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!

The End of the Gentleman’s Game: Early Baseball’s Growth and Collapse in Illinois
Saturday, November 26, 1:00 pm in the Visitor Center Auditorium

It was a game played with hard balls caught with no gloves, where teams ran up double-digit scores and inept players willingly adopted the label “muffins.” Between 1865 and 1868, it swept over Illinois as quickly—but less fatally—than cholera, attracting hundreds of spectators—men and women—to playing fields carved out roughly on vacant lots. Holding it together during those years were customs and rituals, including elaborate meals and pre and post-game entertainment for visiting teams, cheering an opponent’s good play and absolutely no questioning of the umpire—all designed to cool the competitive spirit. Bob Sampson, author of the forthcoming “Ballists, Dead Beats, and Muffins: Inside Early Baseball in Illinois,” will discuss the social phenomena we know today as baseball. After, Mike Griffin will be on hand to discuss the technical aspects of playing "vintage baseball" today.

Old-Fashioned Christmas on the Prairie
Sunday, December 4, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Come out to enjoy an old-fashioned Christmas on the prairie and get away from the hustle and bustle of holiday chores! Stop in the Visitor Center, which is decorated for the season. Enjoy light refreshments and visit the children's craft stations. Then take a stroll out to the Lincoln Farm to see our volunteers bake gingerbread on the hearth, and take a horse and carriage ride between the Lincoln and Sargent farms. The Goosenest Prairie Gift Shop will also be open for you to pick up those unique gifts you've been looking for, including many locally sourced products and a great selection of items handcrafted by our talented volunteers!

Festive Holiday Wreath-Making Workshop
Saturday, December 10, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Participants in this beginner-level workshop will create a festive holiday wreath that'll last through New Year's! A variety of greenery, ribbons, and natural decorative elements will be available to create unique and interesting designs. $35/person. Registration required. Workshop is limited to 12 participants. Register online here
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