Lincoln’s Tomb State Historic Site

🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆 Illinois History — The final resting place of Abraham Lincoln, Mary Todd Lincoln, and three of their four sons — the 117-foot granite tomb in Oak Ridge Cemetery is the most-visited tomb in the Western Hemisphere! The nose on Lincoln’s bronze bust is shiny from millions of touches for good luck.

Visitor Information

About Lincoln’s Tomb

Lincoln’s Tomb State Historic Site in Springfield’s Oak Ridge Cemetery is the final resting place of President Abraham Lincoln, his wife Mary, and three of their four sons. The 117-foot granite tomb — topped by an obelisk — is the most visited cemetery in the United States after Arlington. The famous bronze bust of Lincoln at the entrance has a polished nose from millions of visitors rubbing it for good luck.

Things to Do

Paying respects at the tomb of America’s greatest president, rubbing Lincoln’s bronze nose for luck, viewing the interior marble chambers, attending the flag retreat ceremony (Tuesday evenings in summer), and visiting the surrounding Oak Ridge Cemetery. Free admission.

About Lincoln’s Tomb

Lincoln’s Tomb State Historic Site in Springfield’s Oak Ridge Cemetery is the final resting place of Abraham Lincoln, his wife Mary Todd Lincoln, and three of their four sons. The 117-foot granite monument is crowned by a bronze statue and features bronze sculptures depicting Civil War scenes. It is the most-visited burial site in the United States after Arlington National Cemetery.

Things to Do

Visiting the monument interior with Lincoln’s burial vault, rubbing the nose of the bronze Lincoln bust (for good luck — tradition since 1911), viewing the Civil War bronze statues, and paying respects at one of America’s most significant memorials. Free admission.

Insider Tips

National shrine: Lincoln’s Tomb in Springfield’s Oak Ridge Cemetery is the final resting place of Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln. Pro tip: Rub the nose of the bronze Lincoln bust outside the entrance — it’s polished golden from millions of hands over decades. Security history: Lincoln’s body was nearly stolen in 1876 — after that, the coffin was moved and eventually encased in concrete 10 feet underground.

Best Time to Visit

Year-round: The tomb is open daily except holidays. February 12: Lincoln’s birthday wreath-laying ceremony. April: Anniversary of Lincoln’s death (April 15, 1865). Spring/fall: Best weather for the cemetery grounds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did someone really try to steal Lincoln’s body?

Yes — in 1876, a gang of counterfeiters attempted to steal Lincoln’s coffin and hold it for ransom ($200,000 and the release of their engraver from prison). Secret Service agents foiled the plot. After the attempt, Lincoln’s body was moved repeatedly and finally encased in a concrete vault 10 feet below the floor in 1901.

Wildlife & Nature

Lincoln’s Tomb at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield — a National Historic Landmark — is the final resting place of President Abraham Lincoln, his wife Mary, and three of their four sons. The 117-foot granite tomb, completed in 1874, is the most-visited site in Illinois outside Chicago. The tradition of rubbing Lincoln’s bronze nose for good luck has worn it to a bright gold sheen. Oak Ridge Cemetery — 365 acres of mature trees and manicured grounds — supports diverse urban wildlife. Northern cardinals (the Illinois state bird) are abundant year-round. Eastern gray squirrels navigate the mature oaks. Red-tailed hawks nest in the tall cemetery trees. Ruby-throated hummingbirds visit flower gardens from May through September.

Nearby Attractions

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum provides immersive Lincoln exhibits. Lincoln Home National Historic Site preserves a four-block neighborhood. Old State Capitol is where Lincoln delivered the “House Divided” speech. Dana-Thomas House — a Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece. Illinois State Capitol. Route 66 passes through Springfield. New Salem State Historic Site — Lincoln’s village home (1831-1837). Sangamon County Fairgrounds hosts the Illinois State Fair annually.