Things to Do at Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
Complete Guide to Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield
About Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
What to See & Do
Lincoln's Eyes
A multimedia theater experience that puts you right in the middle of Lincoln's presidency. The special effects are surprisingly sophisticated - you'll feel like you're actually in the White House during the Civil War.
Treasures Gallery
Houses the actual Gettysburg Address and other original Lincoln documents. Seeing his handwriting on these pivotal pieces of American history is genuinely spine-tingling.
Campaign of 1860
An interactive exhibit where you can experience the chaos and excitement of Lincoln's presidential campaign. It's surprisingly engaging and gives you a real sense of how uncertain his victory actually was.
Whispering Gallery
A circular theater where you hear voices from Lincoln's time - both supporters and critics. It's an effective way to understand how divisive he was during his lifetime.
White House and War
A recreation of Lincoln's White House office and war room, complete with period furniture and documents. You can almost feel the weight of the decisions made in these spaces.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Tuesday-Saturday 9:00 AM-5:00 PM, Sunday 12:00 PM-5:00 PM. Closed Mondays except for federal holidays. Hours might vary seasonally, so it's worth checking their website before you go.
Tickets & Pricing
General admission around $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and students, $6 for children 5-15. Museum and library combo tickets available. You can buy tickets online or at the door, though weekends and holidays can get busy.
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings tend to be less crowded, especially Tuesday through Thursday. Spring and fall are pleasant for exploring the surrounding historic sites, though the museum itself is comfortable year-round.
Suggested Duration
Plan on 3-4 hours minimum if you want to see everything properly. The main exhibits can be done in 2-3 hours, but you'll likely want extra time for the special exhibitions and gift shop.
Getting There
Things to Do Nearby
The only home Lincoln ever owned, preserved as it was when he lived there. Free tours, but you need timed tickets from the visitor center.
Where Lincoln delivered his famous 'House Divided' speech and where he lay in state. The building has been meticulously restored to its 1850s appearance. The intricate stonework and carved details create stunning shadows that shift throughout the day.
Lincoln's final resting place in Oak Ridge Cemetery. The tomb and surrounding area are surprisingly peaceful and moving.
One of Frank Lloyd Wright's best-preserved Prairie School houses. It's a nice architectural counterpoint to all the 19th-century Lincoln sites.
Covers the natural and cultural history of Illinois. It's free and makes for a good complement to the Lincoln focus of other downtown attractions.