Top 10 Tips for Visiting Lincoln Boyhood

The Living Historical Farm is a re-created 1820s pioneer farm located on the property once owned by Thomas Lincoln. NPS / P. Alexander

Plan Like a Park Ranger

Planning a trip to Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial? Here are some tips that will help you have a fun and memorable visit to the site where Abraham Lincoln lived during his formative years.

1. Memorial Visitor Center Hours

The Memorial Visitor Centeris open year-round. Check our Operating Hours and Seasons page for more information.

The visitor center is closed some major holidays including Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Years Day, and Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday.

Visitor Center hours and closures change with the seasons, so check the park hours on the website for updated information.

Keep in mind that the park is in the Central Time Zone.

2. No Admission Fee to Visit the Park

There is no entrance or parking fee to visit Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial.

Only some of the America the Beautiful Passes are available at the Memorial Visitor Center. Fees & Passes - Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)

Visit America the Beautiful - The National Park and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Series for more information on park passes and where to go to purchase.

3. Know Where You Can Go With Your Pets

With some restrictions, you may bring your pet with you to Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial. At all times, pets must be restrained on a leash no longer than six feet in length.

Are you interested in the Bark Ranger Program?  Stop by the Information Desk to receive your Bark Ranger Activity Checklist and receive your B.A.R.K. Ranger Dog Tag.

Except for service animals, pets are not allowed in the Memorial Visitor Center.

4. Become a Junior Ranger

The Junior Ranger program allows park visitors to learn more about Abraham Lincoln and earn a Junior Ranger badge. Pick up your Junior Ranger book and badge at the Memorial Visitor Center. Learn more about the Junior Ranger program.

5. Watch the Park Film

You may watch the park interpretive film at your convenience. It's available on the park website and the new NPS app!

6. Pack It In / Pack It Out

Bring a bag and carry your trash out with you.

7. It's Hot and Humid During the Summer

Stay hydrated, bring plenty of water, wear a hat, and stay cool!  If you need a place to cool off, the Memorial Visitor Center is air conditioned! Water fountains are available in the Memorial Visitor Center, at the Allee trailhead, and the North parking lot.

8. Walk the Park Trails

Bring your walking shoes and enjoy over two miles of park trails that take you through the property once owned by Thomas Lincoln. Walk the same ground as Abraham Lincoln did when he was a boy growing to a man.

9. Visit the Living Historical Farm

Visit the gardens and crop fields as they are planted, tended and harvested throughout the summer! Park grounds including the farm yard are open sunrise to sunset. Learn more about the Lincoln Living Historical Farm.

10. Enhance Your Visit with the new NPS app!

Download the free Official NPS app to access self-guided tours, find things to do, and more! Quality of cell phone service depends on your provider, so consider downloading content before your visit so that you can access it offline.

For more trip ideas from parks across the country, visit go.nps.gov/summer.

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