Nearby Attractions

The Old State Capitol

Located a few blocks from the Lincoln Home, the Old State Capitol served as the seat of the Illinois state government from 1839 to 1876. The building had an important role in the political struggle between Stephen A. Douglas and Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln delivered the famous 1858 "House Divided" speech here and used the governor’s rooms as a headquarters during the 1860 presidential campaign. Visitors can take a guided tour or walk through the Old State Capitol free of charge.

 

Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site

Located 20 miles Northwest of Springfield, Lincoln's New Salem stands as a reconstruction of the village where Abraham Lincoln spent his early adulthood. At Lincoln's New Salem, Lincoln worked as a clerk in a store, split rails, served as postmaster, and enlisted in military during the Black Hawk War. Visitor can explore the site and in the summer, experience Living History demonstrations.

 

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (ALPLM) is only a few blocks from Lincoln Home National Historic Site. The ALPLM offers a wide range of exhibits covering the life and times of Abraham Lincoln, including replicas of his boyhood cabin and the Lincoln White House.

 

Illinois State Capitol

The first legislative session was held in the "new" state capitol in 1877. The growth of the state had increased the need for more space than the "old" one allowed. Today it is the center of state government. Visitors can watch Illinois politics in action from the balcony-level seating when the legislature is in session. Tour information of the State Capitol is available on the Illinois State site and through the Springfield Visitors Bureau.

 

Lincoln Tomb

Dedicated in 1874 and located a few miles from the Lincoln Home, the Lincoln Tomb is the final resting place of Abraham Lincoln, his wife Mary, and three of their four sons, Edward, William, and Thomas. On the site is the public receiving vault, constructed ca. 1860, where the scene of funeral services for Abraham Lincoln took place on May 4, 1865. Visitors can walk around the outside of the tomb and enter the inside of the receiving during public viewing hours.

 

Other Historical Sites in the Area

The Dana-Thomas House

The Dana-Thomas House is an early Frank Lloyd Wright house that stands as the finest example of the creativity and uniqueness characteristic of the Prairie School of Architecture. The Dana-Thomas House is located about eight blocks from the Lincoln Home. Visitors can take an hour-long guided tour of the house and learn about its unique architecutre and the story of its residents.

Vachel Lindsay House

The Vachel Lindsay House was the lifelong residence of poet Vachel Lindsay, also known as the "Prairie Troubadour." Lindsay is remembered locally for writing "Abraham Lincoln Walks at Midnight", which describes Lincoln's mystical return to his old neighborhood.

Elijah Iles House

Built around 1837 and located only a few blocks from the Lincoln Home, the Elijah Iles House is Springfield’s oldest house. It was designed by the same architect who designed the Old State Capitol. Two of Springfield’s most famous citizens, Abraham Lincoln and poet Nicholas Vachel Lindsay, are known to have visited the house.