Here in Springfield, we have some of the best pieces of American presidential history hidden down nearly every street. If you are looking for the best way to get out and learn all about our 16th president, I’m here to help you out! As a Springfield family photographer, I adore working with parents to find ways to make memories that will last for years to come. Here’s my ultimate guide for visiting the Lincoln historic sites around Springfield, Illinois!
Engage In History At These Great Lincoln Historic Sites In Springfield, Illinois
Lincoln Home National Historic Site
413 S 8th St, Springfield, Illinois 62701
Your day can start out with a visit to the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, where you can see where the life of the Great Emancipator began! If you wish to see the interior of the home, be sure to buy a ticket ahead of time.
Old State Capitol
526 E Adams St, Springfield, Illinois 62701
The Old State Capitol is a revival-style historic site where Lincoln delivered his “House Divided” speech in Springfield, Illinois. They offer both guided and self-titled walks free of charge!
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library
212 N Sixth Street, Springfield, Illinois 62701
A visit to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library is a must! Part museum, part research library, this center gives you an exploratory way to look at our former president while seeing artifacts he held dear throughout his life. On the outside, you can check out sculptures celebrating Lincoln.
Edwards Place Historic Home
700 North 4th Street, Springfield, Illinois 62702
Following Lincoln’s funeral, Benjamin S. Edwards hosted guests who came to town to pay their last respects. Today, you can go to Edwards Place Historic Home and see some of the Lincoln family possessions that were left to the former lawyer in Springfield, Illinois.
The Lincoln Depot
930 E Monroe St, Springfield, Illinois 62701
The Lincoln Depot was the spot where Lincoln gave his 1861 Farewell Address before he boarded a train to DC. A lot of history happened between then and his premature death, and it all kicked off here!
Lincoln Family Pew
321 S. 7th St. Springfield, Illinois 62701
The Lincoln Family Pew served as a Springfield, Illinois historic site where the Lincolns spent each Sunday in worship for 10 years. Today, you can go and check out the seat located in the First Presbyterian Church for free each Sunday before church begins.
Lincoln Tomb
1500 Monument Ave, Springfield, Illinois 62702
If you would like to pay your respects to the late president, you can plan a visit to Oak Ridge Cemetery, where he, Mary Todd, Edward, William, and Thomas are all buried. Visitors are allowed inside the tomb, where they can remember his good work that continues today.
Abe Lincoln Rail Splitter Statue
801 E. Sangamon Ave. Springfield, Illinois 62703
The Abe Lincoln Rail Splitter Statue is a 30-foot piece of art at the Illinois State Fairgrounds. You can come and take pictures with this iconic statue before exploring the rest of the area.
Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site
15588 History Lane, Petersburg, Illinois 62675
If you want to step back in time, head on over to Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, where you can step inside a reconstruction of the former village where Lincoln lived throughout his 20s. The village is just 15 miles away from Springfield and is well worth the drive!
Abraham Lincoln Long Nine Museum
200 S. St., Athens, Illinois 62613
The Abraham Lincoln Long Nine Museum was built in 1832. Just five years later, this would be the site where a dinner party was held to pass a bill moving the state capital here to Springfield, with Lincoln himself giving the toast. In addition to the historic space, they have rotating exhibits honoring Honest Abe.
Your Family Will Love Exploring The History All Around Them At These Lincoln Historic Sites In Springfield, Illinois
If you are looking for the best way to learn all about Honest Abe, these Lincoln historic sites in Springfield, Illinois are a must! Book your visit soon so you can learn all about him!
Do you need more ways to make memories in this town? Then I would love to connect! I am a Springfield family photographer, and I love working with clients to ensure they can honor each and every milestone in their family’s history. If you would like to learn about booking your session, let’s chat about it! Send me a message today to find out more!
