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!

Make a replica of an 18th-century money wallet that can be used in the 21st century. Learn to dye and properly stitch leather. This will be a two-day workshop, Friday night from 6-8 pm and Saturday from 9 am until finished. We will cut and dye the leather on Friday evening and construct on Saturday. Fee includes all materials and use of tools needed. Lunch provided Saturday. Snacks will be provided Friday night.  Workshop fee is $65.00, register here

Summer Sundays on the Farm 

Come out to the farm from 1 to 4 pm to see our interpreters demonstrate 19th-century food preparation methods . 
July 28- Food preservation from jams to drying herbs.
August 4- Spiced Vinegars
August 11- Fish on a board- a demonstration of hearth cooking.

Jerry Ellis Memorial Bluegrass Jam 
Sunday, August 11- 11-4
Anyone with a love of this traditional style of music is welcome; bring lawn chairs or a blanket. Those who play an instrument are encouraged to bring theirs along and join in a jam session with one of the many informal groups playing in the park. Volunteers will be selling concessions.

 Littlest Pioneer- One Day Camp
Sunday, August 18- 11 am - 4pm

This one-day event is for children who are 5-7 years old and too young for our traditional Pioneer Day Camp. Children will enjoy age-appropriate educational and recreational activities based on the 1840s time period. Each child  must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the duration of the day. The cost is $5 per child to cover supply fees and noon vittles (lunch) to be shared by both child and adult chaperone. Register here