Travel Illinois: Lincoln Memorial Garden and Nature Center in Springfield

Lincoln Memorial Garden is 100 acres of restored woodland and prairie landscape with six miles of hiking trails on the shore of Lake Springfield in central Illinois. Founded in 1936, the purpose of Lincoln Memorial Garden is to honor President Abraham Lincoln with a restoration and refuge of the prairie landscape that surrounded him for most of his life. Designed by Danish-born Jan Jensen, Lincoln Memorial Garden is a haven for native plants and animals of Illinois.

When to Go
Lincoln Memorial Garden is open daily, year-round, from sunrise to sunset. Because of the changing landscape, each season offers a unique experience in the garden and special events are held throughout the year. Besides making a special trip to attend these events, anytime is perfect for wandering the six miles of woodchip covered trails, observing the animal and plant life, or resting and reflecting from one of the benches placed along the trails.

From 2011 through 2013, the garden will celebrate its 75^th anniversary with special anniversary events and ceremonies. Visit the Lincoln Memorial Garden 75^th anniversary web page for information about scheduled events.

Don't Miss
The Historic Chinquapin Oak was recognized by the National Arborist Association and the International Society of Aboriculture with a plaque certifying its existence in Lincoln Memorial Garden at the time of the signing of the U.S. Constitution.

Council rings, large stone rings positioned along some of the paths, were included by designer Jan Jensen to encourage gatherings in the garden.

At the Nature Center pick up a color brochure and map of the gardens and visit the Split Rail Gift Shop for hand-crafted items and books on Illinois nature and wildlife.

Further Details
Admission and parking at Lincoln Memorial Garden is free. Some trails are accessible to persons with disabilities. Pets are not allowed in the garden, nor is the removal of any living material, including leaves and plants. Picnicking is discouraged, although individuals and families are allowed to bring a sack lunch.


Find more information at the garden's official website www.lincolnmemorialgarden.org .



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