The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum: A Great Attraction for Families
The Lincoln Museum is a treat for young and old alike – even impressing my three children, ages eight, six, and four. Strollers are available free-of-charge for use during your visit.
The walk-through exhibits feature amazingly lifelike mannequins of historical figures in realistic settings. Entering the cabin where Lincoln grew up felt like walking backward in time.
As parents with young children who are home schooled, we were nervous about our kids being bored. Nothing could have been further from the truth. They were enthralled in the history that was played out in front of them and the information they were soaking up.
The kids enjoyed entering Mrs. Lincoln’s Attic where they played with old-fashioned toys, a wooden dollhouse, and tried on period costumes that were child-sized.
As part of the self-guided tour, we followed young Abe Lincoln from his humble beginnings in a dirt-floored cabin, through his political beginnings, to his years in the White House, his last moments in Ford’s Theatre and finally his deathbed. A theatrical presentation, “Ghosts in the Library” was a big hit with our kids and was short enough to please all attention spans. All of us were especially impressed with the surprise at the end. Sorry, can’t tell you what the surprise is – you’ll just have to see it for yourself!
The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum offers a sit-down snack area and a large gift shop featuring plenty of Lincoln and Civil War memorabilia. The gift shop is a little pricey for families on a budget, but is definitely worth perusing for added interest to your Museum visit.
A family could easily spend most of the day visiting the Museum, but if you want more Lincoln – Honest Abe’s home and other Lincoln attractions are nearby. A family could easily make a day-long or two-day Lincoln learning experience in Springfield, IL.
For more detailed information about hours of operation, admission prices, driving directions and parking accommodations, check out the Museum’s website at www.alplm.org.
