Lincoln Indiana is home to the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial, a fascinating historical site. Visiting will give insight into Abraham Lincoln’s childhood and youth, where he grew from a boy to a man, forming much of the character that took him through adulthood and the presidency. 

Illinois is known as the “Land of Lincoln”. He lived much of his adult life in Springfield, until becoming president in 1861. Most people think of the Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum when researching sites to learn more about the 16th U.S. president. Indeed, this is a stop well worth considering.

To learn about the life that made the boy into the man who would become a dedicated American, statesman, and defender of human justice, who valued honesty, education, and hard work, spend some time at the Lincoln boyhood home in Lincoln City, Indiana.

Plan on spending about two hours here. There is much to see for the entire family. If you are not already a history buff, your visit could inspire you to become one.

Lincoln Boyhood Memorial Visitor Center

Start your tour of the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial here for fascinating facts and exhibits about Lincoln’s boyhood and later life. The staff has lots of great information, and there is also a film that chronicles Lincoln’s and his family’s relocation from Kentucky to Indiana in 1816. Here they forged a life in what was then considered a new frontier.

Trails

Walk the same ground as young Lincoln in his boyhood. Two miles of trails wind throughout the Lincoln Boyhood property, passing several sites of interest. This is an easy walk that allows for a nice chance to think and enjoy nature.

Cabin Site Memorial

A bronze casting of logs and fireplace hearthstones symbolizes the third cabin that the Lincolns began building in 1829. Imagine living in this space with 8 people!

Living Historical Farm

The Lincoln Boyhood Historical Farm is a re-created site that depicts life on an 1820s homestead. Wearing period clothing, park rangers, and volunteers talk to visitors while demonstrating activities like animal husbandry, chopping wood, feeding animals, planting crops, quilt making, etc. Tasks are performed as day-to-day living, much as they would have been on an early Indiana farm.

Life was hard for early Indiana settlers, including children. Everyone had to participate to keep the family going. Tasks included: clearing fields, chopping wood, plating crops, harvesting, caring for farm animals, preserving food, preparing meals, and many others, all without any of the modern conveniences we take for granted today.

The demonstrations are generally active from late spring to early fall. There is no set schedule as the staff go about daily activities that would have occurred during the time period. Be sure to check the website for hours and further information.

https://www.nps.gov/libo/planyourvisit/living-historical-farm.htm

Pioneer Cemetery

Abraham Lincoln’s mother, Nancy died in 1918, a devastating loss for the family. She guided the young boy, instilling values of honesty and compassion, and the importance of learning and reading.

In late 1819, Lincoln’s father, Thomas married Sarah Bush Johnston. She encouraged Abe’s reading comprehension and increased his knowledge by providing him with books to read.

Both women had a lasting influence in molding him into a man of honesty and integrity.

Nancy Lincoln was buried at the site of the pioneer cemetery. Her exact burial site is unknown, but a memorial grave marker is visible from the trail. The cemetery is also the resting place of others in the Little Pigeon Creek community.

Accessibility

The park is wheelchair accessible. Portions of the trails are slippery when wet. Service animals are welcome. You can drive to the historical farm if you prefer not to walk the trail. There are several benches along the path if you need to rest.

Getting to the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial

From the east or west – From Interstate 64, exit onto US 231, (exit 57A). Travel south on US 231 to Indiana Highway 162. Take the Santa Claus/Gentryville exit. Turn west (right) on Indiana Highway 162; go 1-1/2 miles to the park entrance on the right. From the north or south – From US 231 take the Santa Claus/Gentryville exit. Turn west on Indiana Highway 162; go 1-1/2 miles to the park entrance on the right.

https://www.nps.gov/libo/planyourvisit/directions.htm

Activities for Kids

You can become a Junior Ranger at the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial. Pick up your Junior Ranger activity booklet at the Memorial Visitor Center. Find out more information on kids activities here:

https://www.nps.gov/libo/learn/kidsyouth/index.htm

Operating Hours / Fees and Passes

An entrance pass is not required to access Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial.

The park is open year-round. The farm is open for demonstrations May – September, but you can walk the grounds year-round.

The visitor center is generally open seven days a week, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the summer. During the off-season, hours are Wednesday to Sunday 9 am to 3 pm. The center is closed from 12:00 to 1:00 pm. The park is in Central time.

Lincoln State Park

This park was established in 1932 as a memorial to Nancy Hanks Lincoln. Here you can travel the same ground as young Lincoln.

Over ten miles of hiking trails take you to several historical areas. The Sarah Lincoln Woods Nature Preserve, sites where former neighbors lived and worked, a lovely restored lake, and more. Trails are rated easy to moderate.

Other Activities

Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Plaza has several pedestals and markers illustrating various milestones of Lincoln’s Indiana Life.

Canoes, paddle boats and rowboats can be rented by the hour in summer. State fishing licenses are available at the park office.

Colonel Jones Home – historic programs and tours available throughout the year.

Lincoln amphitheater – presents productions, concerts, and a “Lincoln” theatrical experience

Camping

Cabins and a camp store are available. There is also a group camp with sleeping cabins, a dining hall, showers, and restrooms.

The regular campground is equipped with flush toilets, hot water, and showers. There are both electric and non-electric sites.

I chose one of the non-electric sites. Very nice campground, but the sites don’t have any trees in between them, and are pretty close together, so not a lot of privacy.

Other Area Attractions

Historic Harmony Indiana

https://www.visitnewharmony.com/

Hemlock Cliffs National Scenic Trail

https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/hoosier/recreation/natureviewing/recarea/?recid=41570&actid=64

That’s it for now, until next time remember to get some dirt under your boots!

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