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Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum: Traveler Reviews


TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars 49 Reviews
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TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #1 of 17 attractions in Springfield
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Attraction type: History museum, Library
Address: 212 North Sixth Street, Springfield, IL 62701
Tel: 217-782-5764

Traveler Reviews

[ Date ] [ Rating ]
Interesting for adults with activities for kids, too

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum

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4 of 5 stars
Indy_working_mom 4 contributions
Indianapolis, Indiana
Apr 17, 2006
6/6 found this review helpful

My husband and I visited the museum on an adult getaway and found it very enjoyable. The museum has done an excellent job of mixing passive and interactive learning experiences. Though we didn't have our children with us (5 and 7), they would have enjoyed the 2 theaters that mix film and other effects (such as cannons firing smoke) to tell stories about Lincoln's life and the purpose of a presidential library (where we meet a ghost). Other exhibits take you through Lincoln's life beginning in Kentucky through his law career immersing you in 1800s politics (things got quite personal!) including the dissembling Lincoln went through to advance his abolitionist agenda. The exhibit showing the ebb and flow of the civil war on a map accompanied by a tally of the loss of life was very moving. That exhibit closed with Lincoln's coffin lying in state after walking through a tunnel with advocates speaking out for and against the war, which is very relevant in today's environment. The large gift shop, convenient covered parking next door and coat check for large items made the museum visit easy and painless. The museum has done an excellent job of making history come alive using some of the best theme park "imagineering" techniques. Though they do have a Lincoln's attic exhibit (play area) for younger kids, I'd recommend for kindergarten and older.

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Great for the kids!

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum

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4 of 5 stars
wendyland 5 contributions
st. louis, mo
Feb 13, 2006
7/7 found this review helpful

Great museum! We went during Lincoln's birthday weekend and had a really good visit. It's very good for a smaller museum. They do a great job at immersing you in the experience. I definitely recommend going. The kids loved it. Also, try Holy Land Diner downtown the square by the old court house for some good middle eastern food.

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Wonderful Museum

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum

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5 of 5 stars
A TripAdvisor Member
Petersburg, IL
Oct 4, 2005
6/6 found this review helpful

We live in Petersburg and took our friends from California to the Museum. We were surprised at how fast time went. We were not bored and went from one display to another. Before we knew it four hours had passed. The theatre's were very educational. I know we will be taking many of our visitors to see this great Lincoln Museum.
Parking was very easy, underground and across from the museum.

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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New Attraction in Springfield, IL

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum

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5 of 5 stars
A TripAdvisor Member
Urbana, IL
Sep 13, 2005
14/14 found this review helpful

The Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum opened in the Spring of '05. It is absolutely awesome! Every American must see it ! We are grandparents and we took our 11 year old grandson and spent 4 hours ! There is something for everyone of any age -- children and adults will love it. Plan to spend at least 4 - 5 hours. None of us were bored. It is the best thing on Lincoln I have ever seen -- it is as awesome as the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC. People of all ages were there and I didn't see anyone in a hurry to leave. There is parking available in a parking garage across the street and there is a place to get food for lunch in the building. You can checek things in the "coat" check so you don't have to carry stuff around. Be certain to take your camera so you can get a "family picture" with the Lincoln's -- a volunteer will take your picture so you can all be in it. There is also a gift shop.

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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You'll be touched, moved and inspired

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum

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5 of 5 stars
A TripAdvisor Member
Springfield, MO
Aug 17, 2005
11/11 found this review helpful

I have always felt a facination with and connection to Lincoln, but never experienced it so profoundly as at this museum. Seeing surreal artifacts such as Mary Lincolns blood stained gloves worn the night of the assination literally moved me to tears as I confronted the reality of that moment and his life. I went to the museum expecting an interactive/kiddie-oriented experience, but came away realizing it was a museum for all who love and respect Lincoln - America's Icon. Don't miss this exceptional contribution.

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum Address

212 North Sixth Street, Springfield, IL 62701
Tel: 217-782-5764