Lincoln Boyhood Home (Lincoln City, Indiana)
FILMED IN HIGH DEFINITION
This is by far one of my favorite places in the state of Indiana: a shrine to President Abraham Lincoln. Built entirely out of Indiana limestone and sandstone, it’s a very serene, quiet place that I’ve visited again and again, to recenter and refocus. And there is no admission charge, despite how great it is.
The impressive memorial contains a theatre that shows a movie about Lincoln’s life, a large chapel, a museum with Lincoln artifacts, a post office, gift shop, an artist rendition of his mother, Nancy, and a very powerful picture of the Ohio River with a lone flatboat, and presumably Abe Lincoln himself: guiding it downstream, like he guided a nation through a difficult time, not knowing exactly what to expect.
The site also contains a pioneer cemetery where his Mother is buried, a bronzed cabin foundation and fireplace of what was believed to be the Lincoln home, a working pioneer farm with interpreters in period clothing (during the tourist season), and the Lincoln well where they retrieved their water each day. This is in addition to the “Trail of 12 stones”, which has a stone from 12 significant places of his life. This is simply a wonderful place to escape for several hours and recharge in the quietness of the Hoosier landscape.
BIONUS: As a bonus, the Lincoln State Park is also covered, which is directly across the street from the memorial, on highway 162. There you’ll find another limestone memorial, sculpture of Abraham Lincoln, the Little Pigeon Creek Baptist Church, and the gravesite of his sister, Sarah. The park also has a large outdoor theater, famous for its annual production of “Young Abe Lincoln”, a nature center, and a large, quiet lake with a floating pier and bridge, to pause for reflection. There is a per vehicle fee for admission.
BONUS #2: Lastly, just down the road from Lincoln State Park (actually managed by the park), is the home of Colonel William Jones, whom was both Lincoln’s employer and friend. This attraction is free to visit unless a formal tour is given (by appointment from the Lincoln State Park office).
This area can easily take all day if you leisurely tour the memorials, pioneer farm, nature center, walk the trails, and pause for reflection along the way. An outstanding place to recharge and refresh your spirit.