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!

New Volunteer Orientation
Saturday, January 17, 9 am-noon

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 "backstage" tour, ask questions, learn out about volunteer opportunities for individuals and families, and take the first step to becoming a volunteer! RSVP online here.  

Homeschool Historians - "Lincoln, The Great Emancipator"
February 6 and 20, 10 am-2:00 pm

Homeschool Historians is a monthly (Sept-May) program held on select Fridays, with each month featuring a different theme. Homeschoolers ages pre-k through high school are invited to explore American history through hands-on activities, games, and crafts. Registration in advance is required. For more information on this program click here.  

Saturday Story Series
Saturday, February 7, 10 am

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. Please email education@lincolnlogcabin.org for more information.

Cookie Decorating Workshop- Valentine's Theme
Saturday, February 7, 1 pm

Join Rebecca Clark, The Nerdy Baker, on Saturday, February 7th for this hands-on, guided cookie decorating workshop! Piping bags, icing, and a cookie scribe are all provided, and by the end of the day participants will take home an assortment of 4-6 decorated cookies! Registration in advance is required, and seats are limited! Click here to register.  

Loving Lincoln: Lincoln's Birthday Open House, Talk, and Book Signing
Saturday, February 14, 2 pm

Dr. Stacy Lynn, author of "Loving Lincoln: A Personal History of the Women Who Shaped Lincoln's Life and Legacy,"" will be on site for a book signing and book talk on Saturday, February 14th at 2pm during our Lincoln's Birthday Open House. Copies of the book may be purchased at the Goosenest Prairie Gift Shop.

Natural Playscape Project! Click here to learn more about the Foundation's latest project!