Receiving Vault offers a poignant glimpse into the immediate post-assassination period. TikTokInstagram Consider researching other notable individuals buried here before your visit to enhance your exploration. Reddit

👻 Paranormal Investigators & Spooky Seekers

Oak Ridge Cemetery has garnered a reputation for being a potentially haunted location, attracting those interested in the paranormal. While the primary focus is historical, the sheer age and the stories associated with the cemetery have fueled local legends and ghost stories. TikTok

Visitors interested in the 'spooky' side might find the Receiving Vault particularly atmospheric, given its historical association with death and temporary internment. Exploring the older sections of the cemetery, especially during twilight hours, can add to the eerie ambiance. Remember to be respectful of the site and its inhabitants. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Legacy of Abraham Lincoln's Tomb

The Lincoln Tomb is the centerpiece of Oak Ridge Cemetery and a significant historical landmark. Designed by Larkin Goldsmith Mead, the tomb is an imposing granite structure that houses the remains of President Abraham Lincoln, his wife Mary Todd Lincoln, and three of their sons. The tomb was built with donations from across the nation, reflecting the profound impact Lincoln had on American history. Visitors can explore the interior, which features a central burial chamber and various commemorative elements. TikTokInstagram

Adjacent to the tomb is the Receiving Vault, a structure that played a crucial role in the immediate aftermath of Lincoln's assassination. His body was temporarily interred here in 1865 before the permanent tomb was completed. This vault serves as a somber reminder of the nation's grief and the immense security concerns surrounding Lincoln's remains. TikTokInstagram

A unique tradition at the tomb involves rubbing the nose of Lincoln's bronze bust, located outside the main structure. This act is believed by many to bring good luck. While the bust may appear tarnished, it's a testament to the countless visitors who have participated in this ritual over the years. TikTokInstagram

Exploring the Expansive Grounds of Oak Ridge Cemetery

Oak Ridge Cemetery is not just the resting place of Abraham Lincoln; it's a sprawling historical park with a rich tapestry of stories. Covering over 200 acres, the cemetery is home to the graves of numerous notable figures, including former Illinois Governor John Tanner, whose tomb is a striking monument near Lincoln's. The grounds are meticulously maintained, featuring beautiful landscaping, mature trees, and a variety of architectural styles in the mausoleums and headstones. TikTokReddit

Beyond individual graves, the cemetery hosts several war memorials and monuments dedicated to military service. These sites offer opportunities for reflection and a deeper understanding of American military history. The cemetery's design itself is noteworthy, with winding roads and scenic vistas that make it a pleasant place for a contemplative walk or drive. Reddit

For those interested in the cemetery's history, the yearly cemetery walk is a highly recommended event. Volunteers in period dress portray historical figures buried within the cemetery, sharing their life stories and contributing to a vivid historical experience. This event provides a unique perspective on the individuals who shaped Springfield and Illinois. Reddit

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