Abraham Lincoln Sites in Illinois: A Complete Guide
Lincoln called Illinois home for 30 years. Here's how to walk in his footsteps.
Abraham Lincoln Sites in Illinois: A Complete Guide
Abraham Lincoln spent 30 years in Illinois—longer than anywhere else. The Land of Lincoln offers unmatched insight into America's most revered president.
Springfield: Lincoln's Home
Lincoln Home National Historic Site
Admission: Free Time needed: 2-3 hours
The only home Lincoln ever owned, preserved to its 1860 appearance.
Highlights:
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Guided tours of the home (free tickets required)
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Surrounding neighborhood preserved
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Visitor center with exhibits
Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum
Admission: ~$15 adults Time needed: 3-4 hours
World-class museum that brings Lincoln's story to life.
Don't miss:
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Immersive theatrical experiences
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Original documents and artifacts
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Whispering Gallery of slander he faced
Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices
Admission: Free Time needed: 1 hour
Where Lincoln practiced law before his presidency.
Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site
Admission: Free Time needed: 1 hour
Lincoln's final resting place. Bronze nose is shiny from visitors rubbing for luck.
New Salem: Lincoln's Early Years
Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site
Where: Petersburg (20 miles NW of Springfield) Admission: Free (donation suggested)
Reconstructed village where young Lincoln lived 1831-1837.
Experience:
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23 reconstructed buildings
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Costumed interpreters
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Working demonstrations
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Where Lincoln first studied law
Other Lincoln Sites
Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site
Where: Lerna (south-central Illinois)
Where Lincoln's father and stepmother lived. Lincoln visited often.
Vandalia State House
Where: Vandalia
Capital when Lincoln first served in legislature. Impressive restoration.
Lincoln Trail Homestead State Memorial
Where: Decatur area
Site of Lincoln family's first Illinois home.
Planning a Lincoln Tour
One-Day Springfield Itinerary
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Morning: Lincoln Home neighborhood
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Lunch: Downtown Springfield
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Afternoon: Presidential Museum
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Evening: Lincoln Tomb
Extended Trip
Add:
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Day 2: New Salem
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Day 3: Vandalia, Decatur area sites
Lesser-Known Lincoln Connections
Coles County Courthouse (Charleston)
Where Lincoln handled cases on the circuit.
Metamora Courthouse
One of only two courthouses on Lincoln's circuit still standing.
Ottawa (Debate Square)
Site of first Lincoln-Douglas debate (1858).
Tips for Visiting
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Springfield needs 2+ days to see everything
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New Salem is worth the drive for history buffs
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Presidential Museum is exceptional - don't rush
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Summer brings events and reenactments
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Combine with Route 66 sights for road trip
