President Lincoln’s Cottage offers a unique and historic setting for both private and corporate events. Whatever your event needs, our site provides a variety of options for indoor and outdoor accommodations that enable you to provide a memorable and meaningful experience for your guests. Ample, free on-site parking is available and are fully handicap-accessible. See what makes President Lincoln’s Cottage an award-winning event space.
Built in 1842, this Gothic Revival-style mansion was a treasured sanctuary for President Abraham Lincoln and his family from 1862 to 1864. He spent a quarter of his presidency in residence here and made momentous decisions that defined his presidency—including drafting the Emancipation Proclamation.
This inspiring home features handsome original woodwork, marble fireplaces, an inviting veranda, and expansive green lawns bordered by impressive trees, including a large Osage orange and magnolia. Our spaces can easily accommodate intimate nuptials as well as large receptions.
All event packages include:
Our spaces are ADA accessible. Rental blocks include setup and breakdown time—in most cases resulting in two hours of setup and one hour of breakdown. The Robert H. Smith Visitor Education Center and exhibits remain open for guests to enjoy at their leisure.
Cottage Cocktails and Lawn – Our most popular option!
After a seated ceremony on the serene South Lawn of President Lincoln’s Cottage, guests will enjoy sipping cocktails throughout the first floor of this historic home.
Your guests will then be invited to an evening of an outdoor dinner and dancing under a tent on one of our lawns.
Capacity: North Lawn 100 Guests / Visitor Center Lawn 350 Guests
Cottage First Floor
Ideal for receptions of up to 200 guests and seated dinners of up to 120 guests, the First Floor features the inviting drawing room, dining room, parlor, library, veranda, and adjoining outdoor spaces. The mature magnolia, beautiful landscaping, and vista provide a setting of which even the discerning Mary Lincoln would approve.
Following a seated ceremony on the expansive South Lawn, guests may enjoy drinks from an outdoor bar, roam the rooms of this historic house, and enjoy an enchanting dinner inside or under the stars.
Capacity: 200 Reception / 120 Seated Dinner (note – not all seating will be in one room)
For seated dinner with full room sightlines, maximum of 100 guests.
The Emancipation Experience
President Lincoln developed the Emancipation Proclamation during his first summer in residence at the Cottage. Connect your event with this defining moment in history with the Emancipation Experience. Your guests will engage with our team to explore Lincoln’s private life, presidency, and path to Emancipation. During cocktails on the first floor, our interpretive staff will be on hand to answer questions and share stories of Lincoln’s time here with guests. Dinner is served in the largest room on the second floor, where Lincoln spent much of his time drafting the Emancipation Proclamation.
Capacity: 60 Seated Dinner
We offer private site visits with our dedicated Events Manager. Come see what the Cottage is all about! Email [email protected] to schedule your visit today.
