Lincoln State Park preserves the Indiana boyhood home of Abraham Lincoln. From ages 7-21, young Abe lived here—now explore history with 269 campsites and family cabins!
Camping
| Campsite Type | Count |
|---|---|
| ⚡ Electric | 150 sites |
| ⛺ Non-Electric | 88 sites |
| 🥾 Primitive | 31 sites |
| 🏠 Cabins/Cottages | 10 |
⚠️ 2025 ALERT: Lake Lincoln will be CLOSED starting July 7, 2025 for dam repairs. Beach open until then, but no boat rentals for all of 2025!
Lincoln History
| Site | Details |
|---|---|
| ⛪ Little Pigeon Creek Church | Lincoln’s sister Sarah buried here |
| 🏠 Colonel Jones Home | Merchant who employed young Lincoln |
| 🎭 Lincoln Amphitheatre | Outdoor performances (seasonal) |
FAQ
Where is Nancy Hanks Lincoln buried?
Lincoln’s mother is buried at the adjacent Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial (NPS site), not in the state park.
🎩 Walk Where Lincoln Walked
Reserve at IN DNR.
Location & Getting There
Lincoln State Park is located in Indiana. The park’s coordinates are 38.1042, -86.9964. Check the park’s official website or your state parks app for detailed driving directions and GPS navigation tips.
Quick Facts
- Location: Indiana
- Coordinates: 38.1042, -86.9964
- Activities: Hiking, Camping, Fishing, Wildlife Viewing
- Pets: Allowed on leash in most areas (check local rules)
Things to Do
Indiana parks feature sandstone canyons, limestone caves, and hardwood forests. Activities include hiking gorge trails, swimming at lake beaches, fishing, exploring cave networks, mountain biking, horseback riding, and birdwatching. Brown County State Park is known for stunning fall color.
Best Time to Visit
Fall (October) is peak for foliage. Summer is ideal for lake swimming and camping. Spring brings waterfall flow and wildflowers. Winter offers peaceful trails and holiday events at park inns.
Visitor Tips
Gate fee $7 in-state, $9 out-of-state per vehicle. Annual pass $50. Indiana offers historic park inns with dining inside parks. Book fall weekends months in advance.
Explore More Indiana State Parks
Lincoln State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Indiana. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Indiana guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
More parks nearby: Angel Mounds State Historic Site is within about an hour’s drive, while Patoka Lake lies within about an hour’s drive.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Lincoln State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed throughout Indiana state park properties, including trails, but must be on a 6-foot leash or in a cage at all times.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- 6 ft leash applies to the entire property; electric collars/fences do not substitute
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets (except service animals) are prohibited from swimming pools and beaches unless an area is specifically designated for pets
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Designated pet-friendly rooms and cabins at all seven Indiana State Park Inns accept dogs and cats up to 75 lbs, max two pets, for $25 per pet per night
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No day-use pet fee; $25 per pet per night at State Park Inns' pet-friendly rooms/cabins
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- At eight reservoir properties (including Patoka, Brookville and Monroe) dogs may be off leash in lawful pursuit of wild animals or in licensed field trials
Are dogs allowed at Lincoln State Park?
Pets are allowed throughout Indiana state park properties, including trails, but must be on a 6-foot leash or in a cage at all times. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via in.gov. More: Indiana state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Lincoln State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
