Lincoln Homestead State Park

About Lincoln Homestead State Park

The same sense of adventure that brought other pioneers to Kentucky led Abraham Lincoln's grandparents to the Kentucky hills and the Beech Fork River. Lincoln Homestead State Park is the site of the 1782 smelter where his father grew up and learned his trade. You will also find some ground-breaking furniture that represent the robust pioneering life.

The 18-hole regulation golf course emphasizes the rolling hills and historic surroundings. Cabins are available for $10 per person for one year and can be reserved in advance at Lincoln Homestead State Park Visitor Center or at the park office.

Lincoln Cottage is a traditional log cabin where the president's grandmother, Bersheba, raised her five children. His father, Thomas Lincoln, lived there until he was 25, and the Lincoln-Hanks-Berry family moved to the area in the early 19th century as a result of the Civil War.

Thomas Lincoln learned his craft from Richard Francis Berry, a relative of Nancy Hanks. According to tradition, Thomas learned a smithy resembling a shop in a farmer's hut and set off for New York City and then Washington. D.C. Thomas Lincoln learned his trade under the tutelage of Richard and FrancisBerry, who were both related to Nancy and Hank.

Nancy Hanks, the president's mother, lived with Thomas Lincoln while he courted her, and it is believed that Thomas proposed to Nancy. Admission is free, but the park is open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The distinctive edging of the house, which was built from thick logs with full second-floor window glass, was moved from its original location on the west side of Lincoln's home. The house has a small kitchen, dining room, living room and dining area, but no entrance fee is charged.

The two-story log cabin, built by Mordecai Lincoln, was enlarged and surrounded by Wilfred Hayden, the second owner of the house, in a federal timber-framed building. The kitchen and toilet are next to the historic home and are located on the east side of Lincoln's home, north of its original location.

Lincoln was one of our leading citizens in the District of Washington during the Civil War and the first years of his presidency.

There is no fee for using these facilities, and no fee is charged to the National Park Service or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for using them.

The park is located three miles north of Springfield and the Bluegrass Parkway leads through the park from US 150 East to KY 555 South, KY 528 South and KY 438 East. Take KY 560 South to the parks, take KY-538 to US-150 East, then take Bluegrass Parkways south on the south side of the national park and north on US 15.