Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial

Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial [1] is a United States National Park in Southwestern Indiana. Understand This memorial preserves the site of the farm where Abraham Lincoln spent 14 years of his childhood. History Abraham Lincoln's family moved to Indiana in 1816 and stayed in the state until moving to Illinois in 1830. Lincoln lived in this memorial's area from age 7-21. These years molded his body and mind into an intellectual of a man. The experiences that he had here shaped his life, all the way until his assasination in 1865. The park consists of a visitors center, Lincoln's mothers gravesite, and the Lincoln Living Historical Farm. Landscape The park is in a very well forested area. Plenty of hiking trails offer accessibility to the forest. All of the buildings and landmarks were made to meld into the enviroment, to mix harmoniously with their surroundings, not to disturb them. Flora and fauna The area has been restored since the inception of the park in the 1920s, which declined in the late 1800s with the railway extensions and peoples taming of their enviroments. Flora in the park includes - Japanese dogwoods, tulip poplar trees, maples, sweet gums, oaks, hickories, Japanese honeysuckle, and Japanese knotweed. Fauna in the park includes - Scarlet tanigers, bluebirds, blue-tailed skinks, gray squirrels, chipmunks, red foxes, coyotes, snakes, owls, whitetail deer, raccoons, oppossums, shrews, deer mouse, white-footed mouse, house mouse, bats, eastern box turtle, and countless birds. Climate Located in Southern Indiana, near Evansville, the area experiences all four distinct seasons. Moderate winters, and hot and steamy summers, with nice spring and fall. Get in By car I-64 heads east-west just north of Lincoln, City. US-231 heads north-south through Lincoln City. By plane Evansville Regional Airport 7801 Bussing Dr. +1 812 421-4401. [2] Fees/Permits $3 entry. $10 for annual pass. Get around Most of the area is accessible by walking from the main center. See The tallest flagpole in Indiana at the first trail. A 15 minute film about the park in the visitor center. Cabin Memorial Site which is a bronze casting of an actual cabin foundation that symbolizes the cabin Lincoln lived in. The pioneer cemetery including the burial place of Lincoln's mother, Nancy Hanks Lincoln. Lincoln Spring which was the main source for fresh water when the Lincoln's lived here. Do Visit the visitor center which features information, a film, bookstore and exhibits, as well as the memorial made from Indiana limestone. Have a picnic at any of the many picnic areas throughout the park. Hike the trails that lead to other parts of the memorial park and beautiful grounds. Experience the living history of the Lincoln family. During warm monthes the area is filled with costumed re-inactors farming, cooking, and educating visitors about the history and life of those who inhabited the area in the 1820s. Buy The visitor center features a bookstore and gift shop. Eat Lincoln City, Santa Claus, and Dale all feature various restaurants, but not dining areas are in the park itself. Drink See above. Sleep Lodging There are plenty of chains to suit your stay in the area, below is a list of more unique and interesting lodging options. Santa's Lodge 91 W. Christmas Blvd, Santa Claus +1 812 937-1902. [3] The nicest lodge in the area, and everyday is Christmas. Nice guest rooms, suites and plenty of things to see and do. The worlds largest Santa Claus sits outside for photo ops. Saint Meinrad Guest House 200 Hill Dr., St. Meinrad. +1 812 357-6585. [4] Stay in the guest houses of Indiana's biggest Catholic monastery. Simple, affordable rooms in a relaxing, quiet enviroment. Sort of like a religious hostel if you will. Quite a cool experience! Camping Lincoln State Park Hwy. 162, Lincoln City. +1 812 937-4710. [5] Featuring over 200 sites - electric and primitive. Group camps, youth tent areas, dumping station, and group cottages. Backcountry Stay safe Stay on designated trails. There is a nearby railroad that runs just near the trails of the living history museum, so watch out. Get out This is a usable article. It has information about the park, for getting in, about a few attractions, and about accommodations in the park. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!