This year marks the Lincoln bicentennial anniversary of the 16th President’s birth in Kentucky, making it a great time to visit Lincoln Homestead State Park in Springfield. While you’re in the general area, swing by the Jefferson Davis State Park in Hopkinsville for a different perspective of the War Between the States, where you can view a monument to the Confederate President built on his birth site.
General Info: The commonwealth of Kentucky has an interesting role in Civil War history: both the Confederate President and the Union President were born within its borders just eight months apart, less than 100 miles away.
Jefferson Davis State Park features a 351-ft.-tall concrete obelisk monument to the statesmen, set on solid Kentucky limestone on the site where he was born. Construction of the monument started in 1917 and was completed in 1924. It is the largest concrete obelisk in the world, with a base width of 35’x 35’ tapering up to 2’x 2’ at the tip. As you’ll recall from history class, Jefferson Davis is best known for being President of the Confederacy; however, he was also known as a Mexican War hero, Mississippi Senator and Secretary of War under Franklin Pierce. Learn more about Jefferson Davis and the memorial.
Hours and Fees: Jefferson Davis S.P. grounds are open year round, but the monument and visitor center are open daily only between June 1 through October 31 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Download a PDF map of the Davis grounds. Lincoln Homestead S.P. is open from May 1 through October 31 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The gift shop in the cluster of cabins is open from May 1 through September 1. General admission to all Kentucky State Parks is free, although nominal entrance fees are charged for viewing the homes at the Lincoln Homestead park. Download a PDF map of the Lincoln grounds.
Pets: State Park policy allows leashed pets in park campgrounds and on many trails, but does not permit them at any lodges or cottages. For more specific information, call the Jefferson Davis park office at 270-889-6100, or the Lincoln Homestead park office at 859-336-7461.
The RV campground features paved sites and roads with long, level pull-thrus (24’x 60’) in a wooded setting. Back-in sites measure 28’x 48’. Full hookups are provided at 230 sites, of which many also have telephone/modem hookups. Free WiFi Internet access is available throughout the park so you can surf the web without leaving your camper. The park provides bath houses and a laundry facility for your convenience, in addition to a dump station and public phone. Firewood and LP gas are availableYour leashed pets are welcome to camp with you as long as you take care of waste clean-up and disposal. Nightly rates are $30 for 30 amp power and $40 for 50 amp power. The campground is open all year and no reservations are required.
Weather: Expect warm temperatures in the low-mid 80s with humid air in summer. Summertime lows average in the 60s.
If you’re from the Bluegrass State or have visited either of these historic state parks in the past, please chime in with your stories and tips! Your insights can help others have a fantastic trip.