A fun way to Look for Lincoln in the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area! The Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area was designated by Congress to preserve and tell the story of Abraham Lincoln's life and times. Did you know that as a National Heritage Area we work in partnership with National Park Service? We work with Lincoln Home National Historic Site to tell the story of Lincoln's life in Illinois throughout the 43 counties of the National Heritage Area.
Explore the communities where Lincoln lived, worked, and traveled through the Passport to Your National Parks program in the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area. Our program allows you to collect cancellation stamps at specific sites in participating Looking for Lincoln Communities, all while learning more about our 16th President.
The Passport to Your National Parks program is a voluntary program that nearly all parks within the National Park Service (NPS) participate. You can purchase an official NPS Passport book at several sites and begin recording your visits to NPS sites by stamping your passport with a rubber cancellation stamp. The cancellations, similar to those received in an international passport, record the name of the passport community and the date it was visited. The stamps also provide a record of your adventures.
Visitor Note: Passport stamps are free to collect at each location. For venues with an entry fee, the stamp will be available prior to entering the venue. Of course, you may want to further your adventures and expand your journey while you're there. Feel free to call ahead if you have questions.
Download the ALNHA Passport Stamp Locations Brochure
Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area Cancellation Stamp Locations
Passport Sites
Ottawa Visitor Center
1028 La Salle St. Ottawa, Illinois 61350
The Ottawa Visitors Center was established to serve the traveling public with information on lodging, attractions, events and tourism amenities.
The Ottawa Visitors Center provides the opportunity for many historical tours. On our mural tour you will see locations as well as hear stories about Abraham Lincoln during his many visits to Ottawa. Contact us to learn more!
Paris Carnegie Public Library
207 S. Main Street Paris, IL 61944 Paris, Illinois 61944
Paris Carnegie Public Library was established as a city library more than 117 years ago. The library has a passport stamp and an exhibit about Abraham Lincoln's connection to the community.
RiverBank Lodge
522 S. 6th Street Petersburg, Illinois 62675
Get your passport stamped in Petersburg! Riverbank Lodge is located near Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site and the Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish & Wildlife Area in Petersburg, Illinois.
Springfield Visitors Center
1 S Old State Capitol Plaza Springfield, Illinois 62701
Stop by to find all the information you need to help create your legendary experience in Springfield. One of our travel experts is available to help you with any of your questions. Parking passes are available for metered parking spaces – just ask! While you are there, be sure to see the installation of the Lincoln-Herndon Law Office as well as the U.S. Post Office, which was located in the building from 1841-1849. Located on the first floor of the Lincoln-Herndon Law Office across from the Old State Capitol.
Tanner Hall, Illinois College
1101 W. College Avenue Jacksonville, Illinois 62650
Tanner Hall is the main administration building for Illinois College. Public access is off College Avenue, or from the Campus Quad. Free parking is available on College Avenue or most streets onk all sides of campus. Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
The History Museum on the Square
332 Maine St. Quincy, Illinois 62301
The History Museum on the Square houses permanent and rotating installations and features displays and artifacts from the pioneer era through modern times. A unique feature of the historic structure is the large, three- story, circular corner tower which is connected to an elevated front center entrance. A sculpture garden on the grounds features significant architectural artifacts from Quincy buildings that are no longer in existence. Many of the permanent exhibits in the History Museum interpret the life and times of Abraham Lincoln.
The museum’s grounds, manicured and welcoming, are maintained by the Master Gardeners of University of Illinois Extension Unit 14 and feature well-placed pieces from the Gardner Museum’s Sculpture Garden.
The John Wood Memorial Plaza is located south of the Museum and is a tranquil landscaped patio area with engraved pavers and benches purchased by Society members. This beautiful space is fast-becoming a popular spot for receptions, lunches and weddings “near the Square.”
A stone drinking fountain on the west side of the building stands as a memorial to World War I Brigadier General Henry Root Hill.
US Army Corps of Engineers Lake Shelbyville Visitor's Center
1989 IL-16 Shelbyville, Illinois 62565
USACE Lake Shelbyville Visitor Center provides visitor information, exhibits and is also a passport stamp location.
Vandalia State House State Historic Site
315 W. Gallatin St. Vandalia, Illinois 62471
The Vandalia State House, the fourth Illinois statehouse, served as the capitol from 1836 until 1839 and is the oldest surviving capitol building in the state. The Vandalia State House is significant for its association with Abraham Lincoln, who served in the House of Representatives. In 1974 the State House was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Vermilion County Museum
116 N. Gilbert St. Danville, Illinois 61832
Opened in the spring of 2002, the museum center is a near replica of the 1833 county courthouse where Abraham Lincoln practiced law from 1841-1859. The museum center includes a Lincoln/Lamon law office recreation, among other Lin- coln memorabilia. The museum is housed on two floors (ADA accessible) and sits directly behind the Fithian Home.
William Watson Hotel (Mansion House)
105 East Washington Street Pittsfield, Illinois 62363
Built circa 1838
The hotel was built by William Watson one of the first settler’s in Pittsfield. Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas would gather in the lobby when they were in town. Later Watson would sell the hotel to Joel Pennington whose son Goyn became friends with John G. Nicolay. The hotel was a very active place. Rooms above with retail space below. By the late 1800s one could find lodging, a barber shop, blacksmith and tack shops.