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15. Lincoln State Park

Lincoln State Park is located on east State Road 162 in Lincoln City, Indiana. It is located directly across from the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial. Lincoln State Park is home to the new Lincoln Bicentennial Plaza and the magnificent Lincoln Amphitheatre – home of the new outdoor drama LINCOLN. Both Lincoln State Park and the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial preserve the area that was home to Abraham Lincoln and his family from 1816 to 1830. Abraham Lincoln’s most formative years from ages 7 to 21 were spent in this area of southern Indiana where Lincoln learned to read and split rails.

The Lincoln Bicentennial Plaza honoring the 200th birthday of President Abraham Lincoln and his years as a boy in Indiana was dedicated in June, 2009. It consists of a large, bisected circular plaza. Visitors will first enter an area punctuated with limestone pedestals and interpretive signs signifying key milestones in Lincoln’s formative Indiana years.  A central half-circle reminds visitors of young Abraham’s growth from a boy to a man. The second semicircle provides a more intimate space for reflecting upon the man who led this nation. It will contain a twice-life-size bronze bust of Lincoln, accompanied by some of his quotes.  The site is located on a knoll in the Oak Grove area of the park

Within the Park boundaries lies the gravesite of Sarah Lincoln-Grigsby, Abraham’s beloved sister.  The small cemetery lies next to the Little Pigeon Baptist Church; Thomas and Abraham helped to build the original church, a cornerstone of which remains in the current structure.  The Sarah Lincoln Woods Nature Preserve is located in the southernmost portion of the park.

Also within the Park boundaries lies the home site of James Gentry, the merchant for whom Abraham made his memorable flatboat trip to New Orleans.

Another restored structure within the Park boundaries is the Colonel William Jones Home.  Colonel Jones was a Union soldier during the Civil War.

For a tour of the park or to make arrangements for camping, hiking, or boating, visit the Department of Natural Resources website at http://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/2979.htm.

To make arrangements to view the play LINCOLN at the Lincoln Amphitheatre (which is in the Lincoln State Park), visit their website at http://www.lincolnamphitheatre.com or write/telephone at Post Office Box 7-21, 15032 N CR 300 East, Lincoln City, IN 47552, 1.800.264.4223 or 1.812.937.9730

(from the Lincoln Amphitheatre web site)