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Lincoln Home National Historic Site

Visit the only home Abraham Lincoln ever owned, meticulously preserved in Springfield, Illinois, offering a glimpse into his life before the presidency.

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Step back in time at the Lincoln Home National Historic Site in Springfield, Illinois, where Abraham Lincoln lived with his family from 1844 to 1861. This meticulously preserved home, the only one Lincoln ever owned, offers a glimpse into his life as a husband, father, lawyer, and emerging political leader.

A brief summary to Lincoln Home National Historic Site

Local tips

  • Arrive early to the Visitor Center to secure free tour tickets, especially during peak season (March-November), as they are issued on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Explore the neighborhood surrounding the Lincoln Home, which features exhibits and other historic homes that provide additional context to Lincoln's life in Springfield.
  • Consider visiting other Lincoln-related sites in Springfield, such as the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and Lincoln's Tomb, to gain a broader understanding of his life and legacy.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Lincoln Home National Historic Site is located in downtown Springfield, making it easily accessible on foot from many nearby attractions and hotels. From the Old State Capitol, walk south on 6th Street, then turn right onto Capitol Avenue. Walk two blocks west to 8th Street, then turn left. The Lincoln Home Visitor Center will be on your right, at the corner of 7th and Jackson. The walk is approximately 0.3 miles and should take about 5-10 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    The Sangamon Mass Transit District (SMTD) provides public bus service to the Lincoln Home National Historic Site. Check the SMTD website for the most up-to-date routes and schedules. Several bus routes stop near the site. From the Amtrak train station, walk one block north to Capitol Avenue and catch a bus heading west. The fare is $1.00 per ride.

  • Driving

    The Lincoln Home National Historic Site is located in downtown Springfield. From I-55, take exit 98B for Clear Lake Avenue and head west toward downtown. Clear Lake Avenue will merge into Jefferson Street. Continue on Jefferson to 7th Street and turn left. The Visitor Center is located five blocks south on the left side of 7th Street. Parking is available in the Lincoln Home NHS parking lot for $2 per hour, payable by credit or debit card at the gate arm kiosk. Street parking is also available, and free on weekends.

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Discover more about Lincoln Home National Historic Site

The Lincoln Home National Historic Site invites visitors to explore the meticulously restored home of Abraham Lincoln and his family, offering a unique window into their lives in the years leading up to his presidency. Located in a quiet residential area of Springfield, Illinois, the site encompasses a four-block historic neighborhood, preserving the atmosphere of the 1860s. The centerpiece of the site is the two-story brown house at 413 South Eighth Street, where Lincoln and his wife, Mary Todd, raised their children. Purchased in 1844, the home was expanded over the years to accommodate their growing family and Lincoln's burgeoning law practice. Today, the house is restored to its 1860 appearance, complete with period furnishings and décor. Ranger-led tours of the Lincoln Home provide insights into the daily life of the Lincoln family, showcasing their personal belongings and sharing stories of their time in Springfield. Visitors can also explore the surrounding neighborhood, which includes several other historic homes and exhibits that shed light on the community in which the Lincolns lived. The Arnold House features exhibits about the preservation of the park, while the Dean House focuses on the Lincoln family. The Lincoln Home remained a rental property until Lincoln's son, Robert, donated it to the State of Illinois in 1887, with the condition that it be preserved and open to the public free of charge. In 1972, it was transferred to the National Park Service.

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