Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site, part of the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area, preserves the 19th-century home of Thomas Lincoln and Sarah Bush Lincoln, father and step-mother of our 16th president. Abraham Lincoln was a lawyer living in Springfield by the time his parents moved here, but his burgeoning law practice often brought him to Charleston and the farm, especially during the 1840s. Abraham Lincoln also owned a portion of the farm which he deeded back to his father and step-mother for their use during their lifetime.

Today Lincoln Log Cabin is an 86-acre historic site that is owned and operated by the State of Illinois, managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Division of Historic Sites. The site includes an accurate reproduction of the Lincolns' two-room cabin that was reconstructed on the original cabin site in 1935-1936 as a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) project. The National Park Service oversaw the creation of Lincoln Log Cabin State Park with CCC labor. The CCC camp, Camp Shiloh, was located within the park's boundaries and its enrollees were WWI veterans. Today the ten acres in the northwest corner of the park where Camp Shiloh was located is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

A working, living history farm has been developed around the cabin, and a second historic farmstead, that of Stephen and Nancy Sargent, has been moved to the site to help broaden visitors' understanding both of life in the 19th century and Lincoln's legal practice in the community. The site also includes the Moore Home, where Lincoln bid farewell to his family in 1861 before leaving to assume the Presidency, and the gravesites of Thomas and Sarah Lincoln at the Thomas Lincoln Cemetery.

Upcoming Events!

 Saturday Story Series
April 5, 10:00 am
Visitor Center Auditorium
Join us at 10 a.m. on the first Saturday of every month for story time! Featuring the reading of a historically-themed children's book followed by activities and crafts, this free program helps to engage youngsters ages 5-10 in American history and bring the stories to life. All youth must be accompanied by an adult. This event is free, but please click here to register. The featured story on April 5th is "Abe Lincoln Crosses a Creek: A Tall, Thin Tale" by Deborah Hopkinson, Illustrated by John Hendrix. "Now, I’m sure you know lots about Abraham Lincoln, the sixteenth president of the United States. But what you might not know is that Abe would never have become president if it hadn’t been for Austin Gollaher. Learn the story of what really happened to Honest Abe when he was just a kid in this nonfiction picture book that’s perfect for President’s Day and every day! The year is 1816. Abe is only seven years old, and his pal, Austin Gollaher, is ten. Abe and Austin decide to journey down to Knob Creek. The water looks scary and deep, and Austin points out that they don’t know how to swim. Nevertheless, they decide to traverse it. I won’t tell you what happens, but let’s just say that our country wouldn’t be the same if Austin hadn’t been there to help his friend." An ALA-ALSC Notable Children’s Book A Booklist Editors’ Choice A Bulletin Blue Ribbon Book

 Easter Fun on the Farms
Saturday, April 19, 1-3 pm
Celebrate a presidential tradition at Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site! The Lincolns and Sargents will be hosting a traditional Egg Roll and Easter Egg Hunt, and a craft activity . The Easter Egg Hunt begins at 1:00 p.m., and the Egg Roll begins at 2:00 p.m. Children (12 and under) will be divided into age groups, with each group having staggered start times. 

New Volunteer Orientation
April 26, 9:00 am - 12:00
Are you interested in volunteering, but don't know where to start? This volunteer orientation is your chance! Meet at the Visitor Center at 9am to get a "back stage" tour, ask questions, learn out about volunteer opportunities, and take the first step to becoming a volunteer! Benefits of volunteering include meeting and socializing with people who share your interests, learning new skills, giving a boost to your resume or college application, and making a difference in your community. Regular volunteers can also earn discounts in our foundation gift shop, and are invited to private events specifically for volunteers. Call us at (217)345-1845 or email volunteer@lincolnlogcabin.org for more information and to RSVP.