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Making America's Best Idea Even Better
Lincoln Home National Historic SiteBack Parlor illustration, Leslies' Illustrated Newspaper, 1861
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Lincoln Home National Historic Site
Lincoln Home Tour
See the interior of the Lincoln Home.
Lincoln's home in downtown Springfield has proved irresistible to visitors since it first opened to the public in 1887. Constructed in 1839 and beautifully restored to its 1860 appearance, the 12-room, Greek Revival house was Abraham and Mary Lincoln's home for 17 years.

Today, the Lincoln's home draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Admission to tour the house is free, but tickets are issued on a first-come, first-served basis. Each tour is limited to no more than 17. Pick up a ticket inside the Lincoln Home Visitor Center to sign up for the 20-25 minute tour inside the house.

The ranger-led tour focuses mainly on the Lincoln family in the seventeen years they resided in the house on the corner of Eighth and Jackson Streets. Lincoln's rise as a successful lawyer and politician, along with his 1860 presidential campaign are also explored.

Highlights of the tour include:

Formal Parlor
Sitting Room
Dining Room
Guest Bedroom
Abraham Lincoln's Bedroom
Mary Lincoln's Bedroom
Child's Room
Hired Girl/Help's Room
Kitchen
Backyard
Outbuildings
 
Photo of President Lincoln with beard  

Did You Know?
In 1860, eleven-year-old Grace Bedell wrote to Lincoln suggesting he grow a beard to “look a great deal better.” Lincoln met Bedell on his way to Washington, giving her a hearty kiss to thank her for her idea. Lincoln Home National Historic Site, Illinois

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Last Updated: September 29, 2009 at 15:32 EST