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Lincoln Home Remains Closed Amid Government Shutdown

The Lincoln Home National Historic Site in Springfield remains closed to the public as the partial federal government shutdown nears its second full week.
Brian Mackey/WUIS
The Lincoln Home National Historic Site in Springfield remains closed to the public as the partial federal government shutdown nears its second full week.

The Lincoln Home National Historic Site in Springfield remains closed to the public as the partial federal government shutdown nears its second full week. There are two sites in Illinois affected by the closures -- the other is the Pullman National Monument in Chicago. The National Park Service runs both.  

Listen to the story.At the Lincoln Home National Historic Site in Springfield, only a sign at the visitor’s center door alerts people of the shutdown. 

 

Scott Dahl, executive director for the Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau said the group now plans to alert visitors through their website and social media. “We just want to be sure our visitors know that not all the sites are shut down—that this affects one site and one visitor’s center."  

 

There are  15 other sites and attractions around Springfield that are still open seven days a week, Dahl said. Most of those sites, like Lincoln’s Tomb, are state-operated. And until the shutdown is resolved, Dahl said he hopes tourists from out of town still visit and explore other Lincoln-related locations. 

 

According to Dahl, not as many tourists are affected in January.  “Fortunately, we’re in the winter, so we’re in the offseason. The amount of visitors that we have are much fewer than in the spring or summer. So the impact is less," he said. 

 

The Lincoln home draws more than just local residents—many are international tourists who want to get a glimpse into the late president’s life. 

 

The Springfield Convention and Visitor's Bureau website has more information on local attractions. 

Copyright 2019 NPR Illinois | 91.9 UIS

Daisy reports on various assignments for NPR Illinois. She graduated from the Public Affairs Reporting master’s degree program at the University of Illinois Springfield, where she spent time covering the legislative session for NPR Illinois' Illinois Issues. Daisy interned then researched for the Chicago Reporter. She obtained an associate degree in French language from Harry S Truman College and a bachelor's degree in communications from the Illinois Institute of Technology. Before coming to Springfield, Daisy worked in communication roles for several Chicago non-profits. Daisy is from Chicago where she attended Lane Tech High School.
Daisy Contreras
Daisy reports on statehouse issues for our Illinois Issues project. She's currently a Public Affairs Reporting graduate program student at the University of Illinois Springfield. She graduated from the Illinois Institute of Technology with an associates degrees from Truman College. Daisy is from Chicago where she attended Lane Tech High School.