Signature Events

Meet the Lincolns at historic sites throughout the city. Enjoy historic portrayals at locations such as the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, the Lincoln Herndon Law Office, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, and the Lincoln Tomb. Listen to Lincoln deliver some of his most famous speeches at the Lincoln Depot, and enjoy live music and an ice cream social at Edwards Place.

You’ll have a front row seat as Civil War battles rage all weekend long. Armies of both the Union and the Confederacy will battle it out along the shores of lovely Lake Pittsfield. Explore the encampments surrounding the battlefield for a rare glimpse into the life of the soldiers, officers, doctors and others who served on the front lines of the War Between the States. Watch as the Infantry, Cavalry and Artillery conduct their practice drills. Witness a vintage baseball game, and talk with Lincoln, Grant and Lee. Plus, enjoy a ladies’ fashion show, children’s games and crafts, and be part of a Sunday morning period church service.

Step back in time to the 1800s at the Log Cabin Village. Learn how felt hats and rugs were made, what church was like, and visit with the ladies who will be having tea. Other activities  include wool spinning, chair caning, music and games. Food will be available for purchase, and stop by the Clat Adams cabin/store to see what’s new. Frontier Day is held on Quinsippi Island, just past All America Park.

On the 165th Anniversary of the famous Lincoln-Douglas Debate, Jonesboro will be celebrating the event at Lincoln Memorial Park. The program will include a 21-gun and cannon salute by the Long Knives Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, and a minute of bell-ringing to mark the occasion. Guest soloists and speakers will present an intriguing program, and essay content winners will be asked to read their entries. Children’s games, music, and food begin at 4:30 pm, with the program commencing at 09/165:30 pm. This event is a great opportunity to explore this beautiful, but often overlooked part of Illinois.

Come celebrate the arrival of autumn at the Harvest Frolic. The event is free and open to the public. Don’t miss experiencing 19th-century life on the farm. Activities will take place at both the Lincoln and Sargent farms and will include children’s games, crafts, hearth cooking, and activities. A number of artisans will be on site demonstrating their crafts including, spinning, pottery, broommaking, blacksmithing, embroidery, and many other 19th-century crafts.