Lincoln Home National Historic Site — Attraction in Springfield

The Lincoln Home National Historic Site in Springfield, Illinois, is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in American history and the life of President Abraham Lincoln. Here's what you can expect to see:

Lincoln's Home: The site features the actual home of Abraham Lincoln and his family from 1844 to 1861, showcasing their middle-class life. Neighborhood: The historic site includes several restored homes from the same era, giving visitors a glimpse of Lincoln's neighborhood. Furniture and Artifacts: Many original furnishings and artifacts from the Lincoln family are on display, including Lincoln's desk, chair, and personal belongings. Gardens: The site includes beautifully restored gardens, reflecting the Lincoln family's love of nature and gardening. Visitor Center: The center offers exhibits, films, and park rangers to provide context and insights into Lincoln's life and legacy. Guided Tours: Rangers offer guided tours of the home and neighborhood, sharing stories and anecdotes about the Lincolns and their life in Springfield.

Tips and Insights:

Plan for at least 1-2 hours to explore the site. Guided tours are available, but self-guided visits are also welcome. Be sure to check out the nearby Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices State Historic Site, where Lincoln practiced law. Springfield has many more Lincoln-related attractions, such as the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.

The Lincoln Home National Historic Site is a poignant and informative destination that offers a unique glimpse into the life of one of America's most...

Visiting the Lincoln Home in Springfield, IL was a truly memorable experience. Nestled in the middle of two preserved city blocks, the setting does an incredible job of transporting you back to the 1800s. The surrounding neighborhood, with its old roads and period homes, really helps set the stage for the life and times of Abraham Lincoln. It felt like stepping into a living piece of history.

There is a wealth of information available not only about Lincoln himself, but also about the people and community that surrounded him. The exhibits and guided tours provide great insight into the social and political atmosphere of the time. It’s not just a house—it’s a deep dive into the world that helped shape one of our nation’s greatest presidents.

Walking through Lincoln’s actual home and standing in the same rooms where he once lived was surreal. Many of the furnishings are original, and seeing his personal letter desk—shockingly small!—was a humbling reminder of how much was accomplished from such a modest space. It’s a quiet, powerful experience to be in a place that holds so much historical significance.

This site is a wonderful destination for both adults and younger visitors. It’s the perfect place to help expand young minds and give them a tangible connection to history. Plus, here’s a fun fact I didn’t know until this visit—Lincoln loved cats and used to bring strays home regularly. That little detail just made him feel even more real. Highly recommend stopping by if you’re in the...

We highly recommend arriving early as only a limited number of visitors are allowed per tour. It is not unusual to have to wait more than an hour or two for the next available tour. We arrived about a half hour before opening and there was already a group of visitors waiting for the NPS to unlock the door. Please note, though the museum and house tour are free, there is a fee for parking in the lot, it is self-pay through a machine, and we overheard they will not validate, though on street parking is free if it is a weekend. We had a fantastic National Park Service tour guide who delivered a well-paced and engaging narrative about the history of the home and the era in which the Lincoln family lived there. They also impressed us with their knowledge, confidently answering every question a visitor asked. There are many original personal artifacts from the Lincoln family on display inside the home and the railing inside the house is still original, meaning your hand will be touching the same railing the Lincoln’s touched countless occasions in a time so far removed from now. Don’t forget to tour the grounds and enter the other homes in the neighborhood. There is a luxury three-seater out house in the back yard that is quite interesting. (I can’t imagine.) If you love NPS sites, historic homes and/or past presidential history this should be on your...