Oak Ridge Cemetery Trails

Oak Ridge Cemetery is the second most visited cemetery in the nation. It is the final resting place of President Abraham Lincoln. Here also are the World War Two, Korean and Vietnam War Memorials, as well as the graves of governors and noted historical figures of our state.

You may choose between three trails of varying length, depending on your time and interest. Along with a patch for each trail, there is a workbook to complete in order to earn the patch. Included will be an answer sheet and map of the cemetery.

Cemetery hours are 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. during Daylight Savings Time and 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. during Central Standard Time. Lincolns Tomb hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. March thru October and 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. November thru February. Be sure to dress appropriately  for the weather. Bring sun block, sunglasses, rain gear, gloves, walking or hiking shoes as the weather indicates.

Note: To confirm current times/days of availability of sites, call the Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau (1-800-545-7300) 

If you eat along the trail, carry refuse to an appropriate trash receptacle.

Introductory Trail

The Introductory Trail is the shortest of the three trails. It is related to Mr. Lincoln's Tomb and history. This trail is ideal for those visiting the Tomb only, and can be comfortably done in a half hour's time.

The accompanying workbook will insure that the visitor has learned the essential information the nation wanted to convey to successive generations about the 16th President.

This trail was designed for all ages, but with particular emphasis on the younger visitor. We feel it would be of special use on class field trips, Cub Scout Den trips, and family outings.

For those participating in the Annual Lincoln Pilgrimage, this trail is something the Scouts can do while they are waiting for the program to begin on Sunday.

"Now he belongs to the Ages"
Edwin M. Stanton
Secretary of War
April 15, 1865

The Intermediate Trail

The Intermediate Trail highlights the three major attractions in Oak Ridge Cemetery- Lincoln's Tomb, the Vietnam and Korean War Memorials. It is designed as a walking tour that will take approximately 1 1/2 hours to complete. Hiking distance is a little over one mile, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes.

As with the Introductory Trail, a workbook, answer sheet, and map accompany the patch. Questions are designed to familiarize the hikers with Illinois' contribution to freedom by its participation in those wars. The memorials are lasting tributes to those who gave their lives in service to our country safeguarding the liberties we enjoy today.

This trail was designed for older youths and adults. Here's a chance for you to stretch your legs, enjoy the fresh air, commune with nature and pay tribute to the defenders of our nation. For those participating in the Annual Lincoln Pilgrimage, we would recommend this for Boy Scouts on Sunday morning prior to the start of the Pilgrimage Program.

The Advanced Trail

The Advanced Trail includes an in-depth look at the pioneers of Illinois and Springfield who lie buried in Oak Ridge Cemetery.

The trail was laid out to familiarize the hiker with the "old section" of the cemetery. Here lies buried governors, poets, orphans, historical figures, Springfield notables, and Mr. Lincoln's friends and relatives.

Allow approximately 1 1/2 hours to complete the trail. Compass headings are included for those wishing to improve their skills or just have more fun. Take your time and be inspired by what you learn. A cemetery is a history of people - a perpetual record of yesterday, and a sanctuary of peace and quiet today. A cemetery exists because every life is worth loving and remembering always.

The Advanced Trail is for visitors with extra time and interest in history. It was designed for class field trips, history buffs, orienteering enthusiasts and older Scouts. For those participating in the Annual Lincoln Pilgrimage, this would be a Saturday activity or most of Sunday morning prior to the start of the Pilgrimage Program.

To do all three trails, allow approximately three hours. complete the whole workbook and earn all three patches.

All patches are available during Lincoln Pilgrimage weekend at the trading post. The trading post will be open at the New Salem Visitors Center on Friday evening until 8:00 p.m., on Saturday from 8:30 a.m. till 5:00 p.m., and on Sunday from 9:00 a.m. till 12:00 p.m. at the Tomb. If you wish to hike these trails at any other time patches may be obtained throughout the year at the Abraham Lincoln Council office.

Lincoln Pilgrimage Home Page