Lincoln Memorial Garden
Lincoln Memorial Garden & Nature Center
A native-plant garden on the shore of Lake Springfield, designed by Jens Jensen. Woodland trails recreate the prairies and woodlands of Lincoln-era Illinois.
Lincoln Memorial Garden lies on the shore of Lake Springfield, about 12 km south of the city. It was designed in 1936 by the renowned landscape architect Jens Jensen. It grows only native plants of Illinois, Kentucky and Indiana, the three states where Lincoln lived, and features woodland clearings called 'council rings' and winding paths. About 8 km of trails run through oak woodland, prairie and lakeshore. Spring brings sheets of wildflowers, autumn turns the leaves brilliant red, and it is a good spot for birdwatching. The nature center hosts exhibitions and events. Admission is free from sunrise to sunset, and it is a relaxing place for a walk.
Opening hours
Sunrise to sunset
Nearby sights
- Cozy Dog Drive In
- Lincoln Home National Historic Site
- Dana–Thomas House
- Lincoln Depot
- Illinois Governor's Mansion
- Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices State Historic Site
- Illinois State Museum
- Old State Capitol State Historic Site