Lincoln Homestead State Park

Lincoln Homestead State Park

Lincoln Homestead State Park in Kentucky preserves the boyhood home of Abraham Lincoln, offering a glimpse into early frontier life alongside peaceful natural settings perfect for hiking and historical exploration.

264
Acres Protected
3
Miles of Trails
35,000
Annual Visitors
1936
Year Established

About Lincoln Homestead State Park

Lincoln Homestead State Park
 

Located in LaRue County, Kentucky, Lincoln Homestead State Park protects the site where Abraham Lincoln spent much of his youth. The park encompasses a variety of wooded areas, gently rolling hills, and open fields typical of the Bluegrass region. The centerpiece of the park is the Lincoln family home, reconstructed to reflect the original settlement where young Abraham lived from ages 7 to 21. Visitors experience a mix of history and nature through interpretive trails, the Lincoln Museum, and preserved heritage structures. The park offers serene walking paths winding through hardwood forests that support diverse wildlife such as white-tailed deer, songbirds, and small mammals. Recreational activities primarily revolve around historical tours, hiking on well-marked trails, picnicking, and photography. The Lincoln Museum displays artifacts from the Lincoln family and period furnishings, enriching visitors' understanding of frontier life and Abraham Lincoln’s early years. Outdoor enthusiasts appreciate the park’s quiet ambiance and the accessible trails that invite exploration and reflection. The park, established in 1936, serves as a cultural and natural landmark, attracting history buffs and families seeking an educational outing combined with light outdoor recreation. Its location near Hodgenville makes it a convenient stop on Kentucky heritage routes.

Highlights

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Lincoln Museum with authentic period artifacts and exhibits about Abraham Lincoln's early life

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Reconstructed Lincoln family cabin offering insight into 18th-century frontier living

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Peaceful hiking trails through hardwood forests highlighting native Kentucky flora and fauna

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Historic cemetery where several Lincoln family members are buried

Notable Natural Features

Lincoln Museum

Features exhibits on Abraham Lincoln’s youth, family history, and frontier life artifacts.

Lincoln Homestead Cabin

A reconstructed cabin representing the living conditions of the Lincoln family in the late 1700s.

Lincoln Family Cemetery

Final resting place of several Lincoln family members, providing historical context to the homestead.