The nation is worth fighting for, to secure such an inestimable jewel.
— A. Lincoln, 1864
Schools & Groups
President Lincoln's Cottage requires advance reservations for groups of 10 or more people. Reservations must be made at least three weeks in advance.
Guided Tour Experience
Visit Lincoln’s country home and workplace where he spent a quarter of his presidency. historical "voices" and images illuminate the compelling stories of Lincoln as father, husband, and Commander- in-Chief. The words of Lincoln and his contemporaries bring the struggle of wartime decisions, such as emancipation, to life.
- Tour length is approximately 1 hour for Adult Groups, 45 minutes for School Groups.
- Flash photography, video cameras, and strollers are prohibited in the Cottage.
- This tour is suitable for children 8 years or older due to battlefield imagery.
- The Cottage is accessible by elevator and wheel chair lift.
Award Winning Program
Take part in our featured program Lincoln's Toughest Decisions. which won a Silver MUSE Award in April 2008. This innovative interpretive program puts visitors in the role of President Lincoln’s cabinet members. Touch screen monitors allow individuals to explore digitized historical documents and discover multiple perspectives on critical Civil War issues including emancipation. The program has three settings: 5th-8th grade, 9th-Adult, and individual use for when the program is not reserved by groups. Lincoln's Toughest Decisions is located in the Robert H. Smith Visitor Education Center adjacent to the Cottage and can be reserved in conjunction with group tours or as a separate program.
Additional programs for school groups are featured here.