Make the Visitor Center your first stop as you prepare to travel back to the nineteenth century. While in our Visitor Center, enjoy the exhibit galleries highlighting the Lincolns and Sargents as well as a 14-minute film about the Lincolns, Sargents, 1840s life, and the site's living history program. This film will prepare you for your visit to the farms.
Volunteers staff the Visitor Center and can assist you in your visit to the site as well as your stay in Central Illinois. Be sure to visit the Center on your returns to the site as new exhibits are introduced regularly.
Hours of Operation
Season
Days
Hours
November – March
Wednesday – Sunday
9:00 am – 4:00 pm
April – May
Wednesday – Sunday
9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Memorial Day – Labor Day
Seven days a week
9:00 am – 5:00 pm
September – October
Wednesday – Sunday
9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Closed: Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day. Grounds are open year-round from 8:30 am until dusk.
Living History Programming takes place between May 1st and October 31st with additional special events throughout the year.
Site Amenities
Visitor CenterMuseum, exhibit gallery, auditorium, and 14-minute orientation film.
Gift ShopAll-volunteer Goosenest Prairie Gift Shop with unique, locally sourced items.
Picnic PavilionsElectricity-supplied pavilions available — reserve by calling 217-345-1845.
Trails & Nature AreasNatural areas and trails for walks, fishing, and bird-watching throughout the 86-acre site.
PlaygroundPlayground equipment and water fountains for young visitors.
AccessibleThe site is accessible to visitors with mobility needs. Contact us for details.
Getting Here
Located approximately eight miles south of Charleston, Illinois on Highway 1420 / Lincoln Highway Road. From Charleston, head south on Route 130, then turn onto Lincoln Highway Road. The site entrance will be on your right.
