Visit LaRue County

“I, too, am a Kentuckian.”
– Abraham Lincoln, born 12 Feb 1809, near Hodgenville, KY

That’s right, Abraham Lincoln, one of our nation’s greatest presidents, was born right here, on a small farm just outside of what is now Hodgenville.  In fact, it was here where his earliest memories were formed, and where he began shaping his life’s vision of what was possible – A vision that even today, continues to inspire others.  From his humble Kentucky beginnings, Abe Lincoln grew to become one of the best loved, most highly revered figures in American history.  Some would even call him the yardstick by which other statesmen are measured.  And throughout his too short life, he often looked back fondly on his Kentucky roots.

Learn About Lincoln

Today, the people of LaRue County are proud to celebrate the history, heritage and influence of Lincoln’s life by welcoming tens of thousands of visitors each year to our community.

We’d like to invite you to do the same.   While you’re here, you can visit the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park.  It includes two separate sites, Lincoln’s Birthplace and Lincoln’s Boyhood Home at Knob Creek.  Here, you can walk the trails and roam the same woods that young Abe explored as a boy.  You’ll also be able to climb the 56 steps, one for each year of Lincoln’s life, to the Memorial Building which houses a log cabin much like the one in which the future president was born, constructed from logs that are believed to have come from the original.  Finally, have a sip of water from Sinking Spring, the same spring from which the Lincoln family drew their water, and, learn about the great Boundary Oak.

The Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park is certainly a special place.  In fact, it has given LaRue County the opportunity to host some important dignitaries.  The Memorial was dedicated on November 9, 1911, with President William Howard Taft giving the dedication address. Nearly two years earlier, President Teddy Roosevelt came here to lay the cornerstone. Since then, countless visitors, from all walks of life, have come to pay homage and visit the birthplace of Lincoln — A great man, President and Kentuckian.

Discover Downtown

After your visit to the Park sites, you’ll definitely want to head to nearby downtown Hodgenville, to check out Kentucky’s official Lincoln Museum, which proudly tells the story and celebrates the history of a hometown boy who made his mark on the world.  It’s not to be missed!  As you come and go from the Museum, you’ll find yourself on our charming town square.  The park-like setting in the middle of the roundabout features two commemorative Lincoln statues.  One dedicated to celebrate the centennial of Lincoln’s birth and the second to celebrate the bicentennial of the same.  At the same time, you’ll be surrounded by historic buildings, including one of the only Post Offices in America that can receive local mail without use of a zip code.  Clearly a unique place!  Don’t forget to browse the interesting retail shops and have a tasty treat at one of our many locally owned eateries before you go.  And if your visit takes place the first full weekend in October, you can be in town for “Lincoln Days”, a two day event that features dozens of Abe Lincoln “look-a-likes” from all over the country, and activities that celebrate Lincoln’s life, such as a rail splitting contest.

Picnic and Play

Now for some relaxation!  LaRue County offers plenty of options.  Take a hayride through Hinton’s Orchard, treat the family to an old fashioned picnic at Creekfront or LaRue County Park, play a round at the LaRue County Golf Club, hike the trail at LaRue County Environmental Education & Research Center or just spend a lazy afternoon sitting under a tree.  Vacations are a time to take it easy and if that’s your goal, you’ve come to the right place.

Stay the Night

So what kind of host would we be if we didn’t invite you to stay a little bit longer?  An overnight stay in one of our bed and breakfasts is a memorable experience.  And you’ll be less than an hour drive from some of Kentucky’s most notable destinations like awe-inspiring Mammoth Cave National Park, the National Corvette Museum, the Patton Museum and nearby Green River Lake.  Plus three of the six stops on the world famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail are just minutes away. And to the north in Kentucky’s largest city, Louisville, you’ll find the Louisville Slugger Museum, the Kentucky Derby Museum, Churchill Downs and much, much more.  In the end you’ll discover many great reasons why Kentucky memories last a lifetime.