Learning Through Living History

Programs for All Ages

Lincoln Log Cabin offers education programs for all ages. Our most popular programs are listed below, and if needed we would be happy to customize a program for your school, club, or organization. Contact us at education@lincolnlogcabin.org to learn more.

School Programs

Homeschool Historians

September – MaySelect Fridays, 10 am – 2 pmRegistration Required

A monthly program held on select Fridays, with each month featuring a different theme. Homeschoolers ages pre-K through high school are invited to explore American history through hands-on activities, games, and crafts. Registration in advance is required.

Learn more about Homeschool Historians    Register Online

Lincoln's Birthday Party

Annual · Week of February 12thFirst Graders

An annual program for First Graders held the week of Abraham Lincoln's birthday. The program includes the reading of a children's story, a tour of the Lincoln farm and cabin, fun activities, and crafts. Invitations are typically sent to area schools in early winter.

To request an invitation, please email education@lincolnlogcabin.org.

School Field Trips

Spring & FallWed, Thu & FriGrades 4–6 (all grades welcome)

Field trip programs are available in the spring and fall on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, subject to availability. Our programs are ideal for students in 4th, 5th, and 6th grades, however we would be happy to customize a field trip experience for any grade level!

When requesting a field trip, please email the approximate number of students, the grade level(s), your approximate arrival and departure times, and your top three choices of date to education@lincolnlogcabin.org.

Summer Programs

Pioneer Day Camp

Ages 8–12Week-long sessions$100 per session

Pioneer Day Camp offers children ages 8–12 the chance to enjoy age-appropriate educational and recreational activities — historical interpretation, hands-on demonstrations, crafts, and games — all based on the 1840s time period using tools and techniques of that time. Each week-long day camp is capped at 10 participants to ensure individualized attention. Cost includes a camp t-shirt, noon meal each day, and all supplies.

Camp Sessions:

  • Trailblazers I June 9–13
  • Trailblazers II June 23–27
  • Trailblazers III July 7–11
  • Trailblazers IV July 21–25

Sessions are not consecutive — children may attend one, two, or all sessions as they wish.

Register for Camp   Youth Handbook

Young Adult Interpreter Program

Ages 13–17June – August$100

The Young Adult Interpreter program offers older children the opportunity to participate more fully in the living history programs on the farms. Young Adult Interpreters (YAIs) dress in period attire and work closely with our historic interpreters to learn about the site's history, develop mid-19th century skills, and share their knowledge with the visiting public — all while making lasting friendships.

Participants commit to a minimum of 10 days between June and August, generally at least once per week (Wednesday–Saturday) from 9:30 am–4 pm. Cost includes appropriate clothing, noon meal each day, and all supplies. Maximum of 10 participants per program day.

Register Here   Youth Handbook

Littlest Pioneer Camp

Ages 5–7June 4 and 18, July 16 and 30; 10 am - 2:00 pm$5

Littlest Pioneer Camp offers children ages 5-7 the chance to enjoy age-appropriate educational and recreational activities based on a rural child's life in the mid-19th century. Each child must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the duration of the day. The cost is $5 per child, which includes noon vittles (lunch) for both the child and chaperone, and supplies.

Register Here

Educational Resources

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum — Educator Resources

All gradesAvailable year-round

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum offers a wide range of educator resources including lesson plans, primary source materials, and interactive learning tools designed to bring Illinois history and Lincoln's legacy to life in the classroom.

Explore ALPLM Educator Resources
Children participating in a hands-on activity with a costumed interpreter