President Lincoln's Cottage
Step into President Lincoln's summer home during the Civil War, where he shaped history and penned the Emancipation Proclamation.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate tours
President Lincoln's Cottage
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate tours
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into President Lincoln's summer home during the Civil War, where he shaped history and penned the Emancipation Proclamation.
"You can almost feel the energy from all the history that happened inside this place."
Book Guided Tours Ahead
Essential for the full experience! Guides are knowledgeable and bring history to life. :admission_tickets:
Not Ideal for Young Kids
Tours involve sitting and listening; best for older children or adults. :child:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lincoln's Study
Inside the Cottage
Stand where Lincoln made critical decisions during the Civil War. Feel the weight of history in this intimate space.
Emancipation Proclamation Room
Upstairs in the Cottage
Witness the room where Lincoln worked on the pivotal Emancipation Proclamation. A truly significant historical spot.
Grief Exhibit
Visitor Center
A poignant and tangible exhibit offering space for reflection and remembrance of loved ones.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for an Intimate Experience
Beyond the Cottage: Explore the Grounds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Guided Tours Ahead
Essential for the full experience! Guides are knowledgeable and bring history to life. :admission_tickets:
Not Ideal for Young Kids
Tours involve sitting and listening; best for older children or adults. :child:
Explore the Grounds Too
The peaceful setting of the Soldiers' Home offers a unique perspective. :park:
Photography Restrictions
No photos allowed inside the cottage, but the exterior and grounds are great for pics. :camerawithflash:
Hi I’m Paul, an interpreter at President Lincoln’s Cottage, Lincoln’s summer home where he developed the Emancipation Proclamation. From 12:45- 2:45 pm today I'll be answering questions about “the Cottage at the Soldiers’ Home” and how this place and the people he met here influenced his presidency.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Guided Tours Ahead
Essential for the full experience! Guides are knowledgeable and bring history to life. :admission_tickets:
Not Ideal for Young Kids
Tours involve sitting and listening; best for older children or adults. :child:
Explore the Grounds Too
The peaceful setting of the Soldiers' Home offers a unique perspective. :park:
Photography Restrictions
No photos allowed inside the cottage, but the exterior and grounds are great for pics. :camerawithflash:
Consider the Mobile App
For outdoor tours, the app provides narration, but some find it robotic. :iphone:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the knowledgeable and engaging tour guides at President Lincoln's Cottage, highlighting the intimate and enlightening experience of walking through the historic rooms. The site offers a unique perspective on Lincoln's life during the Civil War, particularly his work on the Emancipation Proclamation. However, some find the cottage itself to have sparse furnishings, and the outdoor walking tour's audio narration is noted as less engaging than live guidance.
"I HIGHLY recommend going here! The cottage is stunning and our tour guide was very well spoken and knowledgeable! You can almost feel the energy from all the history that happened inside this place. My favorite rooms were the study and upstairs room that he wrote the Emancipation Proclamation in! Our tour group was only about 6 people which made it very easy ask questions. If you are a Lincoln fan I highly recommend not missing out on this tour while you are in DC! Not a place to bring little kids, there is times you’ll be sitting in rooms for 10-15 minutes at a time listening to the guide which most little kids are not very good at😂"
Brandon Anderson
"The big picture: this place is well-meaning, yet underwhelming compared to the other historical sites in the Washington, DC region.
Pros: the staff members are very nice and accommodating. I recommend the cottage tour because of our knowledgeable tour guide who taught me things I did not know about President Lincoln and his family.
Cons: I do not recommend outdoor walking tour with the mobile app audio narration. You have to keep the app open on your device for the audio to work, and the narration sounds robotic. The location was also somewhat inconvenient for people taking Metrorail/bus.
If you go: take advantage of their family-friendly homecoming day in September, which offers free admission."
Jaden C.
"A very unique DC experience where you explore Lincoln's legacy, his decision making and a bit of his history. The tour invites you to comment and connect with the choices Lincoln made and see if you agree or disagree with his thinking. You can't take pictures inside, but the outside grounds are beautiful and there's a great building with a more in-depth exhibits as well and a great gift shop. Would highly recommend, especially if you're looking for something off the beaten path in DC."
Matt Jex
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
President Lincoln's Cottage is located at 1414 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington, DC. While it's a bit off the beaten path from the main National Mall attractions, it's accessible by car and public transport. Many visitors find driving or using ride-sharing services convenient. If using Metrorail, the closest stations are Brookland-CUA or Fort Totten, followed by a bus or a longer walk. Some Reddit users mention it can be a bit inconvenient via Metrorail/bus.
Yes, President Lincoln's Cottage is located in Washington, D.C., specifically on the grounds of the Armed Forces Retirement Home in the northwest part of the city. It's often described as being on the highest point in DC.
While you can technically walk to President Lincoln's Cottage, it's a significant distance from most central DC tourist areas. It's more practical to use public transportation, a taxi, or ride-sharing service to reach the site, especially if you're coming from downtown.
The most recommended ways to travel to President Lincoln's Cottage are by car or ride-sharing service for convenience. Public transportation is an option, but requires transfers and potentially a walk. Check local transit schedules for the best routes.
President Lincoln's Cottage is about 3 miles north of the White House. It served as Lincoln's summer residence and a place where he could escape the pressures of the capital during the Civil War.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices for President Lincoln's Cottage tours can vary, but generally, there's a fee for the guided cottage tour. It's always best to check the official Lincoln's Cottage website for the most current pricing and to book in advance. They also offer special events with different admission policies.
It is highly recommended to purchase tickets for President Lincoln's Cottage tours in advance, especially if you plan to visit during peak season or on weekends. This helps ensure you get your preferred tour time and avoids disappointment.
President Lincoln's Cottage operates with specific hours for tours and exhibits. These hours can change seasonally, so it's crucial to check their official website for the most up-to-date information on operating days and times before your visit.
Yes, President Lincoln's Cottage sometimes offers free admission days, such as their 'Homecoming Day' in September. It's advisable to check their website or social media for announcements regarding these special events.
While on-site ticket purchases may be possible, it's strongly advised to book your tickets for President Lincoln's Cottage online in advance. This guarantees your spot and avoids potential sell-outs, especially for the popular guided tours.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
At President Lincoln's Cottage, you can take a guided tour of the historic cottage where Lincoln lived and worked during the Civil War, including rooms where he penned the Emancipation Proclamation. There are also exhibits in the visitor center, beautiful grounds to explore, and a gift shop.
No, photography is not permitted inside President Lincoln's Cottage. However, you are welcome to take photos of the exterior of the cottage and the surrounding grounds.
The guided tours at President Lincoln's Cottage are highly praised for their knowledgeable and engaging guides who share deep insights into Lincoln's life and decisions. Many visitors find the tours intimate and enlightening.
President Lincoln's Cottage tours are generally not recommended for very young children, as they involve extended periods of sitting and listening. The content is more suited for older children and adults who can appreciate historical context.
The grief exhibit at President Lincoln's Cottage is a moving and tangible display that provides visitors with a space to reflect on and honor loved ones. It's a significant part of the visitor experience, offering a personal connection to the human side of history.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
President Lincoln's Cottage has a gift shop that may offer some light refreshments or snacks. However, there isn't a full-service restaurant on-site. Visitors often plan to eat before or after their visit at nearby eateries in Washington D.C. or surrounding areas.
While there aren't specific restrictions mentioned for bringing your own food for a picnic on the grounds, it's generally best to consume food and drinks outside of the historic cottage and exhibit areas. Check their visitor guidelines for specifics.
The area around President Lincoln's Cottage offers various dining options. You can find local cafes and restaurants in the Petworth neighborhood or explore more extensive culinary scenes in other parts of Washington D.C. after your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is strictly prohibited inside President Lincoln's Cottage. However, the exterior of the cottage and the beautiful grounds of the Soldiers' Home are excellent for taking pictures.
The exterior of the Gothic-Revival cottage itself offers stunning photographic opportunities, especially with the surrounding greenery. The expansive grounds of the Soldiers' Home also provide scenic backdrops for memorable shots.
While there aren't dedicated photo tours, the guided tours provide ample opportunities to learn about the history and significance of the site. You can then capture the exterior and grounds at your leisure.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏛️ History Buffs & Lincoln Enthusiasts
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Significance of Lincoln's Time at the Cottage
Key Decisions and Writings: It is widely believed that Lincoln worked on and finalized the Emancipation Proclamation while residing at the cottage. This landmark document, issued in 1863, declared that all enslaved people in Confederate-held territory were to be freed, fundamentally altering the course of the war and American history. The intimate setting of the cottage allowed for focused work on this and other critical wartime policies.
A Place of Solace and Grief: Beyond policy and war, the cottage was also a home for Lincoln and his family. They experienced both joy and profound sorrow within its walls, most notably the death of their son, Willie, in 1862. The cottage offers a glimpse into the personal life of the president, humanizing the historical figure and highlighting the emotional toll of his presidency. The 'Grief Exhibit' powerfully conveys this aspect of his time there.
Understanding the Guided Tour Experience
What to Expect Inside: During the tour, you'll see rooms like Lincoln's study and the upstairs chamber where he is believed to have worked on the Emancipation Proclamation. While the cottage has been preserved, much of the original furniture is not present, which is intentional to focus on the historical significance of the space itself rather than its furnishings.
Outdoor vs. Indoor Tours: While the cottage tour is the main attraction, an outdoor walking tour with mobile app narration is also available. Some visitors find the app's narration to be robotic and prefer the engagement of a live guide. The grounds themselves are beautiful and offer a different perspective on the estate.
The Soldiers' Home Grounds
A Historical Estate: The Soldiers' Home has a long history, predating Lincoln's residency. Its rolling hills, mature trees, and historic buildings contribute to the unique atmosphere of the site. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the grounds, appreciating the natural beauty and the sense of tranquility that Lincoln himself likely sought during his stays.
Beyond the Cottage: Exploring the grounds can enhance your understanding of Lincoln's retreat. The outdoor walking tour, though sometimes criticized for its audio narration, does offer a broader perspective of the entire estate and its historical context. It's a chance to see where Lincoln might have walked and reflected, away from the immediate confines of the cottage.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit