Lincoln Home National Historic Site | Springfield

The Lincoln Home National Historic Site in Springfield, Illinois is a preserved residential district centered around the only home ever owned by Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States. Managed by the National Park Service, the site offers a well-preserved view into the life of Lincoln during his years as a rising lawyer, politician, and family man before his presidency.

Overview

Location: 413 South 8th Street, Springfield, IL 62701

Established: Authorized as a National Historic Site in 1971

Managed by: U.S. National Park Service

Size: 12.24 acres, including the Lincoln Home and surrounding historic neighborhood

Admission: Free to the public

Historical Significance

Abraham Lincoln purchased the house in 1844 and lived there with his wife Mary Todd Lincoln and their children until 1861, when he left for Washington, D.C., to become president. The home and its neighborhood reflect the mid-19th-century lifestyle and showcase Lincoln’s life during his most formative political years.

In 1887, Lincoln’s son Robert Todd Lincoln donated the home to the State of Illinois with the condition that it be preserved and open to the public forever at no charge. It was later transferred to the federal government and designated as a National Historic Site.

Main Attractions

1. Lincoln Home

Access: Visitors can only enter the home on a guided tour.

Structure: A two-story Greek Revival house with 12 rooms, restored to the 1860 appearance.

Contents: Period furniture, some original to the Lincoln family, and historical reproductions.

Tour Duration: Approximately 20–25 minutes.

Tour Groups: Limited to 15 people. Tickets are free but distributed on a first-come, first-served basis daily at the Visitor Center.

2. Visitor Center

Orientation: Begin your visit here to get maps, tour tickets, and information.

Film: "Journey to Greatness," a 25-minute interpretive film about Lincoln’s life in Springfield, shown continuously throughout the day.

Exhibits: Background on Lincoln’s early life, law career, and family life.

Ranger Assistance: Rangers are available to answer questions and assist with planning your visit.

3. Historic Neighborhood

The area surrounding the Lincoln Home has been restored to reflect its appearance in the 1860s.

Features: Twelve historic houses, boardwalks, period fencing, and interpretive panels.

Streets: 8th and Jackson Streets are closed to vehicle traffic and retain a period-authentic appearance.

Notable Houses:

Dean House: Exhibit titled “What a Pleasant Home Abe Lincoln Has” about Lincoln's family life.

Arnold House: Exhibit titled “If These Walls Could Talk” about the lives of Lincoln’s neighbors and the restoration of the district.

Accessibility

The site is designed to accommodate visitors with various needs:

Mobility: Ramps and lifts provide access to the first floors of major buildings. Manual wheelchairs are available at the Visitor Center.

Hearing: Assistive listening devices and open-captioned videos are available. Sign language interpretation can be arranged in advance.

Vision: Tactile exhibits, Braille materials, and large-print guides are available. A sensory kit can be checked out at the Visitor Center.

Parking

Primary Lot: Located on the corner of 7th and Capitol Streets, just south of the Visitor Center.

Fee: $2 per hour (credit or debit card only; no cash accepted).

Street Parking: Available, but limited.

Activities and Programs

Junior Ranger Program: Designed for children to learn about Lincoln’s life through activities. Participants receive a badge upon completion.

Living History Events: Period actors occasionally reenact historical scenarios from the Lincoln era.

Walking Tours: Self-guided and ranger-led tours available throughout the year.

School & Group Tours: Educational programming available for groups with advance reservations.

Tips for Visitors

Arrive Early: Guided tour tickets for the Lincoln Home often run out by early afternoon, especially in spring and summer.

Photography: Allowed outside; photography inside the Lincoln Home is not permitted.

Best Time to Visit: Spring through fall offers mild weather and expanded programming.

Nearby Attractions: The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Lincoln’s Tomb, and Old State Capitol are all within a few minutes' drive or walk.

The Lincoln Home National Historic Site offers an immersive experience into the personal and political life of Abraham Lincoln before he became one of the nation’s most iconic presidents. It’s not only a preserved residence but also a carefully curated narrative of the man who would lead the nation through the Civil War and abolish slavery.