Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum

🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆 Illinois History — The most-visited presidential library in America — 200,000+ artifacts chronicling Lincoln’s life from log cabin to White House. Features “Ghosts of the Library” special effects theater and Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address in his own handwriting! Springfield, IL.

Visitor Information

About the Lincoln Presidential Library

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield is the most visited presidential library in the United States — attracting over 500,000 visitors annually. The museum brings Lincoln’s story to life through groundbreaking multimedia experiences, including holographic theater presentations, full-scale recreations of Lincoln’s White House, and one of the world’s finest collections of Lincoln artifacts and manuscripts.

Things to Do

Exploring the immersive museum galleries (Civil War, White House, frontier childhood), watching the holographic theater experience “Ghosts of the Library,” viewing original documents including Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address notes, and touring the research library. Allow 3-4 hours for the full experience. Admission charged.

About the Library

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield is the most visited presidential library in America — drawing over 500,000 visitors annually. The museum uses immersive exhibits, special effects theaters, and original artifacts (including Lincoln’s stovepipe hat) to tell the story of America’s 16th president. Springfield was Lincoln’s home for 24 years before he left for Washington as president.

Things to Do

Viewing Lincoln artifacts including the stovepipe hat, experiencing the immersive “Ghosts of the Library” special effects show, exploring the Civil War galleries, visiting the research library, and touring Springfield’s Lincoln sites. Allow 2-3 hours minimum.

Insider Tips

Immersive history: This isn’t a dusty museum — the Lincoln Presidential Library uses holographic theaters, special effects, and authentic artifacts to bring Lincoln’s story to life. Pro tip: The “Ghosts of the Library” experience uses Pepper’s Ghost illusion technology — genuinely startling even for adults. Original documents: The library holds the world’s largest collection of Lincoln manuscripts and personal items.

Best Time to Visit

Year-round: Indoor exhibits are climate-controlled. February 12: Lincoln’s birthday celebrations. Weekdays: Fewer crowds than weekends. Spring: Combine with other Springfield Lincoln sites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this the best Lincoln museum?

Many historians consider it the finest presidential library and museum in the US. The combination of original artifacts (including Lincoln’s stovepipe hat replica), immersive theatrical presentations, and scholarly research resources is unmatched. Allow 3-4 hours for a thorough visit.

Wildlife & Nature

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield sits in the heart of Illinois’ capital — a region where tallgrass prairie once stretched to the horizon. Before European settlement, tallgrass prairie covered 22 million acres of Illinois — 60% of the state. Today less than 0.01% of original prairie remains, making it one of the most endangered ecosystems in North America. The prairie’s deep-rooted grasses — big bluestem reaching 8 feet tall, switchgrass, and Indian grass — built the extraordinarily fertile “black soil” that made Illinois the breadbasket of America. Springfield’s urban parks support eastern bluebirds, northern cardinals (the Illinois state bird), and red-tailed hawks. White-tailed deer have adapted remarkably to suburban Illinois landscapes.

Nearby Attractions

Lincoln Home National Historic Site — where Lincoln lived from 1844-1861 — is a short walk away. Lincoln’s Tomb at Oak Ridge Cemetery is a National Historic Landmark. Old State Capitol is where Lincoln delivered his “House Divided” speech. Dana-Thomas House — a Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece — offers guided tours. Illinois State Capitol features one of the tallest non-Washington domes. Illinois State Museum covers natural history and art. Route 66 runs through Springfield.