Lincoln Home National Historic Site Tours

Springfield featuring heritage architecture
Springfield showing a house, interior views and heritage elements
Springfield featuring interior views, a house and heritage elements
Springfield featuring interior views, heritage elements and a house
Lincoln Home National Historic Site showing heritage elements and a house


Come to this well-equipped facility to learn about Abraham Lincoln and to collect your ticket for one of the free tours that explore his carefully preserved home.

The Lincoln Home Visitor Center is the starting point for exploring the fascinating museum that was once the home of President Abraham Lincoln. Come here to pick up free tickets to one of the regular guided tours of the house. The visitor center is also an interesting museum in its own right. Exhibits here include a scale model of house as it looked in the 1850s, as well as three videos about the president and his home. Also on display is a bronze casting of Lincoln’s face and hands, which can be touched by visitors.

Mary Todd and Abraham Lincoln were married in 1842 and bought their house here in Springfield in 1844. Visit it today and see how they expanded what was once a very modest property in order to accommodate their growing family. The Lincolns had four sons over their course of their marriage, although only one survived to adulthood. In 1861, when Lincoln started serving as president, he held a final farewell party at the beloved family home before renting it out and moving to the White House.

From the outside, admire the two-level wooden house and its pretty green shutters. As you approach the door, notice the careful reproduction of the original Lincoln nameplate that hangs outside. Inside, follow your tour guide through a series of rooms that have been restored to look just as they would have when the Lincolns lived here. Immerse yourself in the 19th-century style, as you are surrounded by busy floral wallpapers and dark wood furniture and fireplaces. Hear your tour guide lay out the personal story of one of the most famous figures from U.S. history.

Find the Lincoln Home Visitor Center in a quiet residential area of Springfield, Illinois’ state capital. Tours of the house are free, but they fill up quickly, so it is best to arrive early in the morning to collect tickets. The visitor center is also the place to borrow wheelchairs, Braille guides and other aids for visitors with special accessibility requirements.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Lincoln Home National Historic Site

President Abraham Lincoln Springfield - DoubleTree by Hilton

President Abraham Lincoln Springfield - DoubleTree by Hilton

4 out of 5
701 E Adams St, Springfield, IL
President Abraham Lincoln Springfield - DoubleTree by Hilton
State House Inn, Trademark Collection by Wyndham

State House Inn, Trademark Collection by Wyndham

3 out of 5
101 East Adams Street, Springfield, IL
State House Inn, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
Mansion View Inn and Suite

Mansion View Inn and Suite

2 out of 5
529 S. 4th Street, Springfield, IL
Mansion View Inn and Suite
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Springfield IL

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Springfield IL

3 out of 5
1121 Lejune Dr, Springfield, IL
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Springfield IL
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Springfield Southeast

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Springfield Southeast

2.5 out of 5
3092 Stevenson Drive, Springfield, IL
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Springfield Southeast
Carpenter Street Hotel

Carpenter Street Hotel

2.5 out of 5
525 North Sixth Street, Springfield, IL
Carpenter Street Hotel
Crowne Plaza Springfield by IHG

Crowne Plaza Springfield by IHG

3.5 out of 5
3000 S Dirksen Pkwy, Springfield, IL
Crowne Plaza Springfield by IHG
Inn at 835 Boutique Hotel

Inn at 835 Boutique Hotel

3.5 out of 5
835 S. 2nd Street, Springfield, IL
Inn at 835 Boutique Hotel
Wyndham Springfield City Centre

Wyndham Springfield City Centre

3.5 out of 5
700 E Adams St, Springfield, IL
Wyndham Springfield City Centre
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Lincoln Home National Historic Site

At Lincoln Home National Historic Site in Springfield, Illinois, visitors can enjoy guided house tours to explore the home of Abraham Lincoln, along with nearby attractions like live music venues and opera performances. The site often hosts seasonal events, particularly in spring, making it an excellent destination for history enthusiasts and those seeking cultural experiences in the heart of Springfield.

Food and drinks

Visit Walnut Street Winery, located 7 miles from Lincoln Home National Historic Site, for a delightful selection of wines in a romantic setting. Enjoy their entertainment offerings while savoring local cuisine, perfect for food lovers exploring Springfield's vibrant dining scene.

Recreation

Enjoy a round of golf at Rail Golf Course, just 5 miles from Lincoln Home National Historic Site, where you can soak in the outdoor ambiance. For a slightly longer drive, Piper Glen Golf Club, 8 miles away, offers beautiful greens, while Shambolee Golf Course, 17 miles distant, provides a serene setting for sports enthusiasts.

Find the best attractions near Lincoln Home National Historic Site

When visiting the Lincoln Home National Historic Site in Springfield, Illinois, immerse yourself in history by exploring key attractions like Lincoln's Home and Lincoln's Tomb. You'll discover a blend of culture and outdoor experiences that cater to families and history enthusiasts alike, with opportunities to learn about Abraham Lincoln and his legacy in the Land of Lincoln. This region is rich in historic museums and civic buildings, making it a must-visit for any traveler.

  • Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum: Located just 0.3 miles from the Lincoln Home, this museum offers an engaging deep dive into the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln. With interactive exhibits and historical artifacts, visitors can experience Lincoln's journey through captivating storytelling.
  • Illinois State Fairgrounds: Situated 2 miles away, this vibrant fairground hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including the famous Illinois State Fair. Enjoy outdoor activities, live performances, and family-friendly attractions that create a festive atmosphere.
  • Illinois State Capitol: A short 0.4 miles from the Lincoln Home, this stunning historic building showcases beautiful architecture and rich history. Visitors can explore the grandeur of the Capitol and learn about Illinois' legislative process.

Best time to go to Lincoln Home National Historic Site

The best time to visit Lincoln Home National Historic Site can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Lincoln Home National Historic Site falls in July, when visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Lincoln Home National Historic Site falls in January, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January27.7°F (-2.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
February30.7°F (-0.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
March43.2°F (6.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
April53.4°F (11.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
May64.2°F (17.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June73.0°F (22.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
July75.2°F (24.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
August73.8°F (23.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
September68.4°F (20.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October56.3°F (13.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November43.5°F (6.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
December34.7°F (1.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Lincoln Home National Historic Site

To save money on your trip to Lincoln Home National Historic Site, take advantage of the free entry to the site and nearby attractions like Lincoln Depot and Washington Park Botanical Gardens. Consider visiting between November and January for lower accommodation prices. Use Expedia to compare hotel deals and package your stay with flights for additional savings. Joining the One Key membership can provide exclusive discounts and allow you to earn OneKeyCash for future stays. Don't forget to sort prices from lowest to highest for the best deals!

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Lincoln Home National Historic Site are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to March to April and August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. To find the best prices and deals, be sure to sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel stay at the Lincoln Home National Historic Site with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.