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Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park

Discover the humble origins of Abraham Lincoln at his birthplace in Hodgenville, Kentucky. Explore the memorial, cabin, and historic grounds.

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Visit the site where Abraham Lincoln was born and spent his earliest years. The park features a memorial building enshrining a symbolic 19th-century log cabin, along with a visitor center and the historic Sinking Spring. Explore the grounds and reflect on the humble beginnings of the 16th U.S. President.

A brief summary to Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park

Local tips

  • Visit both the Birthplace Unit and the Knob Creek Unit to get a full picture of Lincoln's early life.
  • Check the operating hours for both visitor centers, as the Knob Creek Tavern Visitor Center has seasonal hours.
  • Take advantage of the hiking trails to experience the Kentucky countryside.
  • Allow at least one hour to fully explore the Birthplace Unit.
  • Mosquitoes, ticks, and poison ivy are common from mid-spring through mid-fall. Prepare accordingly.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    The Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park is located south of Hodgenville, Kentucky, along US 31E. From I-65, take exit 91 (Elizabethtown) and follow KY 61 south for 13 miles, then take US 31E south for 1.3 miles to the park entrance. From the south, take I-65 north to exit 81 (Sonora), proceed east on KY 84 to KY 61, then turn right onto US 31E for 1.3 miles. Parking is free and plentiful for cars, RVs, and motorcycles. RVs of various sizes are accommodated, but overnight parking is not permitted.

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Discover more about Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park

Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park, located in Hodgenville, Kentucky, preserves two separate farm sites significant to the early life of Abraham Lincoln. The park includes the Sinking Spring Farm, where Lincoln was born on February 12, 1809, and Knob Creek Farm, where he lived from ages 2 to 7. The Sinking Spring site features a neoclassical Memorial Building, constructed between 1909 and 1911, which houses a symbolic log cabin. The building has 16 windows, rosettes, and fence poles, representing Lincoln as the 16th president. Visitors can also see the Sinking Spring, from which the farm gets its name. A visitor center offers exhibits, a film about Lincoln's Kentucky years, and a park store. Knob Creek Farm, located a short drive away, offers a glimpse into Lincoln's boyhood home. Visitors can explore a historic tavern and a replica of the log cabin where the Lincolns lived. The park offers hiking trails and picnic areas for visitors to enjoy the natural surroundings. The park is open daily, with the Birthplace Unit Visitor Center open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and the Memorial Building open from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The park is closed on New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Admission is free.

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