Hodgenville

Hodgenville is a small town in Kentucky's Kentucky Derby Region and the county seat of LaRue County. Its claim to fame is being the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States. Lincoln was born on Sinking Spring Farm near Hodgenville on February 12, 1809. The town sits along US 31E and KY 61 (Lincoln Parkway), serving as a gateway to Kentucky's Cumberland Plateau.

The town is compact and walkable, with most attractions concentrated along the main highway corridors. Hodgenville enjoys a moderate Kentucky climate with warm summers and mild winters. The Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Site is the primary draw, attracting history enthusiasts and families year-round. The surrounding LaRue County area is rural and agricultural, offering a glimpse of Kentucky's pastoral countryside.

By Plane

Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) is about 60 miles northwest, and Nashville International Airport (BNA) is about 100 miles south. Both offer commercial passenger service.

By Car / Road

Interstate 65 cuts across LaRue County's western border. KY 61 (Lincoln Parkway) leads to Hodgenville from Elizabethtown and I-65. US 31E brings traffic from Bardstown and Glasgow, and US 31W parallels I-65 in the western part of the county.

Hodgenville is a small town easily explored on foot. A personal vehicle is needed to reach attractions outside the immediate town center and to travel between nearby towns.

• Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Site — 2995 Lincoln Farm Rd, ☎+1 270-358-3137. Daily 8AM-4:45PM (until 6:45PM Memorial Day to Labor Day). Free. The birthplace of Abraham Lincoln, featuring the Nancy Lincoln Inn and a memorial building housing a symbolic log cabin.

• Lincoln Boyhood Home at Knob Creek — Approximately 10 miles northeast of the Birthplace site, ☎+1 270-358-3137. Daylight hours, free. The site where young Lincoln lived from ages 2 to 7.

• The Lincoln Museum — 66 Lincoln Square, ☎+1 270-358-3163. M-Sa 8:30AM-4:30PM, Su 12:30PM-4:30PM. Dioramas of pivotal points in Lincoln's life and a collection of Lincoln memorabilia.

• Lincoln Jamboree — 2579 Lincoln Farm Rd, ☎+1 270-358-3545. Every Saturday night at 8PM EST. All seats reserved at $8. Free weekend campsites available for customers.

• Lincoln Days Celebration — First weekend in October, featuring parades, entertainment, and community events.

• Lincoln's Loft Bookstore — On the town square, offering books and gifts.

• Hardee's — 101 Lincoln Dr, ☎+1 270-358-8881. Fast food.
• Hometown Pizza — 105 Lincoln Dr, ☎+1 270-358-8844. Local pizza.
• Lincoln Jamboree — 2579 Lincoln Farm Rd, ☎+1 270-358-3545. Dining available at the Saturday night show.
• Laha's Red Castle Hamburgers — 21 Public Square, ☎+1 270-358-9201. Local favorite for hamburgers.
• Lee's Famous Recipe Fried Chicken — 803 S. Lincoln Blvd, ☎+1 270-358-9288. Fried chicken.

LaRue County is dry, but Hodgenville voted to go wet in 2018. Beer and wine are available at some establishments.

Budget: Lincoln Lodge (2768 Lincoln Farm Rd, ☎+1 270-358-0005) offers unpretentious lodging near the birthplace site. Mid-range: More lodging is available in nearby Elizabethtown and Bardstown, both about 30 minutes away.

The Lincoln Museum gift shop and local shops on the square offer Lincoln-themed souvenirs, books, and Kentucky crafts.

• Bardstown (30 min east) — Bourbon capital of the world with distillery tours.
• Elizabethtown (20 min west) — Gateway to Fort Knox and the Lincoln Heritage Trail.
• Louisville (1 hr north) — Kentucky Derby, bourbon district, and cultural attractions.
• Cave City (30 min southeast) — Gateway to Mammoth Cave National Park.