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Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum
Category: Arts & Entertainment Museums Museums [Edit]
212 N 6th StSpringfield, IL 62701
(217) 558-8844
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 9 am - 5 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
59 reviews for Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum
Review Highlights
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"The 4-minutes of the Civil War took my breath away." In 14 reviews -
"...informational, informative, educational, and very well done." In 5 reviews -
"There are two "shows," and I would definitely recommend..." In 6 reviews
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59 reviews in English
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Review from s. m. j.
Conway, AR
1/25/2012
This is quite an experience, and we had a wonderful time here one morning over the holidays. As libraries/museums go, I felt this one really offered insight into President Lincoln's life and his legacy. The library states outright that its exhibits are designed to present the three-dimensional MAN, not the shallow legend of Abraham Lincoln, and I felt it really did a great job of this.
We progressed through both the directional exhibits at a leisurely pace, starting on one hand through the log cabin representing Lincoln's boyhood home and the other that starts with the White House entrance. All of the exhibits are very interactive, inventive and engaging. They are also APPROPRIATE to the subject matter and are so good at making their points. There is one short film presentation on the wall in the Civil War section that presents the whole war in highlights and fatalities in 4 minutes. It really makes a profound impact in terms of human lives lost and the toll of the war.
I think that personally, I was most struck by the large room in which a replica coffin represents what it was like to see Lincoln lying in state. I found it deeply moving and sad, especially after learning as much as I did about the real man that Lincoln was. It really helps visitors understand the grief and loss of a nation, and of those who knew him personally.
We saw two theater presentations, one about the collections and curators, but told in a very imaginative way, and one larger one with three large screens that sought to address Abraham Lincoln in a three-dimension way, and I mean that literally and figuratively. :)
The museum/library shop was COMPREHENSIVE. We bought some gifts for family there, of many ages, a commemorative plate and a CD of Civil War music, along with a commemorative, full-color book of the museum.
We were very pleased with our visit here. Two small things; You cannot take photos in the exhibits beyond the main hall areas, and because there is a Subway in the museum, you can smell the bread EVERYWHERE. It smells good, but ...
Don't miss this museum if you're in Springfield. Really, it's amazing! -
Review from Reid Y.
1/15/2012
I've been to many museums around the world, but I gotta say, they have invested quite a bit of money into this museum. It's new, well maintained, and brings the days of Lincoln to life.
As a history major in college, I felt like the museum provided a nice balance between kid-friendly exhibits and narratives that really get into the issues Lincoln confronted (slavery, Civil War, etc). There's some of the anamitronics here, but I didn't feel it was too hokey. Perhaps the closest was during the movie screening of Lincoln's life. The seats shake, there's strobe lights, and cannons fire smoke from the sides of the theater. If there weren't just 5 people in the 100+ person theater, I wouldn't have laughed. Definitely something for all of the schoolkids to enjoy.
Anyway, if you're ever in Springfield (if you've come across this review, lucky you), definitely check it out. You'll learn a bunch! -
Review from Elaine M.
Highland Park, IL
4/23/2012 1 Check-in Here
They have done a fabulous job making this a modern, interesting and engaging museum. We were able to experience four main exhibits, two "movies" and two walk though experiences. There is a fifth exhibit that is due to open next month. Both of the movies were great but I especially enjoyed "Lincoln's Eyes". The walk through galleries were filled with interesting artifacts. What is really great is that the museum designers have done a great job of making the place accessible to people of all ages. If you have the time and inclination you can read and learn so much or if you just want a brief overview you can walk through pretty quickly and get the basics.
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Review from Heather L.
Des Plaines, IL
10/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
As a Mom, I go to alot of museums. In highschool I did a Girl Scout motorcoach trip through South Carolina and Atlanta. I toured Fort Sumpter, Stone Mountain yet nothing brought the Civil War to life for me like this museum does.
I was here on business recently and did not have nearly enough time to experience it to it's full extent. I had about an hour and a half. I didn't go through it in chronological order and I definitely will be back to do it right and I will bring my kids. Because this will bring that sad sad period of our country to life for them in a very dramatic way that a text book will never come close to. And they will never forget.
Really really impressive.Listed in: Family Friendly Venues…, The Best!
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Review from Dee C.
5/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
Wow! This is by far one of the BEST museum's I have been to. This place surpasses any other museum (thus far).
I went with 100 8th graders and this place was interactive. The two videos were amazing and were very well done because the graphics were so great I thought there was a real person in front of the screen. All the information was great and I could have easily spent a few hours here just reading info and looking at things.
This place was nice for school kids and as an adult was interesting and I learned a lot of new things and had a great time while learning. -
Review from Fannie S.
4/6/2011
1000th review! My oh my.
Well I visited this place well over a year ago.... closer to 2 years now, with my sister.
We might've grown up in this area but we left before it was a concept. We'd been to the Lincoln Home so many times. So we went when we returned to visit....
Beautiful, bright and clean. Plenty to see, much to hear and wait for their special presentations (great graphics), of course.
Plenty of photo ops... trust me. It's nice.
Civil history in the making told and remastered. Audio tours available. Guided tours are a pleasure too.
Prices = reasonable
Parking = easy. Look for street parking. (Stop by Peese's afterwards )Listed in: Cultural Experience
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Review from Dauphine Y.
Plainview, NY
1/22/2012
I am not a fan of museum. It is usually very boring and too tiring because of size
However, this museum is the best and most interesting one I have come across and just the right size to capture your attention without exhausting you. It brings history to live and give you a glimpse into the past that I have never seen or experience.
Do not miss the two shows that they have. -
Review from Tim J.
4/17/2011
I wholeheartedly agree with all the other 5 star reviews. This is what all modern museums should strive towards. The exhibits cater to all learning styles and it really has something for everyone.
As an Illinois lawyer, this really is my Graceland; I've been 3x so far and can't wait for my next excuse to do so. -
Review from Tanya M.
5/3/2011
Like most presidential museum's, it can be pricey to get in. it is worth it. you can have your picture taken with the whole Lincoln family.
there are many shows that wowed me. it is a must see at least once while in Springfield. it is definately one of the most fun presidential museums we have visited.Listed in: Entertainment
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Review from Matt G.
Blacksburg, VA
7/18/2011
Wax figures? Seriously? Paying no attention to them (and thank goodness they weren't animatronic), the exhibits were actually really good - informative and current with none of that "Lost Cause" that can creep into NPS (and other) exhibits. Glad we stopped.
PS - Ginormous souvenir shop. It's what it is... -
Review from MARIA O.
4/21/2011
I really thought this would be the kind of place that the kids would love but I had outgrown. Wrong!
This museum is so interesting. The shows they put on are so exciting. I actually learned quite a bit from the exhibits. Definitely something you need to check out. -
Review from Tim Y.
4/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
Nothing makes a road trip through southern Illinois right like saying hi to plastic statues of Abe and seeing all sorts of artifacts from his life. Though not seeing his hat was a tad disappointing, there are plenty of other relics that I'll not soon forget. His blood-stained gloves from the night of his assassination evoked quite strong emotions and I'm sure will not be soon forgotten.
It's really hard to believe something this nice is stuck in the heart of Springfield. The quality of this place makes it feel like it'd be far better suited in a big city as a main attraction at a larger museum.
Docents here are exceedingly helpful and enthusiastic; it's a genuine love for what they do, so ask them questions if you have any and you'll get answers.
Be prompt for the short video presentations - a minute too late and you'll have to wait for the next showing. -
Review from Dawn M.
3/31/2011
Loved it so much the first time, had to go back - and I enjoyed it just as much on the 2nd visit as I did on the first.
This is my favorite museum of all time - it's small size, narrow focus and high quality exhibits make this a great destination. (Of note - I think this is the only museum where everything is consistantly in working condition.)
You can go thru fairly quickly and look at displays, if you are with younger childrent - or go thru more slowly and soak up the literature if you are by yourself or with older kids.
The multiple ways information is posted means that no matter how you like to absorb info, you'll find it presented that way. Wax figures displays, memorabilia, and multi-media displays all in a wonderful mix provide an interesting view of Lincoln's life and the politics of the time.
If you have younger kids (say 10 and under), be sure to get to the kids area - they can try on period costumes. Bring your camera. :-)
Be sure to see "Ghosts of the Library", suitable for all but the very youngest of us. Fortunately it's only about 10 minutes, so even the babies will make it thru the play.
There's an onsite Subway Sandwich shop for a reasonably affordable and reasonably healthy lunch option.
The gift shop is well stocked with relevant items.
Allow about 4 hours to get thru most things before hitting saturation point.. For a quick hit, 2 hours will let you see Ghosts of the Library, the log cabin and zoom thru some of the other displays.
Would I recomend: Yes
Would I return: Yes. -
Review from Tim L.
Long Beach, CA
7/7/2011
This is a Museum all should experience.
God Bless America~ -
Review from Thom Z.
Normal, IL
6/1/2011
It's a very educational and well run museum. But for me, it was a boring experience. Given that I've been to most of the civil war battlefields and museums in the East and am an avid fan of Ken Burns documentaries and Illinois History, I already knew almost everything presented in the museum and found the place to be boring. I would have liked to see more information/exhibits about people who weren't Lincoln.
For people who don't have a background in the subject, it's a very educational and informative museum. For people who do have a background in the subject, it's fun to look at the artifacts, collections and dioramas. A good day trip from anywhere in Central Illinois. I recommend it. -
Review from Tom J.
2/25/2011
The Presidential Library is by far the shining jewel of Springfield.
I understand it has been open about 7 years now. The two highlights of this museum for us were 1) the reconstructed scenes depicting moments of time in Lincoln's life and 2) the 20 minute "Lincoln's Eyes" film that overwhelms with sounds, images and stories from Lincoln's life.
Of the reconstructed scenes, we were particularly impressed with the Lincoln cabinet, which featured a costumed actor portraying a 19th century painter, the State Room that hosted Lincoln's funeral visitation and his boyhood log cabin.
Throughout the museum were excellent wax statues that really give you a feel for the times. Also included in the museum were artifacts and tons of pictures and stories that gave you a good picture of the times and the presidency.
I feel comfortable saying this museum is a must see for all Americans, not just history buffs. -
Review from Jacob V.
Champaign, IL
7/23/2011
We visited this for the first time and were really blown away. Very cool exhibits. Definitely see shows, which feature some cool effects. The museum covers Lincoln's life from his humble beginnings in a single room log cabin all the way to winning the civil war and being assassinated.
I had no particular attachment to Lincoln before visiting, but now I have a true appreciation for his struggles both in his personal life and his presidency. Very cool exhibits like a collection of Political Cartoons which painted Lincoln as Satan (or worse) at the time - very eye opening stuff for someone with only a high-school understanding of that part of our history.
Super friendly and informative staff. Will definitely go back in the future. -
Review from TruthSpeaker I.
Boston, MA
11/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
Designed for children and it shows... there are mobs of them. I'd tell you not to go, but what else is there to do in Springfield, IL? The better advice would be just don't bother to go to Springfield. Seriously.
Oh... and if you do go to this museum, don't bring a backpack. They won't let you take it in with you and claim this is due to space limitations... while they let giant stroller after giant stroller pass you on their merry way. There is no place in that museum that is too tight for a backpack. Or even five backpacks. And if you have medical supplies that you have to take with you as you leave your backpack behind, they give you a very ugly (seemingly handsewn by the visually impaired) green bag the BIG white letters on the outside that say "MEDICAL BAG". So if you thought you could go about your business with some modicum of privacy and without screaming to the world that you have a medical issue, think again. They make sure that doesn't happen. This place is not worth the time or the money unless you have a kid who's studying Lincoln in school. It bored me stiff. -
Review from Susan B.
Springfield, IL
11/28/2011
A brilliant musuem that is worth every minute of your time. I have been here 7 times and each visit takes me approximately 4 hours. This is with adults only and we do not eat in the cafe. Give yourself at least this much time to see everything - even longer if you really want to check every little thing out.
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Review from Jillian J.
Chicago, IL
8/17/2010
Oh my God!! I am not surprised AT ALL that this place is a solid 5 stars (from previous reviews). I heart Lincoln so I really REALLY heart this museum. I've been here 2 times but I'm reviewing specifically about the 2nd time :)
I went here with my aunt (a Springfieldian who is a member of the museum = free entrance) and a friend about an hour and a half before it closed on probably the hottest, most humid day of the year. I like heat and hotness and this place was C-O-L-D. Good for most people, me? I was shivering. But even that will not get me to drop this museum from 5 stars.
It's an awesome place, where you can walk through different exhibits and see artifacts and scenes from Lincoln's life. I don't know what type of wax or whatever they use to make their figurines but its very realistic. Almost to the point of creepiness. I could probably spend hours, or all day, or a full weekend, in this place reading and listening to everything to get it all in.
The theaters have some awesome shows. I'm not sure if they ever change them or if they're always the same. I know I've said I've been here twice but I really can't remember what shows I saw the first time.
And of course, you exit through an extensive and awesome gift shop. I could totally blow a whole paycheck in there on Lincoln memorabilia but I kept it in check and quickly made my exit so I didn't see anything that made me buy it.
This place rocks! -
Review from Brian R.
Los Angeles, CA
7/9/2010
An incredible museum, one of the finest edutainment experiences I have ever experienced. Seriously, I highly, HIGHLY, recommend that if you are anywhere near Springfield you check this out. There are two amazing theater presentations and an awesome 2 part walk through exhibit. You could probably spend a half day there.
You wanna know a secret? It was designed by Disney Imagineers! So that should give you an idea of the level of technological excellence and storytelling mastery that you will expect to see. It is a historical learning experience that Walt himself would be very proud of! -
Review from Corina T.
10/8/2010 1 Check-in Here
As a young child I was taken to nearly every local civil war re-enactment (first row snacking on hardtack was the way to experience this event according to my dad), pretty much forced to watch every civil war documentary film and "based on a true story" rendition of Gettysburg. Needless to say, I'm traumatized.
What does this have to do with the Abe Lincoln Museum? Alot actually.
I visited to Museum as part of a business conference activity and I wasnt jumping out of joy to go - I like history, but ive pretty much had my fill of american history.
So - the night of, I put on a smile and went. I honestly have to say I was impressed. The place was beautiful and all the exhibits were fantastically done. The museum had sections that were dedicated to various parts of Lincoln's life (ie: his childhood, slavery issues, his lawyers office, the whitehouse, etc) This place was really one of the best museums ive ever visited both due to its exhibit presentations and appearance.
The museum also has two shows that are also very well put together and entertaining.
If you're driving through id definitely recommend stopping by - its really worth a visit even if you;'re not a history buff -
Review from Tina B.
10/15/2008
Perhaps the museum doesn't deserve all of the credit for my glorious day in Springfield, but it sure helped.
I spent the first several hours of the day in a line of people more than 20 curvy blocks long, packed with people who came to Springfield from across the country to watch presidential nominee Barack Obama announce Joe Biden as his running mate. It was hot and everyone was sweaty and miserable, but everyone was still cool, in terms of having incredible patience with the heat, the line and each other.
After an inspiring event and speech - it was really amazing to see so many people, thousands of people - all different races, ages, just all different kinds o people - all inspired by the democratic process enough to also then go into the Lincoln museum afterward (probably also inspired just a little bit by the air conditioning, too).
I have to say that the connections of Springfield with Obama and Lincoln and the emotion of the day made me burst into almost uncontrollable tears with much of the presentations about Lincoln's assassination - the museum is structured where you pretty much walk a long path from his childhood and young adulthood, through his campaign, White House years and the Civil War, and through to Lincoln's death, with his body being brought back to Springfield.
Suffice it to say that this museum is a very high quality effort of education and entertainment and just may be the epitome of a truly "populist" American museum. Some of the exhibits may seem trite and even lacking to a serious Lincoln or Civil War scholar (go across the street to the Lincoln Library for that), but they are innovative, interactive and very captivating where many similar types of museums fail - kids and people who might not like history very much will enjoy themselves probably just as much as real history nerds like myself.
And please, if you can get yourself here before November 9th, go see the Packaging Presidents temporary exhibit - it's all about presidential campaigning and has commercials on loop (Reagan's "Morning in America" and Johnson's "Daisy" ad, for example) as well as many other artifacts that go back to the time of Washington - truly an amazing and valuable exhibit and experience, especially given the heightened nature of the current presidential campaign - with all of its historical fodder for such exhibits in the future.
A note about the staff - what a special group of wonderful people work here! Seriously. They kept the museum open for an extra couple of hours that day to be able to accommodate the crowds, passed out coupons to save people money on admission, and just went out of their way to give their extra several thousand visitors that day a great experience - like security guards just coming up to me asking if I needed to know when the next movie times were or joking with us "So, I'm guessing you're for McCain?" They were all really friendly and lovely.
It was an amazing museum and an amazing day. Thanks Springfield!Listed in: Passport to Breeder Nation
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Review from Booda B.
Lombard, IL
12/3/2010
Fantastic museum with tons of information presented in engaging ways. You really get immersed in the experience (rather than being presented with a bunch of artifacts in dusty glass cases).
The $12 admission fee for adults is a good value - my husband and I spent a solid 3 hours here on an uncrowded day where we had the place practically to ourselves. There are two movie-type things - one which is really good ("Lincoln's Eyes") and one which is just OK ("Ghosts of the Library," which has some redeeming special effects). I was looking forward to the temporary Team of Rivals exhibit but it was fairly superficial - not bad, but kind of a disappointment after how great the rest of the museum was. I love the Civil War in 4 minutes animation, and the Tim Russert newsroom video is highly enjoyable and really makes me miss that guy.
Highly recommended overall. I will say that I didn't notice a single thing that had changed since my initial visit in 2005, so I don't know that I would come back again unless the museum gets updated. Incidentally, my 2005 visit was for a reception function. Not sure if they still have the same catering service, but that reception was first class. -
Review from Anne F.
Saint Louis, MO
12/21/2010
No matter where you're from, what age you are, and what interest in history you have, the Abe Lincoln Presidential Library has something for you.
There was a good variety of exhibits on a wide range of topics- not just Abe Lincoln himself. Also, there were two "shows" which were really interesting (and had pretty impressive special effects!) For all the wax figure buffs out there, there are plenty in the museum and they're well done.
$12 is a little pricey for tickets, but with all of the attractions, the money is well worth it. Even though I spent my formative years in Springfield, I still managed to learn new things about Lincoln and have fun while doing it. -
Review from Catherine S.
Lake Zurich, IL
4/2/2010
The most impressive museum experience I've ever had. The Ghosts of the Museum and Through Lincoln's Eyes performances were amazing - Disney-esque, magical. "History come to life" in a manner that will impress old and young alike.
But more than that - the attention to detail throughout the entire museum is incredible (for example, the woodburning stove in Lincoln's re-created Springfield store *is warm*). The artifacts are astounding (Lincoln's stovepipe hat), and the interpretation is easy to understand and deeply enlightening. Highly recommend. -
Review from Aesha W.
Chicago, IL
8/15/2008
I went to Springfield last weekend with a friend; I wanted to get out of town, and he's been interested in visiting the ALPML for a while. I was a little iffy about the whole thing, but I am really glad I decided to go.
The library itself opened in 2005, and it is beautiful. We were told that it would take about 3 hours to go through the whole thing... it ended up taking us 6 1/2 to 7 hours, over a span of two days. Unlike many others we started at the first room of the museum and went clockwise through the building through each exhibit. The "Packaging Presidents" special exhibit, which runs through November 2008, took over two hours. It was a really great special exhibit. Dennis, the security guard who was watching over this exhibit, seemed impressed that we spent the time reading about each and every item in the exhibit, and talked to us for a while about the artifacts; he was really helpful.
The "Lincoln's Eyes" multimedia exhibit was a little corny, but there were some interesting parts. I really loved the "Ghosts of the Library" multimedia exhibit; the use of technology in this museum is fantastic, and it's fascinating what they have done (especially in the "Ghosts" exhibit).
There is a cafe located in the museum; it's unfortunate that we decided after eating that we'd come back the next day to finish our tour through the museum, because we would have gone somewhere else to eat. It's not a bad place if you need a snack break while going through the museum, but it's overpriced for the quality. The Mary Todd Lincoln brownies weren't too bad, though.
My friend purchased a membership to the museum. Since we live in Chicago, he was able to get the "National Associate" membership, which is the "Family" membership at a $15 discount. This membership level allows the member to bring up to 3 other people in with them, and unlimited free visits for the year. Since we spread our visit out over the two days, we've already used $40 of the value of the $60 membership (adult admission is $10).
The gift shop is huge, and there are some fun things to be had in there, though of course lots of it (books and DVDs, for instance) can be found much cheaper elsewhere. We also had problems both times we purchased items at the store; the first time because the girl didn't see the member discount card (and the manager scolded us for not showing it; I guess she was upset that we interrupted her time in the back room), and the second time because the girl did not know how to tender two different payment cards, so instead of just saying that she chose to charge an arbitrary amount to the card, much to our chagrin.
We didn't even get a chance to go through the Library, so we'll have to head back sometime to visit; I know there's at least one or two exhibits there as well, and it will be interesting to see what is included in the library. I won't pretend I know a lot about Lincoln - I really didn't pay attention in my history classes - but I learned a lot while visiting this museum about his life, the Civil War, his politics and his death. It's made me really interested in learning and reading more about our nation's greatest President. If you're interested in Lincoln, this museum will certainly take longer than three hours to visit the first time, so go prepared. -
Review from Elle P.
Saint Louis, MO
5/20/2010
I went to this museum last week with my daughter's class. What a fabulous place! I am pretty sure I was walking around with my mouth open the whole time!
They have theatres that are simply amazing! The Union Theatre was so thought provoking and was like stepping back in time.
Being able to walk through and see all of these moments that shaped our country and Abraham Lincoln were just stunning.
There is one particularly moving exhibit which is called Lying in State. It is a nearly full-scale recreation of the Representatives Hall in Springfield's Old State Capitol, at the exact moment in May, 1865 when Lincoln lay in state.
There is a room where kids can play and dress up called Mrs. Lincoln's Attic.
Their gift shop is wonderful too. Lots of books and things that make me want to spend, spend, spend.
The staff at the museum are top notch! If you are in Springfield you MUST stop here! It is a great place for everyone to visit! -
Review from Kay J.
Schererville, IN
12/1/2009
This museum is the reason we came to Springfield - Lincoln.
We stopped at A.L.'s home yesterday and the ranger was informative and BEGGED us for questions. He ran some little Lincoln trivia contests (what was A.L.'s middle name) and really seemed to care that visitors to Abe Mecca cared.
The Museum not Mecca but pretty cool if you are not a FAN. There are two theatres. Everyone raved about the 'ghost' museum - eh, its okay. The Union Theatre was much more impressive with special effects and narration.
We spent about three hours here and could have spent another half an hour at the exhibit du jour about agriculture but were tired from all our previous sightseeing.
A Tuesday in November is perfect for a visit - NO ONE ELSE WAS THERE. Well, there was a small, well behaved 8th grade class and half a dozen seniors but, really, we had the place to ourselves.
The $10 entrance fee is a bargain.
DON'T MISS ANYTHING IN THIS MUSEUM! The display of political cartoons of the time is particularly entertaining. You may think the current administration is not well loved but WOW! Lincoln was HATED by so many people! And there is an entire exhibit about trashing the First Lady, Those 19th century women were bitches!
Toward the end of the exhibit there is a huge display relating to Lincoln's funeral. It was nothing short of creepy - they laid him out in 10 different coffins over a three week period... yuck!
Seriously, we learned about the history of the time and our 14th president. We did have a lot of questions (why did Lincoln change VPs in his second term?) but unless you are a history teacher or working on your Masters in Lincolnolgy, you will be satisfied with the quantity and quality of information on display.
Oh yeah, the gift shop is nice except for the one odd, tacky item - clackety-head-Lincoln-on-a-stick. -
Review from Chris W.
Burr Ridge, IL
8/21/2010 1 Check-in Here
One word: SPECTACULAR.
This museum is simply magnificent. It portrays the life and experiences of Abraham Lincoln in such life-like detail that you will walk away stunned. It is amazing how artfully constructed the entire museum is.
Everyone will learn something new from the wonderful exhibits on display and be moved as well. The layout is wonderful with 2 main wings. The first for his life before becoming president and the second for his life as president. They are both incredible.
The museum itself is very clean and modern. The gift shop is huge with much to choose from. The admission price is $12 for adults which is definitely reasonable for this gem.
I would strongly advise anyone to come here and take in the life of one of our most accomplished presidents.
GO! -
Review from J M.
Auburn, AL
1/18/2008
This place must be terrific for kids; for adults, it is ok. The wax statues took me back to my teenage years in Florida, when each time family from out of state came to visit, we'd have to take them to Disney World. The museum has plenty of authentic stuff too, and it is always interesting to see the objects that fascinating people like Lincoln kept nearby, like glasses, pens, and everyday stuff like that.
David and I both thought that some of the exhibits contained too many vocal tracks, making it difficult to make out what was being said. As for the content, I think the museum could stand a bit more depth, but like I said, maybe it is perfect for kids (not having any kids myself, I'm not sure how much detail the little ones can stand; I suppose it depends on the kid). That said, perhaps I'm a shunner of historical detail myself; my favorite part of the museum was the animation "The Civil War in 4 Minutes"--essentially an animated map of the states that shows the battles, the shifting, North and South boundaries, and the huge death toll. Very well done.
Oh, one more thing, the gift shop has lots of overpriced stuff of course, like any museum gift shop, but I found nifty t-shift for $10. Not bad. BTW, Lincoln's house and a bunch of other Lincoln sites are close by, so you can totally get your Lincoln freak on in this town. (But if you can't get to Springfield from Chicago but want a Lincoln fix, I recommend Ottawa, IL, the site of the Lincoln-Douglas debate.) -
Review from Matt W.
Troy, MI
4/24/2011
This place is awesome. My favorite part was seeing the old editorial cartoons comparing Abe Lincoln to a monkey. It reminded me of George Bush.
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Review from Michael M.
Chicago, IL
6/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
I was shocked by how much I enjoyed the Lincoln Museum. I guess this was partially due to the fact that I had no idea about it before we walked in. The museum is an amazing multimedia experience detailing every aspect of Lincoln's life. Any tourist in Springfield should make this there first stop, not only because it is such an amazing place but also for a better understanding of the chronology of Lincoln's life as you visit other sites throughout the city. Whatever you do make sure to see the "Ghosts of the Library" show at the museum. It will blow your mind. (One more tip: make sure to check in on Foursquare for a 10% discount in the gift shop. My wife is a history teacher so we made sure to make use of that!)
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Review from Barbara P.
Santa Rosa, CA
4/18/2009
This museum is impressive - educational, entertaining, and thought provoking all in one - they did a great job.
Two shows in the theaters were fun as well as educational - your seat shook as guns exploded & ghosts of Lincoln era people flew above your head.
The price was right at $10 pp - well worth it. Be sure to give yourself ample time to savor the experience. -
Review from Andre E.
9/6/2009
Hey look two words for you "simply marvelous" this is one of the best museums on earth. Look if you are not coming to Springfield to see the museum then i don't know really why u would come to the town. It is quite simply the most impressive structure in the whole town.
The wife and i spent labor day weekend down there and the visit to the museum was the highlight of the weekend. We got free tickets first of all through our hotel.. the staff was entertaining and first class. The exhibits were spectacular, informational, informative, educational, and very well done.
A must see and do are the "Ghosts In The Library" tour which is in a word....AWESOME....and the theatre show called "The Eyes of Lincoln" these again are must do events. Trust me by the end of this entire experience you will have been totally entertained and you will have memories of this place that will last a lifetime. -
Review from Jessica H.
Springfield, MO
8/5/2011
This is the perfect tour for the family with kids in the age range of 6-12. The only thing that is not free is the parking ($2) and the anything in the gift shop. It took us approximately an hour for the tour of Abe Lincoln's home and to watch the re-enactment video in the museum. I highly recommend taking this tour as we felt it was perfect... not overly done, not too long and it was free.
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Review from John M.
Chicago, IL
7/15/2011
I read recently that the Abraham Lincoln Museum has had over two million visitors. I am not surprised as it is truly an awesome place that has taken advantage of modern technology. Not only are the exhibits at the museum interactive and cool but they have some amazing shows. I can say enough about the quality of the museum and its universal appeal to anyone young or old.
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Review from Isabelle L.
Wheeling, IL
4/15/2011
This is really a must see museum about President Lincoln. The displays and movies are short and sweet and perfect to give you an unbiased view of the man, his life and his time in our US history. Making a detour by Springfield just for the museum is worth it. $12 entrance fee or become a member for $70 (4 people admitted per membership) which is a great way to support the museum and you'll get some benefits countrywide at a bunch of other places.
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Review from Laura H.
Washington, DC
10/5/2006
The new-ish Lincoln Museum is definitely a must visit if you are in the Springfield area.
I went last night after work with a couple of coworkers and it exceeded all of our expectations. There are two "shows," and I would definitely recommend going to both of them. Both shows/presentations had some pretty neat special effects, and one of my coworkers was clinging to me when the "cannons" were going off during a civil war scene.
Aside from the presentations, there are several displays of Lincoln memorabilia and a travelling exhibit of dresses of the First Ladies (which I coincidentally had seen in D.C. last summer).
We spent two and a half hours browsing, and didn't even get to see it all! I highly recommend this museum. Note: Wednesday is the only night during the week that the museum stays open late. -
Review from John R.
Chicago, IL
10/4/2010
OK - This museum is awesome. The technology is cool. The exhibits are REALLY interesting. Remember all of those museums where it just seems like someone stuck a bunch of somewhat-related stuff on the walls. These exhibits blow those away, schwarzenegger-style. This museum makes Springfield worth a weekend trip.
It isn't the biggest museum. But, that was actually refreshing. Do you also remember those totally overwhelming museum (I'm looking at you Field Museum). You could actually see everything here. And it was so great I actually did see everything.
