Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site, part of the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area, preserves the 19th-century home of Thomas Lincoln and Sarah Bush Lincoln, father and step-mother of our 16th president. Abraham Lincoln was a lawyer living in Springfield by the time his parents moved here, but his burgeoning law practice often brought him to Charleston and the farm, especially during the 1840s. Abraham Lincoln also owned a portion of the farm which he deeded back to his father and step-mother for their use during their lifetime.

Today Lincoln Log Cabin is an 86-acre historic site that is owned and operated by the State of Illinois, managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Division of Historic Sites. The site includes an accurate reproduction of the Lincolns’ two-room cabin that was reconstructed on the original cabin site in 1935-1936 as a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) project. The National Park Service oversaw the creation of Lincoln Log Cabin State Park with CCC labor. The CCC camp, Camp Shiloh, was located within the park’s boundaries and its enrollees were WWI veterans. Today the ten acres in the northwest corner of the park where Camp Shiloh was located is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

A working, living history farm has been developed around the cabin, and a second historic farmstead, that of Stephen and Nancy Sargent, has been moved to the site to help broaden visitors’ understanding both of life in the 19th century and Lincoln’s legal practice in the community. The site also includes the Moore Home, where Lincoln bid farewell to his family in 1861 before leaving to assume the Presidency, and the gravesites of Thomas and Sarah Lincoln at the Thomas Lincoln Cemetery.

Upcoming Events!

 Made in Central Illinois Fundraiser, May 17- Registration Open! 

Our annual fundraiser will be hosted at the site featuring locally-sourced food as well as prize drawings for items representing Central Illinois! Join us for heavy hors d'oeuvres from local providers, Illinois beer and wines, and live music with "We Ain't Misbehavin'"  Walk around the site to try different foods and experience the site after-hours! . $80 per person- Register here.  

 Shaker Box Workshop
June 7, 6-8 pm and June 8, 9 am until finished
Visitor Center Basement

Make a crown box or oval platter. Learn the skills necessary to craft these traditional wooden boxes. All materials and use of tools provided. This is a two-day workshop, we will meet from 6-8 on Friday night and 9 am until finished on Saturday. Lunch provided Saturday and snacks provided on Friday night. Workshop fee is $125.00, register here.   

 Leather Wallet Making Workshop
July 26, 6-8 pm and July 27, 9 am untu finished
Visitor Center Basement 

Make a replica of an 18th-century money wallet that can be used in the 21st century. Learn to dye and properly stitch leather. This will be a two-day workshop, Friday night from 6-8 pm and Saturday from 9 am until finished. We will cut and dye the leather on Friday evening and construct on Saturday. Fee includes all materials and use of tools needed. Lunch provided Saturday. Snacks will be provided Friday night.  Workshop fee is $65.00, register here