Did you know that the Lincoln Home National Historic Site preserves the only home Abraham Lincoln ever owned? This modest two-story house in Springfield, Illinois, where Lincoln lived for 17 years before becoming president, contains over 80% of the original furnishings from the Lincoln family. As you walk through the same rooms where Lincoln discussed politics, raised his children, and eventually accepted his presidential nomination, you’re literally stepping in the footsteps of one of America’s most revered historical figures.

Getting to Lincoln Home National Historic Site

Springfield, Illinois is centrally located and accessible via several transportation options, making your journey to the Lincoln Home National Historic Site convenient from anywhere in the country.

By Air

Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport (SPI) in Springfield offers daily flights connecting to major hubs. For more flight options, consider flying into St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) or Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), both approximately 320 km (200 miles) from Springfield.

By Car

Springfield sits at the intersection of Interstates 55 and 72, making it easily accessible by car. From Chicago, take I-55 South (approximately 3 hours). From St. Louis, take I-55 North (approximately 1.5 hours). Free parking is available at the Lincoln Home Visitor Center at 426 South 7th Street.

By Train

Amtrak’s Lincoln Service and Texas Eagle routes serve Springfield daily, connecting the city to Chicago, St. Louis, and beyond. The historic Amtrak station is conveniently located in downtown Springfield, within walking distance of the Lincoln Home National Historic Site.

Best Time to Visit Lincoln Home National Historic Site

Springfield experiences all four seasons distinctly, each offering a different perspective on the Lincoln Home National Historic Site. Here’s what to expect throughout the year:

Local Tip: Prime Visiting Time

The ideal time to visit is from late May through September when the weather is pleasant and the “History Comes Alive” program runs. During this special summer program, historical interpreters in period costume bring the 1860s era to life throughout the historic site, offering a uniquely immersive experience.

Getting Around Lincoln Home National Historic Site

The Lincoln Home National Historic Site is a compact, pedestrian-friendly area that’s easy to navigate. Here are the best ways to explore:

The Visitor Center should be your first stop, where you can pick up free tickets for the Lincoln Home tour (required for entry), watch an orientation film, and view exhibits about Lincoln’s life in Springfield.

Where to Stay Near Lincoln Home National Historic Site

Springfield offers accommodations for every budget and preference, from historic downtown hotels to familiar chain options. Here are the best areas to stay when visiting the Lincoln Home National Historic Site:

Downtown Springfield

Best for: History enthusiasts, first-time visitors

Staying downtown puts you within walking distance of the Lincoln Home National Historic Site and other major attractions like the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Old State Capitol, and Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices. You’ll also have easy access to restaurants, shops, and nightlife.

Notable options: President Abraham Lincoln Springfield Hotel, State House Inn, and Wyndham Springfield City Centre.

Medical District

Best for: Extended stays, quieter atmosphere

Located just north of downtown, this area offers quieter accommodations while still being close to attractions. It’s convenient for those seeking a more residential feel while remaining just a short drive from the historic sites.

Notable options: Comfort Suites Springfield, Homewood Suites by Hilton Springfield, and Staybridge Suites Springfield.

Route 66 Corridor

Best for: Road trippers, budget travelers

Along Dirksen Parkway and Sixth Street (historic Route 66), you’ll find numerous motels and budget-friendly chain hotels. This area is ideal for those primarily interested in Route 66 attractions or those traveling with a car.

Notable options: Route 66 Hotel & Conference Center, Microtel Inn & Suites, and Best Western Clearlake Plaza.

Exploring Lincoln Home National Historic Site

The Lincoln Home National Historic Site preserves not just Abraham Lincoln’s house but an entire neighborhood that gives visitors a glimpse into Lincoln’s everyday life before his presidency. Here’s what you shouldn’t miss:

The Lincoln Home

The centerpiece of the site is the only home Abraham Lincoln ever owned. This modest two-story house has been meticulously restored to its 1860 appearance, offering a glimpse into the family’s daily life. The home grew from a small one-story cottage to a twelve-room house as Lincoln’s law practice flourished and his family expanded.

Visitor tip: Free tours are available, but tickets are required and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis each morning at the Visitor Center. During peak summer season, arrive early as tickets can run out by midday.

Historic Neighborhood

The surrounding four-block area features over a dozen historic buildings that have been preserved or reconstructed to their 1860s appearance. Notable buildings include:

Visitor Center

Start your visit at the modern Visitor Center, which features exhibits about Lincoln’s life in Springfield, a 25-minute orientation film titled “Abraham Lincoln: The Springfield Years,” and a bookstore with Lincoln-related literature and souvenirs.

Special Programs

During summer months (June-August), the “History Comes Alive” program features costumed interpreters throughout the site who bring the 1860s era to life. Rangers also offer special talks throughout the day on various aspects of Lincoln’s life and career.

Other Lincoln Sites in Springfield

Springfield proudly calls itself the “Land of Lincoln” for good reason. Beyond the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, the city offers several other significant Lincoln-related attractions that provide a comprehensive understanding of his life and legacy:

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum

Located just a 15-minute walk from the Lincoln Home, this world-class museum uses immersive exhibits, interactive displays, and holographic presentations to bring Lincoln’s story to life. Highlights include full-scale reproductions of the White House Lincoln Bedroom and Ford’s Theatre, as well as the “Ghosts of the Library” show that uses special effects to illustrate how historians piece together the past.

Address: 212 N. 6th St., approximately 1 km (0.6 miles) from Lincoln Home

Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site

Located in Oak Ridge Cemetery, this impressive granite monument is the final resting place of Abraham Lincoln, his wife Mary, and three of their four sons. The tomb’s interior features a rotunda and burial chamber with a red marble marker indicating the burial vault below.

Don’t miss the bronze bust of Lincoln near the entrance—rubbing its nose is said to bring good luck, a tradition that has left the nose polished to a bright shine.

Address: 1500 Monument Ave., approximately 3.2 km (2 miles) from Lincoln Home

Old State Capitol

This Greek Revival building served as Illinois’ statehouse from 1839 to 1876. Lincoln delivered his famous “House Divided” speech here, practiced law in the Supreme Court chamber, and used the governor’s office as his presidential campaign headquarters in 1860. His body lay in state here after his assassination.

Address: 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, approximately 1 km (0.6 miles) from Lincoln Home

Dining Near Lincoln Home National Historic Site

Springfield’s food scene offers a delightful mix of historic diners, Route 66 classics, and contemporary restaurants. Don’t leave without trying these local specialties:

The Horseshoe Sandwich

Springfield’s signature dish is the “Horseshoe Sandwich” – an open-faced sandwich consisting of Texas toast topped with your choice of meat, covered with French fries and smothered in cheese sauce. Created at the Leland Hotel in 1928, it’s now available throughout the city at these popular spots:

Historic Downtown Dining

Within walking distance of the Lincoln Home, you’ll find several excellent dining options:

Springfield Chilli Trail

Springfield is known for its unique style of chilli (intentionally spelled with two L’s). The city’s chilli parlors serve a distinctive version that’s less soupy than traditional chili, often with a finer grind of meat and a specific spice blend. Popular spots include:

Outdoor Activities Near Lincoln Home National Historic Site

When you need a break from historical sites, Springfield offers plenty of outdoor spaces to enjoy:

Lincoln Memorial Garden

Designed by landscape architect Jens Jensen in the 1930s, this 40-hectare (100-acre) woodland and prairie garden features plants native to the three states where Lincoln lived (Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois). Six miles of trails wind through diverse ecosystems, offering peaceful views of Lake Springfield.

Address: 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr., approximately 11 km (7 miles) from Lincoln Home

Washington Park

This historic 61-hectare (150-acre) park on the city’s west side features beautiful gardens, walking paths, and recreational facilities. Don’t miss the Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon, one of the world’s largest carillons with 67 bells. During summer, free concerts are performed on Sunday evenings.

The park also houses the Washington Park Botanical Garden with its conservatory, rose garden, and themed gardens showcasing over 1,800 plant species.

Address: 1501 S. Grand Ave. W, approximately 3.2 km (2 miles) from Lincoln Home

Lake Springfield

This 1,700-hectare (4,200-acre) reservoir provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and waterfront relaxation. The lake has several public parks along its 92 km (57 miles) of shoreline, including Center Park, which offers a beach, picnic areas, and boat rentals during summer months.

Popular activities: Fishing for bass, catfish, and crappie; kayaking; sailing; waterskiing

Distance: Approximately 16 km (10 miles) from Lincoln Home

Route 66 Attractions Near Lincoln Home

Historic Route 66, the “Mother Road” connecting Chicago to Los Angeles, runs right through Springfield’s heart. The city embraces this heritage with numerous attractions that celebrate America’s road trip culture:

Cozy Dog Drive In

A Route 66 institution since 1949, this family-owned restaurant claims to be the birthplace of the corn dog (which they call the “Cozy Dog”). The walls are decorated with Route 66 memorabilia and Waldmire family history. Don’t miss their classic root beer and hand-cut fries.

Address: 2935 S. 6th St., approximately 4.8 km (3 miles) from Lincoln Home

Route 66 Motorheads Bar & Grill

This Route 66-themed restaurant and museum houses an impressive collection of road memorabilia, vintage gas pumps, and classic car parts. The outdoor area features the Legends Neon Park with restored vintage signs. Great for photos and classic American food.

Address: 600 Toronto Rd., approximately 8 km (5 miles) from Lincoln Home

Brick Road – Original 1931 Route 66

One of the last remaining hand-laid brick segments of the original Route 66, this 2.4 km (1.5-mile) stretch dates back to 1931. Located between Chatham and Springfield on Snell and Curran Roads, it’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The red bricks offer a tangible connection to the early days of automobile travel.

Visitor tip: Drive slowly to appreciate the unique rumble of tires on brick and to take photos. Pull safely to the side if stopping.

Museums and Architecture Near Lincoln Home

Beyond Lincoln and Route 66, Springfield boasts impressive museums and architectural gems that showcase the city’s rich cultural heritage:

Dana-Thomas House State Historic Site

Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1902, this 1,115-square-meter (12,000-square-foot) home is one of the best-preserved examples of Wright’s Prairie Style. The house features 35 rooms with original Wright-designed furniture, art glass, and light fixtures. With over 250 art glass doors, windows, and panels, it’s a must-visit for architecture enthusiasts.

Address: 301 E. Lawrence Ave., approximately 1.6 km (1 mile) from Lincoln Home

Illinois State Museum

Explore Illinois’ natural, cultural, and artistic heritage through engaging exhibits spanning 500 million years. Highlights include Ice Age mammals, Native American artifacts, and contemporary Illinois art. The Play Museum offers hands-on activities for children.

Address: 502 S. Spring St., approximately 1.3 km (0.8 miles) from Lincoln Home

Illinois State Capitol

The current Illinois State Capitol, completed in 1888, stands taller than the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. This Renaissance Revival masterpiece features a stunning 110-meter (361-foot) dome and elaborate interior with grand staircases, stained glass, and ornate details. Free guided tours highlight the House and Senate chambers and the historical artifacts throughout.

Address: 401 S. 2nd St., approximately 1.3 km (0.8 miles) from Lincoln Home

Springfield and Central Illinois African American History Museum

This museum preserves and celebrates the rich history of African Americans in central Illinois. Exhibits cover the Underground Railroad, the 1908 Race Riot that led to the formation of the NAACP, and contributions of African Americans to local culture and society.

Address: 1440 Monument Ave., approximately 3.2 km (2 miles) from Lincoln Home

Annual Events and Festivals in Springfield

Springfield hosts exciting events throughout the year that showcase the city’s history, culture, and community spirit:

Practical Travel Tips for Visiting Lincoln Home

Make the most of your visit to the Lincoln Home National Historic Site with these helpful tips:

Visiting Hours and Admission

The Lincoln Home National Historic Site is open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, except on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. Admission to the site and tours of the Lincoln Home are free, but tickets are required for home tours and are available at the Visitor Center on a first-come, first-served basis.

Weather Considerations

Springfield experiences four distinct seasons:

Accessibility

The Visitor Center and exhibits are fully accessible. While the historic Lincoln Home has stairs, a video tour is available for those unable to climb stairs. Most of the sidewalks in the historic area are brick or gravel, which may present challenges for wheelchairs. The park offers a free accessibility guide at the Visitor Center.

Photography

Photography is permitted throughout the site’s exterior areas. Inside the Lincoln Home, photography without flash is allowed. Tripods and selfie sticks are not permitted inside historic buildings due to space constraints.

Nearby Services

Public restrooms are available in the Visitor Center. There are no food services within the historic site, but downtown Springfield offers numerous dining options within walking distance. Water fountains are available at the Visitor Center.

Visitor Comments About Lincoln Home National Historic Site

Day Trips from Lincoln Home National Historic Site

While Springfield offers plenty to keep visitors engaged, several fascinating destinations within an hour’s drive make for excellent day trips:

Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site

Located 32 km (20 miles) northwest of Springfield, this reconstructed 1830s village is where Abraham Lincoln lived for six formative years as a young adult. The site features 23 historically accurate buildings, including homes, shops, and mills, with costumed interpreters demonstrating period crafts and daily life.

Highlights: Lincoln’s store, blacksmith shop, seasonal events including candlelight tours in October

Petersburg

This charming small town near New Salem offers additional Lincoln connections and small-town Midwest atmosphere. Visit the Edgar Lee Masters House (author of “Spoon River Anthology”) and enjoy the scenic Sangamon River views.

Highlights: Riverfront parks, historic downtown, local dining

Jacksonville

This historic town west of Springfield is known for its beautiful architecture and educational institutions. The town has connections to Lincoln and Stephen Douglas and features several museums and historic sites.

Highlights: Governor Duncan Mansion, Woodlawn Farm (Underground Railroad site), Illinois College

Walking in Lincoln’s Footsteps: A Journey Through American History

The Lincoln Home National Historic Site offers more than just a glimpse into the past—it provides an intimate connection with one of America’s most revered historical figures. As you walk the same floors Lincoln walked, stand in the parlor where he received news of his presidential nomination, and explore the neighborhood where he developed his political ideals, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the man behind the monuments.

Springfield’s rich tapestry of Lincoln sites, combined with its Route 66 heritage, architectural treasures, and Midwestern hospitality, creates an experience that resonates with visitors of all ages and backgrounds. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, architecture lover, foodie, or family seeking educational experiences, the Lincoln Home National Historic Site and its surrounding attractions offer meaningful connections to America’s past while inspiring reflection on our present and future.

As Lincoln himself once said, “The best way to predict your future is to create it.” A visit to his home in Springfield reminds us of how one individual’s journey from a modest house on Eighth Street to the White House forever changed the course of American history.