This learning event features a brief video tour of both the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial (led by Michael Capps) and Lincoln State Park (led by Michael Crews) followed by an interactive session led by Michael Crews.

Abraham Lincoln spent fourteen of the most formative years of his life and grew from youth to manhood (1816-1830) on this Southern Indiana soil.  Many of the character traits and moral values that made Abraham one of the world's greatest leaders were formed and nurtured here.  His mother, Nancy Hanks Lincoln, is buried on a wooded knoll in the park.
 

Hours of Operation and Fees:  Daily: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm CST; closed New Years Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.  Park grounds are open daily from dawn to dusk. Admission to the park is $2 per person age 17 and over, with a maximum charge per family of $4.

Directions: P.O. Box 1816 Lincoln City, IN 47552, (812) 937-4541. The park is located on Indiana Highway 162, 8 miles south of Interstate 64.  Exit the Interstate at US 231 (exit 57) and travel south on U.S. 231 to Gentryville, then east on Indiana Highway 16, following the signs to "Lincoln Parks."

Vistior Center Exhibits:  The Memorial Visitor Center features sculptured panels, a small museum, orientation film and the Abraham Lincoln and Nancy Hanks Lincoln Memorial Halls.  Exhibits focus on the story of the Lincolns as pioneers on the Indiana frontier.

Living History:  The Lincoln Living Historical Farm is a working pioneer homestead with a log cabin, outbuildings, split rail fences, livestock, gardens, and field crops.  Rangers dressed in period clothing perform a variety of activities typical of daily life in the 1820's.  The Living Historical Farm is open every day from mid-April through September; and for a short time in October.  From November through mid-April the buildings are closed and not staffed; however, visitors are invited to visit and browse around the farm site.

Trails, Roads:  There are three established trails in the park:  The Lincoln Boyhood Trail connects the Memorial Visitor Center and the Lincoln Living Historical farm.  This trail leads to the gravesite of Abraham's mother, Nancy Hanks Lincoln, the Cabin Site Memorial and the Lincoln Living Historical Farm.  The Trail of Twelve Stones begins at the Living Historical Farm and brings you back to the gravesite or the Visitor Center.  Most visitors combine these two trails as a loop walk; the distance is approximately one mile.  The Lincoln Boyhood Nature Trail is a circular self guided trail, approxiaately one mile in length, which winds through a natural reforested are.  Trail Guides are available.

- from Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial General Information Sheet

Lincoln State Park

Hours of Operation: The park is closed from 11p.m. till 7a.m. Only campers are allowed in the park during these times.

Directions: Box 216, Lincoln City, IN 47552, (812) 937-4710,

    The 1,747 acre Lincoln State Park was established in 1932 as memorial to Nancy Hanks Lincoln.  Within the park is a 1,514 seat outdoor amphitheatre where "Young Abe Lincoln" comes to life every summer.  Near the theatre is a trail called "Mr. Lincoln's Neighborhood Walk".  This trail highlights some Lincoln era sites including Noah Gorden's mill site and Sarah Lincoln-Grigsby's grave site.  Abe Lincoln once recalled about his childhood home, "The very spot where grew the bread that formed my bones, I see.  How strange, old field, on thee to tread.  And feel I'm part of thee."
    The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was instrumental in establishing the recreational facilities within the park.  Lake Lincoln was constructed originally by CCC crews as well as the Lakeside shelter house, the boat rental building (formerly a ranger cabin), and trails.  Perhaps the most significant project.  Many of the pine trees within the park are original CCC trees.  It is these plantations where visitors find a cool repose from the summer sun in the family cabins, electric campground, and the group camp facilities.
    The Sarah Lincoln Woods Nature Preserve is located in the southernmost portion of Lincoln State Park.  Here survive relic species of prairie plants in the oak barrens including that provide a wonderful diversity of habitat and genetic stock.  Wildlife abound within the boundaries of the park.  Animals like beavers, Mississippi kites, and herons make their homes here.
    Lincoln State Park is steeped in history, culture, and natural beauty.  A visit to the park is like taking a step back into time when the land was wild and Abe Lincoln was a boy.  Enjoy your stay.  Please, disturb nothing and leave only footprints.  Abraham could be watching.

-from Lincoln State Park brochure