Kentucky boasts a long and fascinating history; nowhere is this more evident than at the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park. This unique historical attraction in Kentucky gives visitors a chance to step back in time to the early 19th century and explore the birthplace and early life of one of our nation’s most revered Presidents.
The Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park is about an hour from our Bed and Breakfast in the rural countryside surrounding Hodgenville. Here, you’ll discover Lincoln’s boyhood home and the first Lincoln Monument. It’s a poignant place to visit and offers a profound glimpse into the formative years that shaped this consequential historical figure. Though it’s the perfect place to learn more about this American President, it’s not the only place in Kentucky dedicated to the life of Abraham Lincoln.
Beyond the birthplace, Kentucky’s Lincoln Heritage Trail weaves through a series of significant sites that further illuminate Lincoln’s legacy. Stops at the Lincoln Museum in Hodgenville, the Lincoln Homestead State Park in Springfield, and the Mary Todd Lincoln House in Lexington offer comprehensive insights into the people, places, and events that were pivotal in Lincoln’s life and the broader context of American history during his era. Each site presents a unique narrative, showcasing authentic artifacts, detailed exhibits, and engaging storytelling that bring the 16th president’s story to life, making the trail an intriguing journey for history enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
Of course, this is just one aspect of Kentucky’s fascinating history. Take the time to explore it all—and so much more—when you stay with us at our romantic Kentucky Bed and Breakfast. We offer guests a welcoming home away from home that serves as the perfect home base as they explore Kentucky’s top attractions, including legendary bourbon distilleries, horse farms and parks, and so much more. We can’t wait to share all the best things to do in Kentucky this year. Book your room at our romantic Bed and Breakfast today!
Visit Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Park
One of the signature places to visit on the Lincoln Heritage Trail in Kentucky is the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park. Here, the humble beginnings of our nation’s 16th President are on display. Lincoln was born on Kentuck’s frontier in what is now known as Hodgenville – and it was here that the forces of life in rural Kentucky shaped him into the man and leader he’d later become. Not only was this the site of his childhood, but the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park is also home to the first-ever Lincoln Monument, a monument later replicated in Washington, D.C.
There are two main units of the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Park. There’s the Birthplace Unit, the site of the first Lincoln Memorial, and the Boyhood Home Unit, which features a replica of Lincoln’s childhood home. The first Lincoln Memorial was built here between 1909 – 1911 and is constructed from Pink Granite and Marble. As you climb the steps to the memorial – 56 of them to represent the short number of years in his life – you’ll begin to feel the enormity of the legacy Abraham Lincoln left behind. Inside the memorial in Kentucky is a symbolic cabin meant to represent the one-room cabin he was born in on his father’s Kentucky farm.
Just as you’d expect, the Boyhood Home Unit features a restored historical cabin similar to the one Lincoln and his family lived in from when he was two until he turned eight. This unit of the park is about 10 miles away from the birthplace unit in Knob Creek. Lincoln wrote of many of his earliest memories at this location, and it’s also where he saw Africans for the first time as they were taken to be sold into slavery. Among other things, this cabin serves as a poignant symbol of Lincoln’s humble beginnings.
In addition to these structures, visitors can use their time at the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park to explore various exhibits of his early life, the Lincoln family’s time in Kentucky, and the broader historical context of the early 19th century. Guided tours through the park also provide more details of his young life and how it influenced his later years.
Visiting the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park is not just about seeing where Lincoln was born; it’s about connecting with the essence of his character and the roots that shaped a leader who would go on to face one of the nation’s most challenging periods. History comes alive in this special place, offering lessons that remain relevant today and foster a deeper appreciation for his enduring legacy.
More to See on the Lincoln Heritage Trail in Kentucky
Abraham Lincoln may only have lived in Kentucky for his first eight years, but they were formative years that left a lasting impression on the future President. However, as significant as the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park is to our nation’s history, it’s just one of the attractions worth seeing along the Lincoln Heritage Trail in Kentucky.
Below, you’ll find more notable stops along the Lincoln Heritage Trail, each offering its own unique perspective on one of America’s most enduring historical figures.
- Not too far away from the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park is the Lincoln Museum, which features even more detailed exhibits about Lincoln’s life and times.
- In Springfield, you’ll find the Lincoln Homestead State Park, which preserves the original homesteads of Lincoln’s family. There, you’ll find replicas of the 1782 cabin and blacksmith shop operated by his father and the home of his uncle, Mordecai. The site provides insight into the family’s life and the environment that influenced Lincoln’s early years.
- Another stop worth making on the Lincoln Heritage Trail in Kentucky is visiting the Mary Todd Lincoln House in Lexington. This house belonged to Mary Todd Lincoln’s family and offers a unique glimpse into her family life before she became the First Lady. The restored residence displays period furniture and personal items of the Todd and Lincoln families, illustrating the domestic life of the era.
- In Harrodsburg, you’ll find the Lincoln Marriage Temple, which houses the original log cabin where Thomas Lincoln and Nancy Hanks were married, thus marking the beginning of the Lincoln family story.
If you’re looking to gain context into the era in which Lincoln lived and which ultimately shaped who he became as the 16th President, we recommend heading to the Farmington Historic Plantation in Louisville. It was the home of the Speed family, close friends of Lincoln, and offers insights into the agricultural and social history of Kentucky, themes pertinent to understanding Lincoln’s views on slavery and the economy. Another informative place to visit is the Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site, which is one of the most significant Civil War Sites in Kentucky.
There’s plenty to unpack along the historic Lincoln Heritage Trail in Kentucky, and that’s to say nothing about all the other great things to do in the area. Take your time to learn, explore, and appreciate the deep cultural roots of Kentucky, and let our historic Bed and Breakfast serve as your home away from home. We’re close to many of the leading attractions in the area and offer hospitality that is second to none. If you’re ready to walk in the footsteps of Abraham Lincoln, it’s time to book your room at our Bed and Breakfast in Kentucky today!
