Lincoln Memorial Garden & Nature Center

The Lincoln Memorial Garden and Nature Center, located in Springfield, Illinois, is a 100-acre woodland and prairie garden dedicated to preserving the natural landscape that Abraham Lincoln would have known. Designed by the renowned Prairie School landscape architect Jens Jensen, the garden was established in the 1930s as a living memorial to Lincoln. The site includes two main sections: the 63-acre Jensen section, which borders Lake Springfield, and the 29-acre Ostermeier Prairie Center, which showcases restored tallgrass prairies. These are complemented by an additional 19 acres of buffer properties.

The garden features six miles of interconnected trails that meander through natural woodlands, wetlands, and prairie landscapes. Trails are surfaced with wood chips or grass, and benches bearing inspirational quotes from Lincoln are scattered throughout for rest and reflection. A picturesque pond, footbridges, and eight stone council rings add to the serene ambiance. The council rings, a signature element of Jensen’s designs, provide seating for gatherings and offer views of Lake Springfield. Visitors can also find a half-mile accessible trail at the Ostermeier Prairie Center, which winds through prairie grasses and around a small pond.

The Nature Center on-site serves as an educational hub. It houses interactive exhibits, including a super microscope for children, and offers space for workshops and programs. Visitors can also explore the Split Rail Gift Shop, which sells handcrafted items, gardening books, and seasonal decorations. The garden hosts year-round educational programs and events for both children and adults, and admission is free except during special events.

Plantings in the garden include species native to Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky, reflecting the states where Lincoln lived. These include white oaks, sugar maples, dogwoods, and prairie grasses such as big bluestem. The combination of natural beauty, historical context, and conservation education makes Lincoln Memorial Garden a cherished retreat for locals and visitors alike.