Lincoln Home National Historic Site

Welcome center reviewed separately, but make sure to stop by there first to get your free ticket. No one enters the home without one. And while my tour was very small (me and two elderly couples), this spot can be very popular. I think tours cap at 15 people, so get there early to reserve your spot.

Our guide, ranger Em (or M or some variation) was new and had only been on site for just over a month, but she did a great job. Engaging and clear spoken and answered all questions.

The Lincoln home itself is part of a larger "park" that has been reserved as it would have been during Lincoln's time, though most restored or preserved homes serve as office space now. There are a few other exhibits in outer buildings that you can check out. The comic book type exhibit was colorful and engaging.

The house itself is the only one Lincoln ever owned. Many of the pieces inside are original, including chairs, a whatnot shelf, Lincoln's writing desk, Mary Todd Lincoln's commode, an original bed, and more. What has been reproduced was done using original photos or artifacts, so it's very much like the Lincoln's would have had it.

Ranger Em noted that Lincoln collected cats and was in the wrestling hall of fame. He had a dog named Fido, and apparently this was where the oldschool dog name originated.

Em stated that she wanted to show us that Lincoln was more than a historical president, that he was a father, a husband, a friend, and a human being. She did a great job of humanizing him.

Great stop off route 66 and could serve as one of the main pillars of your Lincoln day tour (this is nearby the Lincoln library and museum and Lincoln's tomb, and near many historical markers).

A very interesting and educational place to visit. There's a neighborhood consisting of two blocks of historic houses, including Abraham & Mary Todd Lincoln's house. You can go into three of the homes to see exhibits, and then the Lincoln home requires a no-charge ticket to go inside. The visitor center is nice and the gift shop is well-stocked.

Husband, father, lawyer, US Representative, President of the United States.

So interesting to visit the only home that President Abraham Lincoln ever owned. The home was bought by Lincoln and his wife in 1844. As he became more successful reflecting the American Dream that he embodied, he expanded his family and his home.

Three of his four sons were born in this home. One died here. As he became more affluent, he was able to add a second story to the home. He also renovated the kitchen in anticipation of moving back to Springfield after the end of his presidency. His assassination ended the dream for a hometown retirement.

Today, tours explore the home and lives of Abraham Lincoln and his young family. A NPS Ranger guides small groups through the formal parlor, the sitting room, the dining room, bedrooms and the kitchen. Mary Todd and Abraham Lincoln had separate bedrooms which was fashionable and a sign of success achieved. Surprised at how small Lincoln's desk in the corner of his bed was considering his height of 6'4".

After Lincoln's assassination, the home was rented to tenants who often charged fees to visit the home. They also left the home in disrepair. In 1887, Lincoln's only surviving son, Robert Todd Lincoln, donated the family home to the state of Illinois with the stipulation that it be open and free for all to visit and that it be well maintained. It was restored to its 1860 appearance when the Lincoln's left to go to the White House.

Time tour tickets are available on a first come, first served basis at the Ranger Station. Tickets are free. Such an interesting and sad part of our nation's history.

Well this is very disappointing in regards that you can't even come here I would have to give this one start if you're going to be coming here around 2:00 or 3:00 because they don't have any reservations especially around the springtime and earlier I came here for the second time it's really disappointing. I even called in regards to it earlier but they just don't have it so best of luck I won't be coming back here specially from Chicago 3 hours. I do not understand what is the point if you are going to be open up to 5 pm? Otherwise do NOT come here after 10 am if you are traveling 3 or more hours especially from Chicago.

You can't beat the price!! (free).
We came on a rainy day in March and parked in a side street for free. I assume that the tour would have been held outside to talk about the Lincoln family, but since it was raining, most of it was done inside.

The Historic site tried to keep the Lincoln home true to details. Overall, its worth a stop and to say you've been there.

We arrived here just before 11 on a Friday morning. The information desk was able to put us on the 11:30 house tour and directed us to the theater to watch the movie prior to the tour. The movie wasn't much but we really enjoyed the Lincoln House Tour. It's a cute street and the house is decorated of the period with a few actual possessions of the Lincoln Family. Our tour guide, Isiah, was enthusiastic and informative. There's a small gift shop. It is really well done.

*Side Note: There were three men here who I do not believe worked here that were Abraham Lincoln doppelgangers. We didn't know if it was a popular look in the area or what? They weren't dressed like Abe but it was amazing!

The Lincoln Home National Historic Site was the first stop on our "Lincoln weekend" in Springfield. While born in Kentucky, Abe Lincoln moved to Illinois while young with his family. The home still stands, although much of it was restored and repaired. They did a fantastic job of finding period-specific furniture and furnishings based on drawings and photos.

You start in their welcome center/gift shop. There is a brief presentation before you set out to see the house. It was a rainy day, but we did not let them stop us. The attached photos do the house justice, so I won't go into much more detail about what we saw. I already said I was impressed with the restoration and furnishings. Much of my comments are represented in the photos.

This home is only a part of a restored neighborhood of homes. These were the homes of Lincoln's friends and neighbors. Many are open to the public. Because of the weather, we chose to defer this part until our next visit.

This is a must-see for Lincoln fans and historians. It was well worth the price of entry (free).

This site preserves not only Lincoln's Illinois home, where he lived his adult life until he was elected, but also the street on which it is located. This makes it great for strolling around exploring. There are exhibits available along the street and within some of the other houses. To enter Lincoln's home, you'll want to head to the visitor's center and pick up some free tickets. We lucked out and as soon as we walked in, they said they had some tickets available for the very next tour starting in 10 minutes. The tour itself is only about 30 minutes long, but it is plenty of time to explore. Our ranger was friendly and knowledgeable, and did a great job engaging everyone with fun facts like how Lincoln's wife called him a stray cat collector, since he was always bringing them home! It was also very impactful to stand in the kitchen of the house and be told that just the kitchen was the size of the cabins Lincoln was born and grew up in. Amenities, including the gift shop, restrooms, and a theatre where you can view the site's film, "Journey to Greatness," are all to be found in the visitor's center. Parking is also available next to the center for a fee.

Ima big fan of American history and to say I've been to this man's house was another American experience I can say I've had I hope more people experience this if they want to see Americas history.

What a fun and education experience! We stopped in for quick site seeing after a recommendation from a local as we were in town for a wedding. They do tours of the home every half an hour - it is free! But make sure to get a ticket as the last tour at 4:30 pm (at least on Thursday). They walk you through from the visitor center across the street and hear about the Lincoln family. Much of the furniture is still the originals which is so awesome to see!

It is fun for all ages and when you're done the replica of the town is there too so you can feel really immersed to the time.