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Lincoln Home National Historic Site Visitor Center

Step back in time and explore the life of Abraham Lincoln at his preserved Springfield home and neighborhood.

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The Lincoln Home National Historic Site Visitor Center serves as the starting point for exploring the preserved home and neighborhood where Abraham Lincoln lived from 1844 to 1861. Here, visitors can obtain free tour tickets, view exhibits, and learn about Lincoln's life in Springfield before his presidency.

A brief summary to Lincoln Home National Historic Site Visitor Center

Local tips

  • Arrive early to secure free tour tickets for the Lincoln Home, especially during peak season (March-November).
  • Watch the park film at the visitor center to gain valuable context before touring the Lincoln Home.
  • Explore the surrounding four-block historic neighborhood to see other preserved homes and exhibits.
  • Street parking is available, and free on weekends, but a parking lot south of the visitor center costs $2 per hour.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Lincoln Home National Historic Site Visitor Center is located in downtown Springfield. From the Old State Capitol, head east on Adams Street. Turn right onto S 6th Street, then turn left onto E Capitol Ave. Finally, turn left onto S 7th Street. The visitor center will be on your left. This walk is approximately 0.3 miles and should take about 6 minutes. No costs are associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    The Sangamon Mass Transit District (SMTD) provides public transportation throughout Springfield. Several bus routes serve the downtown area near the Lincoln Home National Historic Site. From the Springfield-Sangamon Transportation Center at 11th and Washington Streets, take any bus that stops near the Old State Capitol or downtown area. From there, follow the walking directions to the visitor center. A single ride on SMTD costs $1. Check the SMTD website or app for the most up-to-date route information and schedules.

  • Driving

    The Lincoln Home National Historic Site Visitor Center is located at 426 S 7th St, Springfield, IL 62701. From I-55, take I-72 East into Springfield. Follow I-72/Clear Lake Avenue west toward downtown. Clear Lake will merge into Jefferson Street. Continue west on Jefferson Street until you reach 7th Street. Turn left onto 7th Street. The Visitor Center is located five blocks south on the left side of Seventh Street. Parking is available in the Lincoln Home NHS parking lot for $2 per hour. Payment is by credit or debit card only. Street parking is also available, and free on weekends.

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Discover more about Lincoln Home National Historic Site Visitor Center

The Lincoln Home National Historic Site Visitor Center, located in Springfield, Illinois, is the gateway to experiencing the life and times of Abraham Lincoln before he became the 16th President of the United States. The visitor center is located at 426 South Seventh Street. Here, guests can obtain free tickets for a ranger-led tour of the Lincoln Home, the only home Lincoln ever owned. These tours are limited to 15 people and often fill up quickly, so it is best to arrive early. The Visitor Center offers several amenities, including an information desk, a park film titled "Abraham Lincoln: A Journey to Greatness," a bookstore, and restrooms. The 25-minute film provides an overview of Lincoln's life from his arrival in Springfield in 1837 to his election as president in 1860. Exhibits include a scaled model of 1860s Springfield. After exploring the visitor center, visitors can stroll through the four-block historic neighborhood surrounding the Lincoln Home. Several other structures from the time period have been preserved, including the Dean House and the Arnold House, which feature exhibits on the life and times of Lincoln and his neighbors. The Lincoln Home itself has been restored to its 1860 appearance, offering a glimpse into the world Lincoln knew as a husband, father, neighbor, and politician.

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