Lincoln State Park sits directly across Highway 162 from Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial, yet most skip it. While there is no living historical farm, this park is over 1,700 acres of rolling southern Indiana forest, a 1935 CCC fire tower you can climb, the church where the Lincoln family worshipped, and grave of Abraham’s sister Sarah, and 10 miles of trails.

It is a great natural complement to the national memorial across the street, and together they make a great half-day trip. My wife and I visited in May of 2026. This guide covers everything you need to know before your trip.

Is Lincoln State Park Worth Visiting?

Yes, especially as part of a Lincoln Country day trip when paired with Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial next door. As a standalone stop, it’s a solid state park. The trails are well-maintained, it is historical, and you can climb the CCC fire tower. The park is quiet on weekdays, and it pairs perfectly with the national memorial.

Quick Facts

Location: Lincoln City, IN

Time Needed: 1-4 hours

Best For: Hikers, history enthusiasts, families, campers, Lincoln road-trippers

Don’t Miss: The CCC fire tower and the lake trail

Best Time to Visit: April-May and September-October

Hours: Year-round, dawn to dusk

Daily Admission: $15/vehicle out of state, $7/vehicle in-state

Official Website: in.gov/dnr — Lincoln State Park

Overview Of Lincoln State Park

Lincoln State Park is a 1,747-acre park established in 1932 as a memorial to Nancy Hanks Lincoln, Abraham’s mother. It features 10 miles of hiking trails, rolling hills, and two lakes. This park sits directly across Highway 162 from Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial, and it preserves many of the sites Lincoln knew as a boy, including the church his family attended and the grave of his sister.

The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was instrumental in establishing the park’s facilities during the Great Depression, including Lake Lincoln, the lakeside shelter, and many of the trails. Much of what we can enjoy today like the fire tower, trails, and lake infrastructure have CCC origins, giving the park an additional layer of history.

Historical Context

While Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial focuses on Abraham Lincoln’s home life, Lincoln State Park preserves many of the broader community sites that shaped his youth.

The Little Pigeon Creek community where the Lincoln family settled in 1816 included the church, mill, neighbors, and merchants whose lives intersected with Abraham Lincoln’s, Several of these sites are preserved within the park boundaries today.

The Little Pigeon Creek Baptist Church and Cemetery onsite is where Lincoln’s older sister Sarah was buried. Sarah Lincoln Grisby, Abraham’s older sister and close companion during the Indiana years, died in 1828 while giving childbirth at just 21 years old.

Lincoln State Park also contains the home site of James Gentry, the merchant for whom Abraham made his flatboat trip to New Orleans. This journey was Abe’s first real glimpse of the world outside of Kentucky and Indiana and was his first direct encounter with the slave trade. It was a formative experience in shaping his moral opposition to slavery.

Best Things to Do at Lincoln State Park

• Climb the CCC Fire Tower. The fire tower, built by the CCC in 1935, is accessible off of a short side loop from the Lake Trail. The stairs are steep and can be slippery, but the view from the top is said to be the best you can get in this corner of Indiana.
• Hike the Lake Trail. The Lake Trail is the park’s signature hike, circling the shore of Lake Lincoln. It passes the fire tower and returns via the dam to the beach area. The tightest loop is 2.1 miles, but there are options to extend it.
• Visit Little Pigeon Creek Baptist Church and Sarah Lincoln’s grave. This is accessible via the Mr. Lincoln’s Neighborhood Walk (Trail 5) and is the most historically significant site within the park. Abraham and Thomas Lincoln helped build the original church, and Sarah Lincoln Grisby’s grave is in the adjacent cemetery.
• Tour the Colonel Jones Home. The restored Federal-style home of Civil War officer William Jones is one of the best preserved structures from the Lincoln era nearby. Jones employed Lincoln at his store, and tours are offered seasonally. Call the park office for current schedules.
• Swim at Lake Lincoln. When the lake is open, this is one of the best swimming holes in southern Indiana. Lake Lincoln is currently closed for swimming but may reopen next year. It was closed for dam repairs and is refilling, so the swimming beach and boat rental will remain closed for the foreseeable future in 2026.
• Fish at Lake Lincoln. When the lake is open, fish for largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish. Boat rentals are available seasonally. Fishing may be possible from the shore as the lake refills, but check with the park office.

Climbing the CCC Fire Tower

The 1935 CCC Fire Tower is Lincoln State Park’s most unique attraction. Originally built to spot wildfires, it is one of the few historic fire towers in Indiana that visitors can still climb today.

A short side trail off the Lake Trail leads to the tower. The stairs are steep and exposed, so use caution, especially if you’re uncomfortable with heights. During our visit, some steps felt a little slippery, which convinced me to stop several landings short of the top.

If you’re willing to make the climb, you’ll be rewarded with one of the best views in this corner of Indiana. Even if you stay closer to the ground, the tower is worth a stop for its history and uniqueness.

Camping at Lincoln State Park

Lincoln State Park has one of the largest campgrounds in southern Indiana, offering both tent and RV sites in a wooded setting. Modern restrooms, showers, and other campground amenities make it a comfortable base for exploring the area.

The campground is conveniently located near Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial, Holiday World, and the park’s hiking trails. If you’re planning a summer visit or holiday weekend, reservations are recommended, as campsites can fill quickly.

For visitors wanting to combine outdoor recreation with Lincoln history, camping here is one of the best ways to experience the area.

Trails at Lincoln State Park

There are six named trails covering 10 miles of terrain. For a 1-2 hour visit, we recommend the Lake Trail and Mr. Lincoln’s Neighborhood Walk to cover a combination of scenery and history. Of course, you can combine multiple trails to extend your visit.

• Trail 1 – Lake Trail (1.5 miles, easy): This is the park’s most popular trail, starting at the CCC boat rental building and circling the south shore of Lake Lincoln. A side loop branches to the 1935 fire tower, which can be climbed for views.
• Trail 2 – John Carter Trail (2.1 miles, moderate): Names for a Lincoln family neighbor, this trail shows tall pines and an old strip mining area before connecting with Trail 1.
• Trail 3 – Sarah L. Grisby Trail (1.7 miles, moderate): This trail runs through the park’s most natural area, the Sarah Lincoln Woods Nature Preserve in the southern area of the park.
• Trail 4 – James Gentry Trail (3.7 miles, moderate): This is the park’s longest trail and passes through mature forest.
• Trail 5 – Mr. Lincoln’s Neighborhood Walk (1.0 miles, easy): This trail is the most historical, showing the Little Pigeon Primitive Baptist Church and the gravesite of Sarah Lincoln Grisby, as well as the Gordon Home and Gordon Mill sites.
• Trail 6 – Weber Lake Trail (1.8 miles, easy) – This trail connects Trail 4 to Weber Lake

Key Areas in Lincoln State Park

For a map of Lincoln State Park, check the park website: https://www.in.gov/dnr/state-parks/files/lincoln_trail.pdf

• Lake Lincoln – The park’s highlight, built by the CCC and surrounded by forested hills. The swimming beach is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day when water levels allow, and fishing is normally open year-round. Note: Lake Lincoln is drained for dam repairs, though it is slowly refilling. Check current conditions before visiting.
• The CCC Fire Tower – A 1935 fire lookout tower, now open to the public. Though climbing this very old tower is at your own risk, it offers the best elevated view of the park.
• Little Pigeon Creek Baptist Church and Cemetery — A restored church on the original site where the Lincoln family worshipped. It is accessed by Trail 5, and Sarah L. Grisby’s grave is in the adjacent cemetery.
• The Colonel Jones Home – The restored home of William Jones, Lincoln’s employer. Seasonal tours are available.
• Sarah Lincoln Woods Nature Preserve – The southernmost part of the park, with pristine forest.
• Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Plaza – A public plaza honoring the 200^th birthday of President Lincoln and his boyhood years in Indiana.

Our Experience at Lincoln State Park

Lincoln State Park was a surprise: we didn’t have it planned or know of its existence until we were leaving Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial across the street. My wife and I saw the entrance and knew we had to stop in.

Honestly, the entrance fee was also a surprise. Given that all of the National Park Sites in the area (Lincoln Boyhood NM, George Rogers Clark NHS, and Abraham Lincoln Birthplace NHS) are all free, we did not expect to be charged $15 for entry to an Indiana state park. For reference, we are local to Blue Spring State Park (commonly ranked as one of the top 20 state parks in the country), and the entry fee is only $6.

Our first stop was directly after the guard shack at the Lincoln Bicentennial Plaza. It was incredibly well done, and we enjoyed reading the Gettysburg Address while looking at the bronze bust of Lincoln. My wife’s favorite part was the semicircle showing how tall Lincoln was throughout his early years. You can stand next to the structure and see how you compare. 6.5-foot-tall Lincoln had us both beat in height.

We drove by the church and saw a deer in the parking lot. Given that our time here was limited, we pressed on to the Lake Trail. The water was very low, and there were signs of construction by the dam.

The low water was a bummer, but the lake was still pretty, as was the surrounding forest. We took a detour to the fire tower, which was a somewhat significant incline. Reaching the fire tower I began to climb. I wanted to climb it, but my wife wanted me not to, so I just climbed to the second or third landing. Honestly, the stairs were a little sketchy, as they were slippery and bowed as I stepped on them.

We continued around the lake and met a couple walking with a young puppy. After we played with him, we saw the beach. I thought that the no lifeguard on duty sign was kind of funny, given that there was only half a lake. We blew out dandelions and made it over to the car in time to catch dinner with family. Our total time in the park was around an hour and a half.

Don’t Make Our Mistake

We came to Lincoln State Park on a whim and did not know that the lake was closed and being drained for repairs. Given that we did not know of the existence of the lake before learning that it was closed for swimming, this was not a big loss to us. If you plan to swim, make sure that you check on the current status with the park office.

Also, note that this park is located in the Central Time Zone, which is different from some of the surrounding cities.

What We Would Do Differently

We would spend more time in the park to cover more trails. Southern Indiana has pretty woods and it would be great to see more of them.

How To Visit in 1-4 Hours

• 1 hour: Check out the Bicentennial Plaza, drive to the Lake Trail trailhead, walk to the trail, and enjoy the views.
• 2 hours: Add a side loop to the fire tower, then add Mr. Lincoln’s Neighborhood Walk to the church and Sarah Lincoln’s grave. Total hiking is just over a 5k.
• 3-4 hours: Add a stop at Colonel Jones house (if they are operating seasonal tours), picnic at a shelter, and hike an additional trail or two.

If You Only Do One Thing

Hike the Lake Trail to the CCC fire tower. Climb the whole thing, or compromise with your spouse and climb halfway. If you are scared, maybe don’t climb it at all. The fire tower and the Lake Trail were the highlights for me at this park.

Make sure you visit Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial while you are in this neck of the woods.

Where to Eat Near Lincoln State Park

There are no food options inside the park, and Lincoln City is small. Your best bets are Santa Claus and Dale, 5-8 miles away.

• Darlena’s Lincolnland Restaurant – The most thematically accurate pick with homestyle breakfast and lunch
• Santa Claus Brewing Co. — A local craft brewery and casual restaurant in Santa Claus
• Jimador Bar & Grill — A full-menu Mexican restaurant in Dale
• Jenk’s Pizza (Dale) — A local pizza favorite in Dale

Where to Stay Near Lincoln State Park

The closest and most immersive choice is camping at the Lincoln State Park Campground.

Other nearby options are:

• Quality Inn & Suites, Rockport — About 20 minutes south on the Ohio River Scenic Byway
• Baymont Inn and Suites / Motel 6, Dale — About eight miles north in Dale
• Holiday World Area Hotels, Santa Claus – Five miles east in Santa Claus

Our recommendation would be to stay in Jasper, which is a little more populated and has more options.

Tips For Visiting Lincoln State Park

• Download your maps ahead of time on AllTrails. Cell service is limited in parts of the park.
• Check Lake Lincoln’s current status before visiting if you plan to swim or boat. The lake drained for dam repairs, check in.gov/dnr for updates before your visit.
• Make sure to use extreme caution when climbing the fire tower. It can be dangerous if you are not paying attention.
• The park is in the Central Time Zone.
• Pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash.
• The Colonel Jones Home is open seasonally with interpreter-led tours. Call the park office at (812) 937-4710 to confirm current tour availability before visiting.
• Combine with Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial across the street for the full Lincoln experience.

When to Visit Lincoln State Park

The park is open year-round, dawn to dusk. The gatehouse is staffed during normal park hours. Some facilities (swimming beach, boat rentals, Colonel Jones Home tours, campground facilities) are seasonal — generally Memorial Day through Labor Day.

We recommend visiting just after Memorial Day or just before Labor Day. Spring and fall both make for pretty woods, and the swimming beach should be open if the lake level is restored.

Winter visits are peaceful and the bare forest opens up views.

Always check the Lincoln State Park website at in.gov/dnr/state-parks/parks-lakes/lincoln-state-park/ or call for the most up-to-date information.

What to Bring to Lincoln State Park

• Hiking shoes
• Water
• Downloaded trail maps
• Bug spray/sunscreen in summer
• Camera
• Picnic if you want to eat in the park

Fees & Reservations

Day use vehicle fee: $15 for out-of-state or $7 for Indiana residents per vehicle. Exact fees subject to change — verify at the gatehouse or online.

Camping and cabin reservations: Book through the Indiana DNR reservation system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lincoln State Park worth visiting?

Yes, especially when combined with Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial. The park offers hiking, Lincoln history, a climbable fire tower, and one of the best outdoor experiences in southern Indiana.

How long does it take to visit Lincoln State Park?

Most visitors spend 1–3 hours exploring the Lake Trail, fire tower, and historical sites. Visitors planning longer hikes or camping may spend a full day.

Can you climb the fire tower?

Yes. The historic CCC fire tower is open to visitors, though the stairs are steep and can feel slippery. Use caution while climbing.

Is the fire tower safe to climb?

Somewhat. The steps are steep, and the structure is old, so use caution with very young children or if you have mobility concerns.

Does Lincoln State Park have cabins?

Yes. Lincoln State Park offers cabin accommodations and a campground. Reservations are recommended during peak travel seasons.

Are Lincoln State Park and Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial the same place?

No — they’re two separate parks directly across Highway 162 from each other in Lincoln City. Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial (free, NPS) has the Visitor Center, farm, and Nancy Lincoln’s grave. Lincoln State Park (Indiana DNR, vehicle fee required) has the trails, fire tower, Lake Lincoln, Sarah Lincoln’s grave, and the church. Most visitors do both in the same half-day.

Can you swim at Lincoln State Park?

Normally yes — the swimming beach on Lake Lincoln is open Memorial Day through Labor Day. However, Lake Lincoln is currently drained for dam repairs in 2025. Check current conditions at in.gov/dnr before your visit.

How hard are the trails?

Most trails are rated easy to moderate — rolling forest hills, gravel or packed dirt surfaces, no significant technical terrain. The fire tower side loop off the Lake Trail involves a steeper climb but is short. Trail 4 (James Gentry Trail at 3.7 miles) is the most demanding option.

Is the park dog-friendly?

Yes. Leashed pets are welcome throughout the park, including on trails.

Conclusion

Lincoln State Park is the quieter complement to the National Memorial across the street, and it contains the church his family helped to build as well as his sister’s grave and the home of the man who employed him as a young man. The trails traverse the same forested hills Abraham roamed as a boy, and the CCC additions add a layer to the history.

If you’re already at Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial, you might as well cross the road and take a hike at Lincoln State Park.

Other Sights Near Lincoln State Park

Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial (across the street) – the 200-acre homestead where Abraham Lincoln grew from a 7-year-old boy to a 21-year-old man. It features the gravesite of his mother, Nancy Hanks Lincoln, a working 1820s living historical farm, and museum exhibits detailing his formative frontier years. (See our full guide to Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial for details).

Lincoln Pioneer Village & Museum, Rockport (30 minutes south): Thirteen Lincoln-era replica log cabins assembled in Rockport tell the story of frontier Indiana life.

Santa Claus, Indiana (5 miles east): A fun contrast to a day of historical reflection.

George Rogers Clark National Historical Park, Vincennes, IN(63 miles northwest): The free national park honoring the Revolutionary War hero who secured the Northwest Territory (See our full guide to George Rogers Clark National Historical Park for details.)

Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park, Hodgenville, KY (117 miles southeast): The site of Lincoln’s birth, with the neoclassical First Lincoln Memorial, the symbolic birth cabin, Sinking Spring, and the Knob Creek boyhood unit. Combining Lincoln Boyhood Indiana with the Kentucky Birthplace site makes for a definitive two-park Lincoln road trip through his earliest years. (See our full guide to Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park for details.)