Lincoln State Park sits directly across State Road 162 from Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial, yet most visitors skip it. While there is no living historical farm, the park has 1,747 acres of rolling southern Indiana forest, a 1935 CCC fire tower you can climb, the church where the Lincoln family worshipped, the grave of Abraham’s sister Sarah, and six hiking 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 paired with Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial next door. As a standalone stop, it’s a solid state park. The trails are well maintained, the history is real, and you can climb the CCC fire tower. The park is quiet on weekdays. Just know that Lake Lincoln, normally the centerpiece, is still refilling after dam repairs.
Who Should Visit Lincoln State Park (and Who Should Skip It)
Visit if you’re already at Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial or on a southern Indiana and Kentucky road trip, you want an easy 1–2 hour hike with some history, you like old CCC structures like the fire tower, or you want a big, wooded campground near Holiday World.
Skip it if your main goal is a beach day (the swim beach is closed until Lake Lincoln refills), you only have time for one Lincoln site (pick the national memorial and its living historical farm), or you’re uncomfortable on steep, exposed stairs and were mostly coming for the fire tower view.
Quick Facts
Location: 15476 N. County Road 300 E, Lincoln City, IN 47552 (entrance on SR 162)
Time Needed: 1-4 hours
Best For: Hikers, history enthusiasts, families, campers, Lincoln road-trippers
Don’t Miss: The CCC fire tower, Sarah Lincoln Grigsby’s grave, and the Bicentennial Plaza
Best Time to Visit: April-May and September-October
Hours: Year-round, dawn to dusk
Time Zone: Central
Daily Admission: $15/vehicle out of state, $7/vehicle in-state
Official Website: in.gov/dnr — Lincoln State Park
Know Before You Go
- Lake Lincoln is still refilling. Indiana DNR drained the lake starting July 7, 2025, for dam repairs. The beach and boat rentals stayed closed in 2026, and there’s no reopening date yet. Check the dam repair page before you go.
- The Lake Trail’s dam crossing has been closed during construction, so you may not be able to finish the full loop.
- It’s on Central Time. Spencer County runs an hour behind Jasper and Louisville, which caught us off guard.
- Out-of-state cars pay $15. Indiana plates pay $7. The national memorial across the street is free.
- The fire tower stairs are steep and can be slippery. Climbing is at your own risk.
- Don’t drink the lake water. Indiana DNR posts a year-round blue-green algae advisory for its lakes.
- Cell service is spotty. Download a trail map before you arrive.
Overview Of Lincoln State Park
Lincoln State Park was established in 1932 as a memorial to Nancy Hanks Lincoln, Abraham’s mother. It has six hiking trails, rolling hills, and two lakes: Lake Lincoln and the smaller Weber Lake. The park 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) built much of the park during the Great Depression, including Lake Lincoln, the lakeside shelter, the fire tower, and many of the trails. That gives the park a second layer of history on top of the Lincoln story.
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 today.
Little Pigeon Baptist Church and Cemetery is where Lincoln’s older sister Sarah is buried. Sarah Lincoln Grigsby, Abraham’s older sister and close companion during the Indiana years, died in childbirth in 1828 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. That journey was Abe’s first real glimpse of the world outside Kentucky and Indiana and his first direct encounter with the slave trade, 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.
- Camp. The park has 269 campsites, family cabins, and group cottages.
- 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. Indiana DNR plans to restock largemouth bass, bluegill, and redear sunfish in fall 2026 and channel catfish in 2027.
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.
Is the Lincoln State Park Beach Open?
No. As of October 19, 2026, the Lake Lincoln swim beach is closed while the lake refills after dam repairs, and Indiana DNR hasn’t announced a reopening date. The park began draining the lake on July 7, 2025, lowering it more than 20 feet, and said the beach and boat rentals would stay closed “for the foreseeable future in 2026.” Even the planned Memorial Day 2026 opening was called off because of low water.
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Status (October 2026) | Closed; lake still refilling |
| Normal season | Saturday before Memorial Day through Labor Day |
| Normal hours | Dawn to dusk |
| Lifeguards | None; swim at your own risk |
| Boat rentals | Closed with the beach (canoes, paddleboats, rowboats when open) |
| Next possible opening | Memorial Day weekend 2027, if the lake has refilled |
The season and hours above come from the park’s trail map. Call 812-937-4710 or check the Indiana DNR dam repair page before you plan a beach day.
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
Lincoln State Park has six trails. For a 1–2 hour visit, we recommend the Lake Trail plus Mr. Lincoln’s Neighborhood Walk for a mix of scenery and history.
| Trail | Miles | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 – Lake Trail | 1.5 | Easy | South shore of Lake Lincoln, fire tower side loop, dam (crossing closed during construction) |
| 2 – John Carter Trail | 2.1 | Moderate | Tall pines and an old strip mine area; crosses SR 162 toward Lincoln Boyhood |
| 3 – Sarah L. Grigsby Trail | 1.7 | Moderate | Sarah Lincoln Woods Nature Preserve; steep slopes |
| 4 – James Gentry Trail | 3.7 | Moderate | Longest trail; mature forest to the Gentry home site |
| 5 – Mr. Lincoln’s Neighborhood Walk | 1.0 | Easy | Little Pigeon church, Sarah Lincoln Grigsby’s grave, Gorden mill and home sites |
| 6 – Weber Lake Trail | 1.8 | Easy | Old Troy–Gentryville road to Weber Lake |
Mileages are from the Indiana DNR trail map and brochure. The park website lists Trail 5 at 1.7 miles and moderate, so expect some variation. With the dam crossing closed, Indiana DNR says you can still reach Trail 3 from Trail 1 as a roughly 4.7-mile round trip. Bicycles aren’t allowed on hiking trails. Download the official trail map before you go.
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
| Area | What’s There |
|---|---|
| Lake Lincoln | The CCC-built lake at the heart of the park, with the beach, boat rental building, and Lake Trail. Refilling after dam repairs |
| CCC Fire Tower | 1935 lookout on a side loop off the Lake Trail; climb at your own risk |
| Little Pigeon Baptist Church and Cemetery | Church on the site where the Lincolns worshipped, with Sarah Lincoln Grigsby’s grave; reached by Trail 5 |
| Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Plaza | Just past the gatehouse; honors Lincoln’s 200th birthday and his Indiana boyhood |
| Sarah Lincoln Woods Nature Preserve | The wildest part of the park, on Trail 3 |
| Colonel Jones Home | Restored Federal-style home of Lincoln’s employer, about 2 miles west in Gentryville |
| Campgrounds | 269 sites across several loops, plus family cabins and the Pine Hills group cottages |
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. Our lunch in Jasper was on Eastern Time, which made our Lincoln City afternoon run late.
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, especially the Sarah Lincoln Woods Nature Preserve on Trail 3.
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 — 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. Spring and fall bring the prettiest woods and mild hiking weather, and winter visits are peaceful, with bare trees opening up the views. Some facilities are seasonal: the beach and bathhouse (when the lake is full) and camp store run Memorial Day to Labor Day, and the nature center is open five days a week in summer.
Once Lake Lincoln refills, early June or late August will be the sweet spot: the beach is open and the crowds are lighter than midsummer. Until then, I’d come in April–May or September–October for the trails and fire tower.
Winter visits are peaceful and the bare forest opens up views.
Always check the Lincoln State Park website or call 812-937-4710 for the latest.
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
| Entry | Price (as of October 2026) |
|---|---|
| Indiana vehicle | $7 per day |
| Out-of-state vehicle | $15 per day |
| Walk-in, bike, or horseback | $2 per person (age 5+) |
| Annual pass, Indiana resident | $50 |
| Annual pass, nonresident | $120 |
Daily fees apply every day, including holidays. See the Indiana DNR entrance fee page for passes and discounts.
Reservations: Day visits don’t need one. Book campsites and shelters at indianastateparks.reserveamerica.com and cabins at camp.in.gov.
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.
Is the Lincoln State Park beach open?
No. As of October 2026, the beach is closed while Lake Lincoln refills after dam repairs. When it’s open, the season runs from the Saturday before Memorial Day through Labor Day, dawn to dusk, with no lifeguards.
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.
How much does it cost to visit Lincoln State Park?
$7 per vehicle with Indiana plates or $15 for out-of-state vehicles, as of October 2026. Walk-ins and cyclists pay $2 per person.
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.
What are the best Lincoln State Park trails?
The 1.5-mile Lake Trail with its fire tower side loop and the 1-mile Mr. Lincoln’s Neighborhood Walk to Sarah Lincoln’s grave. For a longer hike, try the 3.7-mile James Gentry Trail.
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. And if you’re collecting parks across the country, it’s a worthy stop on the parksmaxxing list.
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 (104 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.)
Mammoth Cave National Park, Mammoth Cave, KY (111 miles southeast): The world’s longest known cave system. Book tours ahead of time!
For the full route, see our Southern Indiana & Kentucky road trip itinerary, which strings these stops together in 4–7 days.
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