LOOKING FOR LINCOLN

Looking for Lincoln - A new heritage tourism project for the Central Illinois area. The program, which includes participation from 10 central Illinois communities, is developed based on the stories of Abraham Lincoln's life and times throughout the area.

LINCOLN HOME

The Lincoln Home is a national historic site located in a four-block area that includes the only home that Lincoln ever owned, including several restored buildings with exhibits.

LINCOLN-HERNDON LAW OFFICES

The Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices are a state historic site located within walking distance of the Lincoln home in downtown Springfield, Illinois.  Lincoln practiced law here from 1834 to 1852.

OLD STATE CAPITOL

The Old State Capitol is a state historic site that is a beautiful recreation of the statehouse as it was during Lincoln's years there and the site of the famous "House Divided" speech.  Located across the street from the Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices.

LINCOLN DEPOT

The Lincoln Depot tells the story of Lincoln's trip from Springfield to Washington as the country is moving toward war.

LINCOLN TOMB

Lincoln Tomb is a state historic site where Lincoln and his family are buried, with the exception of Robert.  The Tomb is located in historic Oak Ridge Cemetery.

NEW SALEM STATE HISTORIC SITE

Twenty-five miles from Springfield, Lincoln spent 6 years of his life in New Salem.  This log village contains 23 buildings. Costumed interpreters help to bring frontier life of the early 1830s alive for visitors. During the summer, Theatre in the Park performs regularly scheduled outdoor performances. New Salem is in a 700-acre park with a restaurant and camping available.

POSTVILLE COURTHOUSE STATE HISTORIC SITE / LINCOLN COLLEGE MUSEUM

Get on I-55 north and head to Lincoln (15 miles) First stop: The Postville Courthouse State Historic Site. This is a reproduction of the original 1840s courthouse where Lincoln frequently tried cases. Second stop: The Lincoln College Museum, which houses a major collection of original Lincoln artifacts and documents. Last stop: An interpretive exhibit which describes Lincoln christening the city with a watermelon.

LINCOLN LOG CABIN STATE HISTORIC SITE

From Charleston take the Lincoln Highway Road to the Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site. (8 miles). “Goosenest Prairie Farm” was the last home site of Lincoln’s father and stepmother. The site includes a living history farm, displaying 1840s farming methods by costumed interpreters and the Stephen Sargent Farm, a second farmstead on the same property.