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A girl rubs Lincoln's nose at his tomb

Abraham Lincoln Historic Sites in Illinois

Illinois has more Lincoln historic sites than anywhere in the country! Start your Lincoln experience in Springfield at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum where interactive exhibits and original artifacts help bring Lincoln's legacy to life. Then explore the many other Lincoln attractions in Springfield before a visit to Illinois State Museum.

A logo graphic for the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area

Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area

DISCOVER THE LAND OF LINCOLN

Forty-two counties of Central Illinois make up the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area (ALNHA). The only National Heritage Area named for an American President, the ALNHA was designated by Congress in 2008 to highlight the 30 years of Lincoln's life in which he grew up, raised his family, and cultivated the courage and wisdom that would prepare him to lead the nation through some of its most trying times.

Springfield

Statue of Abraham Lincoln and his family in front of the White House

Presidential Library & Museum

Located on historic Route 66 in Springfield, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum is another gem in the living museum that is US Route 66. Here you’ll travel from the humble beginnings of a young pioneer to the halls of the White House, as the story of Lincoln comes to life as captured through original artifacts, special effects theaters and much more.

A mother and children walking towards Lincoln's house at the Lincoln Home Historic Site in Springfield

Lincoln Home National Historic Site

Here you’ll step into the daily life of the Lincoln family as you enter the only home the Lincoln’s ever owned. A stroll through the lovely historic neighborhood surrounding the home will give you a rare glimpse of Mr. Lincoln as a husband, a father, a neighbor and a friend. Tours of this national treasure are conducted by National Park Service Rangers. Free tickets are required for house tours.

Sherman "Dilla" Thomas rubs the brass bust of Abraham Lincoln at his tomb in Springfield

Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site

Head north of Route 66 in Lincoln country and you'll discover Oak Ridge Cemetery and the Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site. The 2nd most visited cemetery in the US, behind only Arlington Cemetery in our nation’s capital, Oak Ridge is home to a majestic monument that is the final resting place for our 16th president, his wife, and three of their four children.

Lincoln

World's Largest Covered Wagon

Railsplitter Covered Wagon

Lincoln, Illinois is a perfect mix of Lincoln history and Route 66 nostalgia. Here you’ll find a great Lincoln/Route 66 photo op at the giant Railsplitter Covered Wagon – a tribute to the city’s favorite son.

The exterior of a historic courthouse surrounded by trees

Postville Courthouse

Get a glimpse into the life of Lincoln the lawyer. Step back in time as you imagine yourself arguing a point of law in this rugged, brown frame building – a replica of the building that served as the Logan County government from 1840-48.

The exterior of the Lincoln Heritage Museum

Lincoln Heritage Museum

Here you'll fin a remarkable collection of Lincoln-related artifacts. Treasures include china, books and mourning clothing that belonged to Mary Lincoln, as well as original correspondence from President Lincoln.

Bloomington

The exterior of the McLean County Museum of History

McLean County Historical Museum

Visit the McLean County Historical Museum – inside a beautiful old courthouse on the town square. In the first floor visitor center, you’ll find out all about the rich Route 66 history in McLean county – as well as all the info you need for discovering the Lincoln story on Illinois Route 66.  Upstairs in the Museum, you’ll find the many stories of the people and the landscapes of McLean County through the years, including many of the local residents who were Lincoln’s contemporaries as he rose from prairie lawyer to the man who would be president.

David Davis Mansion

Stop at the magnificent David Davis Mansion, which was once owned by Lincoln confidante and close friend, Judge David Davis. This stately 19th century mansion, and its beautiful grounds, will give you a glimpse of the social and political life Lincoln knew. History credits the influence and support of Judge Davis as an important factor on Lincoln’s success in becoming the Republican nominee.

You’ll also want to make a stop at the Sprague Super Service Station for some iconic Route 66 photos.

Pontiac

Cars inside a shop

Pontiac-Oakland Automobile Museum

Stroll around the town square to take in all of the spectacular Murals on Main Street and be sure to stop by the Pontiac-Oakland Automobile Museum & Resource Center to see some of the world’s finest, and rarest, examples of the former Pontiac autos. 

Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum Complex

In this charming slice of Americana, you’ll find the Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum Complex – including the International Wall Dog Mural and Sign Art Museum, the Bob Waldmire Exhibit, as well as a tribute to Mr. Lincoln with the Music of the Civil War exhibit.

Explore More of Illinois' History

A temple with lights on behind trees and a river

Historic Sites in Illinois

Historic Sites

Illinois History Museums

History Museums

Historical Reenactments

Historical Reenactments in Illinois
A weathered bronze statue of a World War I-era "doughboy" solider adop a granite plinth

National Heritage Areas

National Heritage Areas in Illinois

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