Abraham Lincoln Memorial Garden
- Nature & parks
- In Springfield, Illinois
- 2.4 mi from Route 66
- National Register of Historic Places
The Abraham Lincoln Memorial Garden, usually just called the Lincoln Memorial Garden, covers about 100 acres of woods and prairie beside Lake Springfield in Springfield, IL, about 3 miles off the old road. Dating from 1936 and listed on the National Register, it offers a calm, natural contrast to the city's historic buildings and a good place for an unhurried walk.
What is Abraham Lincoln Memorial Garden?
The garden is a designed landscape of woodland and prairie rather than formal flower beds. It has two main parts. The older Jensen section covers 63 acres along Lake Springfield, and the newer Ostermeier Prairie Center section adds 29 acres. Another 19 acres of buffer land surround them and help protect the setting.
The city of Springfield owns the land, and a foundation named for the garden manages it and governs its own affairs. Much of the work is done by volunteers: in 2006, four full-time staff were backed by over 150 volunteers and guides, known as docents. That volunteer spirit is part of the garden's character.
History of Abraham Lincoln Memorial Garden
The garden dates from 1936, and its design is linked with the Prairie School tradition. It grew over time: the Ostermeier Prairie Center section is a later addition to the original lakeside woodland, extending the garden from shaded woods into open prairie. Together the two parts show two of the landscapes that shaped this part of Illinois. The garden is listed on the National Register.
Visiting Abraham Lincoln Memorial Garden: tips
Wear comfortable shoes and plan at least an hour, more if you want to explore both sections. Wheelchair access is noted for the garden. In summer, bring water and a hat, since prairie ground is open to the sun. Stay on the paths so the plantings stay healthy for the next visitors.
Two stops nearby round out a visit: the Strawbridge-Shepherd House is about 2 miles away and the Henson Robinson Zoo about 2.2 miles. The Taft Farmstead is about 4.3 miles off.
Practical info
- Address
- 2301 East Lake Shore Drive, Springfield, Illinois 62712
- Phone
- +1 217-529-1111
- Website
- lincolnmemorialgarden.org
- Hours
- Tue–Fri 8–4 · Sat 10–4 · Sun 1 pm–4 pm
- On site & nearby
Sources: OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL) · Wikidata · official site — may be outdated. Suggest a fix
Where to eat near Abraham Lincoln Memorial Garden
All diners on Route 66 →
On the map
Full mapAbraham Lincoln Memorial Garden with the 6 closest stops and places to eat (fork and knife). Tap a marker for details.
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Stops near Abraham Lincoln Memorial Garden
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Questions about Abraham Lincoln Memorial Garden
How big is the Lincoln Memorial Garden?
About 100 acres, split between a 63-acre woodland section on Lake Springfield and a 29-acre prairie section, plus buffer land.
Who runs the garden?
The city of Springfield owns it, and a foundation named for the garden manages it.
Own or run Abraham Lincoln Memorial Garden? Send us a photo or a correction.