His early life on Kentucky's frontier shaped his character and prepared him to lead the nation through Civil War. Visit our country's first memorial to Lincoln, built with donations from young and old, and the site of his childhood home.
Photo: NPS Photo
Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park
For over a century people from around the world have come to rural Central Kentucky to honor the humble beginnings of our 16th president, Abraham Lincoln.
- LocationHodgenville, KY
- Entrance No fee listed
- HoursDaily, 9:00AM - 5:00PM
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Weather now81°F Sunny
- Alerts No active alerts
Overview
Topics
- Animals
- Birds
- Birthplace
- Caves, Caverns and Karst
- Freshwater Springs
- Geology
- Groundwater
- Night Sky
1 more topics
- Presidents
Things to Do
14 experiences from the National Park Service. Check details on NPS.gov before you go.
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Attend a Ranger Program
Attending a Ranger program is a fun and interactive way to enhance your visit!
Learn more about Attend a Ranger Program on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Become a Jr. Ranger at the Birthplace
Become a Jr. Ranger!
Learn more about Become a Jr. Ranger at the Birthplace on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Become a Jr. Ranger at the Boyhood Home
Explore. Learn. Protect. The Junior Ranger motto is recited by children around the country; each taking an oath of their own to protect parks, continue to learn about parks, and share their own…
Learn more about Become a Jr. Ranger at the Boyhood Home on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Big Sink Trail
Big Sink Trail has three loops that all connect at the picnic area. The parking for it is across the street on 31 E from the park entrance.
Learn more about Big Sink Trail on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Birdwatching at the Birthplace Unit
Spot some of Kentucky's birds on the Pathway of a President. Many benches are scatted on the path so you are able to sit and enjoy nature.
Learn more about Birdwatching at the Birthplace Unit on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Boundary Oak Trail
The Boundary Oak trail is an a short easy trail that leads from the Boundary Oak marker to the Memorial Building.
Learn more about Boundary Oak Trail on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Observe Wildlife at the Birthplace Unit
Observe wildlife such as squirrls, deer, turkey, and so much more at the bench on the landing of the Pathway of a President.
Learn more about Observe Wildlife at the Birthplace Unit on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Overlook Trail at Knob Creek
3-mile round trip hiking trail at Knob Creek Boyhood home site.
Learn more about Overlook Trail at Knob Creek on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Picnic at the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace
You and your family are able to enjoy the beautiful picnic area and shaded Picnic Pavilion on a first-come first-served basis. While you eat, you may even get a chance to see some of Kentucky's…
Learn more about Picnic at the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Shop at the Birthplace Bookstore
Support your National Parks by shopping at Eastern National Bookstores, located at the Birthplace Unit.
Learn more about Shop at the Birthplace Bookstore on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Shop at the Boyhood Home Bookstore
Support your National Parks by shopping at Eastern National Bookstores, located at the Boyhood Home Unit.
Learn more about Shop at the Boyhood Home Bookstore on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Travel the Pathway of a President
Pathway of a President is an accessible wooden boardwalk that leads from the Visitor Center to the Memorial Building.
Learn more about Travel the Pathway of a President on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
View the Lincoln Family Bible
Bibles were often the only book that frontier families owned. This Bible, Printed in 1799, belonged to the Lincoln family. Abraham Lincoln recorded his own birth, and other important dates in the…
Learn more about View the Lincoln Family Bible on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Watch the Park Film at the Birthplace
View the 15 minute orientation film, Abraham Lincoln: The Kentucky Years shown in the Birthplace Unit Visitor Center.
Learn more about Watch the Park Film at the Birthplace on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Showing 14 of 14
All 15 activities in the park
Pick one to find other parks that offer it.
- Wildlife Watching
- Stargazing
- Astronomy
- Guided Tours
- Birdwatching
- Junior Ranger Program
- Museum Exhibits
- Picnicking
- Bookstore and Park Store
- Food
- Gift Shop and Souvenirs
- Hands-On
Show 3 more activities
Facilities & Services
Find visitor centers and other services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.
Visitor Centers
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Knob Creek Tavern Visitor Center
Visitor Center
Located at the Kentucky Boyhood Home at Knob Creek Unit.
7120 Bardstown Rd, Hodgenville, KY (270) 358-3137 Directions
Details
Located at the Kentucky Boyhood Home at Knob Creek Unit.
Other Visitor Services
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Visitor Center at Abraham Lincoln Birthplace
Facility
The Visitor Center at the Birthplace Unit is open 9:00 am - 5:00 pm eastern time. Inside there are exhibits, including the Lincoln family Bible, a 15 minute long movie…
2995 Lincoln Farm Road, Hodgenville, KY (270) 358-3137 Directions
Details
The Visitor Center at the Birthplace Unit is open 9:00 am - 5:00 pm eastern time. Inside there are exhibits, including the Lincoln family Bible, a 15 minute long movie, Abraham Lincoln: The Kentucky Years, and the park store. Phone number: 270-358-3137
Plan Your Visit
Hours
Daily, 9:00AM - 5:00PM · Birthplace Unit
Hours by area (2)
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Birthplace UnitDaily, 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Memorial Building: open 9:00 am - 4:30 pm eastern time. Birthplace Unit Visitor Center and Grounds: open 9:00 am - 5:00 pm eastern time.
Monday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Tuesday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Wednesday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Thursday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Friday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Saturday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Sunday 9:00AM - 5:00PM -
Boyhood Home UnitDaily, Sunrise to Sunset
The Boyhood Home Unit at Knob Creek Grounds: open daily dawn to dusk. Knob Creek Tavern Visitor Center hours are different than the park unit.
Monday Sunrise to Sunset Tuesday Sunrise to Sunset Wednesday Sunrise to Sunset Thursday Sunrise to Sunset Friday Sunrise to Sunset Saturday Sunrise to Sunset Sunday Sunrise to Sunset
Entrance fees
No entrance fees listed.
Address
2995 Lincoln Farm RoadHodgenville, KY 42748
Contact the park
Weather & conditions
81°F
Sunny · feels like 81°
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Today
84° 57°
Sunny8% rain
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Tomorrow
88° 61°
Sunny3% rain
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Wednesday
85° 66°
Sunny62% rain
Updated 3 hr ago
What to expect by season
There are four distinct seasons in Central Kentucky. However, temperature and weather conditions can vary widely within those seasons. Spring and Fall are generally pleasant with frequent rain showers. Summer is usually hot and humid. Winter is moderately cold with mixed precipitation.
Upcoming Events
10 coming up-
War of the Worlds Broadcast
About
"No one would have believed in the last years of the nineteenth century that this world was being watched keenly and closely by intelligences greater than man’s and yet as mortal as his own..." H.G. Wells War of the Worlds
During the month of October, the park will mark the anniversary of the 1938 broadcast of H. G. Wells adaptation of "War of the Worlds" at the Knob Creek Tavern Visitor Center. Each day the visitor center is open, at 1:00pm (EST) the park will play the original broadcast on the 1930s reproduction Tavern radio. Come and enjoy this well-known broadcast in honor of the Halloween Season.
Program is free and open to the public. No reservations are required.
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A Red, White and Blue Christmas: Birthplace Illumination Event
About
Cap off the Freedom250 celebration year with the park's "A Red, White and Blue Christmas" Birthplace Illumination Event!
Starting Saturday, November 21, 2026, the Birthplace Unit will remain open from 5:00pm to 8:30pm (EST) so visitors can come and walk the grounds and enjoy the red, white and blue Christmas lights.
The Birthplace Visitor Center along with the park's Eastern National Bookstore will remain open for the event.
Event runs every Friday and Saturday evening from Saturday, November 21, 2026 to Saturday, December 26, 2026. (Event will be closed on Christmas Night- December 25, 2026)
Event is free and open to the public, no registration is required.
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A Red, White and Blue Christmas: Birthplace Illumination Event
About
Cap off the Freedom250 celebration year with the park's "A Red, White and Blue Christmas" Birthplace Illumination Event!
Starting Saturday, November 21, 2026, the Birthplace Unit will remain open from 5:00pm to 8:30pm (EST) so visitors can come and walk the grounds and enjoy the red, white and blue Christmas lights.
The Birthplace Visitor Center along with the park's Eastern National Bookstore will remain open for the event.
Event runs every Friday and Saturday evening from Saturday, November 21, 2026 to Saturday, December 26, 2026. (Event will be closed on Christmas Night- December 25, 2026)
Event is free and open to the public, no registration is required.
-
A Red, White and Blue Christmas: Birthplace Illumination Event
About
Cap off the Freedom250 celebration year with the park's "A Red, White and Blue Christmas" Birthplace Illumination Event!
Starting Saturday, November 21, 2026, the Birthplace Unit will remain open from 5:00pm to 8:30pm (EST) so visitors can come and walk the grounds and enjoy the red, white and blue Christmas lights.
The Birthplace Visitor Center along with the park's Eastern National Bookstore will remain open for the event.
Event runs every Friday and Saturday evening from Saturday, November 21, 2026 to Saturday, December 26, 2026. (Event will be closed on Christmas Night- December 25, 2026)
Event is free and open to the public, no registration is required.
Show 6 more events
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A Red, White and Blue Christmas: Birthplace Illumination Event
About
Cap off the Freedom250 celebration year with the park's "A Red, White and Blue Christmas" Birthplace Illumination Event!
Starting Saturday, November 21, 2026, the Birthplace Unit will remain open from 5:00pm to 8:30pm (EST) so visitors can come and walk the grounds and enjoy the red, white and blue Christmas lights.
The Birthplace Visitor Center along with the park's Eastern National Bookstore will remain open for the event.
Event runs every Friday and Saturday evening from Saturday, November 21, 2026 to Saturday, December 26, 2026. (Event will be closed on Christmas Night- December 25, 2026)
Event is free and open to the public, no registration is required.
-
A Red, White and Blue Christmas: Birthplace Illumination Event
About
Cap off the Freedom250 celebration year with the park's "A Red, White and Blue Christmas" Birthplace Illumination Event!
Starting Saturday, November 21, 2026, the Birthplace Unit will remain open from 5:00pm to 8:30pm (EST) so visitors can come and walk the grounds and enjoy the red, white and blue Christmas lights.
The Birthplace Visitor Center along with the park's Eastern National Bookstore will remain open for the event.
Event runs every Friday and Saturday evening from Saturday, November 21, 2026 to Saturday, December 26, 2026. (Event will be closed on Christmas Night- December 25, 2026)
Event is free and open to the public, no registration is required.
-
A Red, White and Blue Christmas: Birthplace Illumination Event
About
Cap off the Freedom250 celebration year with the park's "A Red, White and Blue Christmas" Birthplace Illumination Event!
Starting Saturday, November 21, 2026, the Birthplace Unit will remain open from 5:00pm to 8:30pm (EST) so visitors can come and walk the grounds and enjoy the red, white and blue Christmas lights.
The Birthplace Visitor Center along with the park's Eastern National Bookstore will remain open for the event.
Event runs every Friday and Saturday evening from Saturday, November 21, 2026 to Saturday, December 26, 2026. (Event will be closed on Christmas Night- December 25, 2026)
Event is free and open to the public, no registration is required.
-
A Red, White and Blue Christmas: Birthplace Illumination Event
About
Cap off the Freedom250 celebration year with the park's "A Red, White and Blue Christmas" Birthplace Illumination Event!
Starting Saturday, November 21, 2026, the Birthplace Unit will remain open from 5:00pm to 8:30pm (EST) so visitors can come and walk the grounds and enjoy the red, white and blue Christmas lights.
The Birthplace Visitor Center along with the park's Eastern National Bookstore will remain open for the event.
Event runs every Friday and Saturday evening from Saturday, November 21, 2026 to Saturday, December 26, 2026. (Event will be closed on Christmas Night- December 25, 2026)
Event is free and open to the public, no registration is required.
-
A Red, White and Blue Christmas: Birthplace Illumination Event
About
Cap off the Freedom250 celebration year with the park's "A Red, White and Blue Christmas" Birthplace Illumination Event!
Starting Saturday, November 21, 2026, the Birthplace Unit will remain open from 5:00pm to 8:30pm (EST) so visitors can come and walk the grounds and enjoy the red, white and blue Christmas lights.
The Birthplace Visitor Center along with the park's Eastern National Bookstore will remain open for the event.
Event runs every Friday and Saturday evening from Saturday, November 21, 2026 to Saturday, December 26, 2026. (Event will be closed on Christmas Night- December 25, 2026)
Event is free and open to the public, no registration is required.
-
A Red, White and Blue Christmas: Birthplace Illumination Event
About
Cap off the Freedom250 celebration year with the park's "A Red, White and Blue Christmas" Birthplace Illumination Event!
Starting Saturday, November 21, 2026, the Birthplace Unit will remain open from 5:00pm to 8:30pm (EST) so visitors can come and walk the grounds and enjoy the red, white and blue Christmas lights.
The Birthplace Visitor Center along with the park's Eastern National Bookstore will remain open for the event.
Event runs every Friday and Saturday evening from Saturday, November 21, 2026 to Saturday, December 26, 2026. (Event will be closed on Christmas Night- December 25, 2026)
Event is free and open to the public, no registration is required.
Photos
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Visitors to the park can view the statue of the Lincoln family. — NPS Photo
Getting There
Hodgenville, KY 42748
The Birthplace Unit of the park is located approximately 2 miles south of the town of Hodgenville on U.S. Highway 31E South.
Full directions
The Boyhood Home Unit at Knob Creek is located approximately 10 miles northeast of the Birthplace Unit of the park.
Mailing address: 2995 Lincoln Farm Road, Hodgenville, KY 42748
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