Plan Your Visit

Baby goats and mama in the barnyard

Carl Sandburg Home NHS had significant impacts from Hurricane Helene. Please plan accordingly.

Post Helene Status:

• NOTICE: Main entrance is closed due to washed out pedestrian bridges.

  Currently, the only way to access parking and the park is the Hikers' lot at 1928 Little River Road. Find information and directions on our "Parking" information page. If you need accessibility assistance, visit our "Accessibility" page for more information.

• House Tours are being offered on a limited basis at this time dependent on staffing.

  Please call ahead or ask in the visitor center about availability.

• Grounds and trails open dawn to dusk; Barn open 10am-4pm everyday.

  View a trail map here.

• Visitor Center and Bookstore open Thurs, Fri, Sat and Sun 10am-4pm.

  Interagency passes can be purchased at Visitor Center.

• Half mile walk from Hikers' parking lot to farm and house area.

  If you need help accessing the farm and house area, please call the phone number listed in the Hikers' parking lot. Limited options may be available.

Park Grounds, Trails and Parking Lots

• Main Parking lot and front lake trail remain closed from Hurricane Helene damage. Hikers' lot at 1928 Little River road has 24 parking spots available.
• Please be prepared for your comfort. Check the weather before heading out and wear appropriate comfortable clothing and walking shoes.
• Portable toilets are available at the Hikers' lot and at the main restrooms near the historic home. Please note that the main restrooms are closed and there is no water available at this time.
• Park film, passport stamps, and Jr. Ranger books are available in the house garage everyday between 10am-4pm.

Historic Goat Barn:

• The goat barn is open from 10am-4pm everyday. Visitors are welcome to tour the historic barn and milk house and visit with our goats in the pasture. We have brushes if you would like to help us groom our goats. We also have a small flock of chickens and two barn cats. Please note that no dogs are allowed inside the barn area.
• This Spring, the goat barn at Carl Sandburg Home NHS is expecting kids! We have two pregnant does at the goat barn. Ailish, a Saanen, is expecting two kids. Shelby, a Toggenburg, is also expecting two kids. Our baby goat kids will be born in late April, 2025.
• Learn more here.

To learn more about the status of Front Lake dam, click here.

 

 

Information for Groups
You are strongly encouraged to contact the park if you are visiting with more than 10 people in your group, even if it is just a family visit or a big motorcoach tour. We strive to make your visit the best experience it can be.

Adult Group
For groups of adults of ten or more, please see the Adult Group Reservation page for information about scheduling a visit.

School & Homeschool Groups
Please see our For Teachers section for more information about scheduling school groups.

Summer Camps/Youth Groups
Please visit our ParKids! page for more information on activities available in the Park.

Area Trip Planning
Visit our Nearby Attractions page

If you cannot find what you are looking for, please do not hesitate to contact the park with your questions. We hope you enjoy your visit!