Families will enjoy a guided tour of the home Abraham Lincoln shared with his wife, Mary, and their children prior to his presidency. See Lincoln’s original furniture and exactly where he was asked to run for president. He waited four days to say yes to the campaign after consulting with his wife, of course. View the two separate bedrooms of Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln, which was a sign of their wealth. As you climb the narrow staircase to the second floor, take hold of the handrail as it is the same handrail that Lincoln used as he climbed those same stairs many years ago.

The Lincolns planned to return to the home after the presidency, but sadly, no one from the family returned after Lincoln was killed.

There is more to explore outside of Lincoln’s Home within his neighborhood, too. Kids can run freely through the gravel streets as there are no vehicles inside the historic grounds. Go inside neighboring homes like the Sprigg house, where Julia Sprigg sometimes cared for Lincoln’s sons, and find fun facts and more history exhibits. Be sure to stop back (or start your visit) watching the two short films located in the visitor’s center. Families can get an idea of what it was like to live in Lincoln’s neighborhood in the 1800s and how his election came to be.

Hours
8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily; closed on Thanksgiving, Dec. 25 and Jan. 1

Admission
Free tickets for a specific tour time are needed and provided at the visitor’s center on a first-come, first serve basis. Arrive early to avoid long wait times, as these tours are very popular, even on weekdays.

Restrictions
Strollers, baby carriers and oversized bags are not permitted inside the home and guests are asked not to leave strollers unattended. However, flash photography is permitted.

Parking
Parking in a lot is available in front of the visitor’s center for a small fee. Check the sign above the parking payment kiosk that informs how long until the next tour before paying for parking.