Parks / Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park
Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park
National Historical Park · KY
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. 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.
Official NPS page →Current Alerts (1)
Accessible Boardwalk at Birthplace to close for Emergency Repairs on 8/31.
The Accessible Boardwalk at the Birthplace Unit of the park will close for emergency repairs on Monday, August 31, 2026 until further notice. Please check back here or to park social media for updates.
Entrance Fees
This park is fee-free.
Upcoming Events
History Adventures
Sep 5, 2026 · Birthplace Unit at the park's Memorial Building
Reading with a Ranger
Sep 6, 2026 · Birthplace Unit, in the park's Memorial Building
History Adventures
Sep 12, 2026 · Birthplace Unit at the park's Memorial Building
Daytime Night Sky Program
Sep 13, 2026 · Birthplace Unit
History Adventures
Sep 19, 2026 · Birthplace Unit at the park's Memorial Building
Sean of the South Concert
Sep 26, 2026 · Birthplace Unit
Things to Do
Attend a Ranger Program
Attending a Ranger program is a fun and interactive way to enhance your visit!
Become a Jr. Ranger at the Birthplace
Become a Jr. Ranger!
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 ranger story with friends and family.
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.
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.
Boundary Oak Trail
The Boundary Oak trail is an a short easy trail that leads from the Boundary Oak marker to the Memorial Building.
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.
Overlook Trail at Knob Creek
3-mile round trip hiking trail at Knob Creek Boyhood home site.
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 wildlife! Trash and recycling receptacles are provided under and near the pavilion, please remember to use them.
Shop at the Birthplace Bookstore
Support your National Parks by shopping at Eastern National Bookstores, located at the Birthplace Unit.
Shop at the Boyhood Home Bookstore
Support your National Parks by shopping at Eastern National Bookstores, located at the Boyhood Home Unit.
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.
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 bibles pages.
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.
Visitor Centers
- Knob Creek Tavern Visitor Center
- Visitor Center at Abraham Lincoln Birthplace
Source: National Park Service.