Lincoln Tomb State Historic Place
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HistoryPhoto Spot
Overview
The Lincoln Tomb is the final resting place of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States; his wife Mary Todd Lincoln; and three of their four sons: Edward, William, and Thomas. It is located in Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield, Illinois. Constructed of granite, the tomb has a tall, story-and-a-half base in trapezoidal form, surmounted by an obelisk, with a semicircular receiving room entranceway on one end and a semicircular crypt or burial room opposite.
Practical Info
Every day9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Suggested Duration1-1.5 hours
Best TimeThe summer and early autumn months from May to September are ideal, as the surrounding Oak Ridge Cemetery canopy is lush and peaceful. The optimal time of day is between 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM when morning light beautifully catches the 117-foot granite obelisk and the famous bronze bust out front, allowing for a quiet interior viewing.
Getting ThereLocated within Oak Ridge Cemetery at 1500 Monument Ave in Springfield. Public transit is limited; driving is best. From downtown, head west on N Grand Ave W, turn north onto Monument Ave, and follow it directly through the stone cemetery gates to the monument loop. The historic site provides an expansive, complimentary parking lot.
Travel Tips
- The monument sits inside Oak Ridge Cemetery, which locks its primary vehicular perimeter gates promptly at dusk near 17:00; budget approach timelines to prevent your vehicle from being trapped inside.
- The interior burial chamber is a regulated sanctuary; strip off all headwear before crossing the threshold, and terminate all cellular speaker calls or audible digital playback instantly.
- The exterior bronze bust attracts heavy tour crowds vying to rub the nose contour for good luck; schedule your photography frame at the 09:00 opening tick to clear the background grids.
Reviews
Positive
- The magnificent 117-foot granite monument is awe-inspiring; inside, the historic bronze statues and the crypt offer deep, reverent visual scale.
- Completely free entry; situated inside peaceful Oak Ridge Cemetery surrounded by old trees, it preserves excellent quiet solace.
- Highly convenient for drivers, equipped with a spacious, free dedicated parking lot; outdoor interpretive panels provide clear breakdowns.
- The iconic Lincoln bronze bust sits outside; rubbing his nose for good luck adds a unique, engaging touch to the somber historical landmark.
Heads up
- Scheduled exterior stone restorations cover the towering spire in heavy metal scaffolding, leaving tourists disappointed by the blocked view.
- The internal circular crypt pathway is heavily narrow and cramped; when multiple tourist groups crowd inside, it quickly feels claustrophobic.
- Beyond the micro reception desk, the site lacks on-site public toilets, shaded benches, or water fountains, leaving amenities lean.
- Set deep within a sprawling city cemetery with zero public transit links, forcing non-driving travelers to rely solely on taxi rideshares.