The best camping in Lincoln Home National Historic Site, IL

Visit the only home that Abraham Lincoln ever owned before becoming the 16th president of the United States. This stately, two-story home is restored to its 1860s era glory. The surrounding four-block neighborhood also preserves some historical elements from that time period.

The Greek Revival structure was built in 1839. Honest Abe and his wife, Mary, lived here for 17 years before moving to the White House. The beautifully decorated home has period furnishings. It also delves into Lincoln's time as a lawyer, husband, and father.

Touring the home at Christmas time means a classic holiday celebration. Patriotic holidays feature red, white, and blue decor and plenty of American flags.

Each of the 12 rooms tells a story. There's a beautiful parlor room where the Lincolns entertained. The kitchen has a huge iron stove for warming tea kettles and cooking bread. The simple dining room has a small table for eating meals.

The front hallway features a coat rack on the wall with a shawl similar to the kind that Mrs. Lincoln favored. There's also a black stovepipe hat next to the shawl. It's as if the spirits of the Lincoln family are still here.

Upstairs are the bedrooms, including a guest bedroom and one for the children. You can also tour the backyard and the grounds of the house. The surrounding neighborhood has interpretive signs on various streets. Some places still have original buildings from the 1800s, while others are more modern.

This historic site in Springfield, Illinois, gives you insights into Lincoln's time before he was president. The rest of the state capital has plenty in the way of Illinois history if you love delving into the past.