We are truly delighted, with this retreat... and each day, brings its visitors.

— Mary Lincoln, 1862

Plan a Visit

General Information

Entrance to President Lincoln's Cottage is by guided tour only. Tickets are required and advance purchase is strongly recommended.

  • All tours of the Cottage begin in the Robert H. Smith Visitor Education Center.
  • Please check-in 15 minutes prior to your tour in the Visitor Center Museum Store.
  • For information on Hours & Tickets or Directions, please select the appropriate link to the left.

Group Tours
Groups of 10 or more adults or students must apply 3 weeks in advance. To review policies and for the Group Tour application go to Schedule a Tour.

Premium Tour
By request, we have developed a Premium Tour for visitors interested in booking a private tour. The cost is $300 for up to 10 people. Please download the Premium Tour Brochure (609KB) for a description and booking information.

Cottage Tour Description (Up to 20 people per tour)

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.
  • Photography, video cameras, strollers, food and beverages are prohibited in the Cottage.
  • This tour is suitable for children 6 years or older, accompanied by an adult, due to battlefield imagery and tour length.
  • The Cottage is accessible by elevator and wheelchair lift.

Robert H. Smith Visitor Education Center

The Visitor Education Center offers exhibits that bring to life the history of the Soldiers’ Home, wartime Washington, and President Lincoln’s extraordinary leadership skills. A special exhibition gallery presents rotating displays of objects related to Lincoln and his legacy. In “Lincoln’s Cabinet Room,” visitors can participate in an innovative interactive experience exploring Lincoln’s Toughest Decisions related to emancipation, politics, and military affairs. For more information see Visitor Center Info.

  • Flash photography and video cameras are prohibited in the Visitor Center.
  • Food and beverages may be enjoyed in the Museum Store cafe.
  • The Visitor Center is accessible by ramp.

Landscape

Our visitors may enjoy the landscape immediately surrounding the Cottage and Visitor Education Center, but must stay within that vicinity. Please respect the privacy of the 1200 residents of the Armed Forces Retirement Home, and refrain from wandering their buildings and grounds. The AFRH may take action against any of our visitors found trespassing on their property.

Facilities Rental

President Lincoln's Cottage and the Robert H. Smith Visitor Education Center may be rented for special events and meetings.  For information about use of the facilities and rates, please contact Leslie Bouterie, Private and Corporate Events.

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