There’s nothing Illinois is more proud of than its first contribution to the White House. Follow this Abraham Lincoln trail for a historic journey you’ll never forget.
From ancient structures to museums, this path will lead you to all the best Lincoln-themed attractions. Keep scrolling for directions:
With a drive time of just over half an hour, this Abraham Lincoln trail takes you straight through Springfield, the state’s capitol since 1839. Learn all about the city’s most historical resident who lived there from 1837 until 1861.
Google Maps Click here for a detailed map of how to navigate this trail. You should be able to fit it all in within one day.
- Lincoln’s Tomb at Oak Ridge Cemetery
Wikimedia Commons/Robert Lawton Your journey begins at the end. In addition to Abe, his wife, Mary and three of their sons are also buried at this memorial. It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Lincoln’s death is one of the most famous in history. He was shot by a well-known actor of the time in April of 1865 at Ford’s Theatre in Washington D.C.
- Edwards Place
Facebook/Edwards Place This antebellum mansion was often the location of many extravagant dinners and galas, of which the 16th President was often invited, making this a great second stop on the Abraham Lincoln trail. This was the center of culture and social life in Springfield at the time, and today, it is a museum full of antiques and archaeology.
- Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
Facebook/Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum This gorgeous spot along the trail will take some time. It is both a library full of history as well as a museum that tells the story of Lincoln’s life. Follow the story of a poor boy reared in an Indiana cabin who went on to turn the world upside down.
- Lincoln Home National Historic Site
Facebook/Lincoln Home National Historic Site Delve even further into the life of Lincoln with this immersive experience where you’ll see just how people lived in Springfield in the 1800s. See the actual house Lincoln resided in from 1844 to 1861 as well as several other historic buildings that will amaze you.
- Elijah Iles House
Wikimedia Commons/Teemu08 The oldest surviving house in the city, this structure is on the National Register of Historic Places, and it is on the Abraham Lincoln trail because the popular man frequently visited the estate. Today, it is a museum of Springfield history that celebrates everything Lincoln related.
- Lincoln Memorial Garden and Nature Center
Facebook/Lincoln Memorial Garden Once you’ve learned all the history, it’s time to take a trip to this nature center where the paths look like those that Lincoln would have walked in his day. The garden represents the Midwest landscape he would have grown up with, and it is home to plants native to the states in which he lived (Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois).
If you’re looking to get out of Springfield, check out this list of 10 honestly amazing Abraham Lincoln attractions throughout Illinois you don’t want to miss.
Google Maps
Click here for a detailed map of how to navigate this trail. You should be able to fit it all in within one day.
Wikimedia Commons/Robert Lawton
Your journey begins at the end. In addition to Abe, his wife, Mary and three of their sons are also buried at this memorial. It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Lincoln’s death is one of the most famous in history. He was shot by a well-known actor of the time in April of 1865 at Ford’s Theatre in Washington D.C.
Facebook/Edwards Place
This antebellum mansion was often the location of many extravagant dinners and galas, of which the 16th President was often invited, making this a great second stop on the Abraham Lincoln trail. This was the center of culture and social life in Springfield at the time, and today, it is a museum full of antiques and archaeology.
Facebook/Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum
This gorgeous spot along the trail will take some time. It is both a library full of history as well as a museum that tells the story of Lincoln’s life. Follow the story of a poor boy reared in an Indiana cabin who went on to turn the world upside down.
Facebook/Lincoln Home National Historic Site
Delve even further into the life of Lincoln with this immersive experience where you’ll see just how people lived in Springfield in the 1800s. See the actual house Lincoln resided in from 1844 to 1861 as well as several other historic buildings that will amaze you.
Wikimedia Commons/Teemu08
The oldest surviving house in the city, this structure is on the National Register of Historic Places, and it is on the Abraham Lincoln trail because the popular man frequently visited the estate. Today, it is a museum of Springfield history that celebrates everything Lincoln related.
Facebook/Lincoln Memorial Garden
Once you’ve learned all the history, it’s time to take a trip to this nature center where the paths look like those that Lincoln would have walked in his day. The garden represents the Midwest landscape he would have grown up with, and it is home to plants native to the states in which he lived (Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois).
Are you looking forward to this Abraham Lincoln trail? Share your thoughts with us!
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