Where is Lincoln, Illinois

Lincoln is a city in central Illinois and the county seat of Logan County. Located about 30 miles northeast of Springfield, it sits along the historic Route 66 corridor. The city is known for its Lincoln College heritage, historic downtown, Postville Courthouse, and close connection to Abraham Lincoln, who visited the community before becoming president.

Location Map of Lincoln, Logan County, Illinois

About Map: The map shows the location of Lincoln in Logan County, in the U.S. state of Illinois.

Lincoln Map, Illinois

Where is Lincoln Located?

Lincoln is a city located in Logan County, Illinois, the United States. It lies in central Illinois, about 30 miles northeast of Springfield and roughly 35 miles southwest of Bloomington. The city is located at approximately 40.148° North latitude and 89.364° West longitude. The 2020 Census recorded 13,288 residents, and Lincoln covers about 6.40 square miles (16.58 sq km). The community was founded in 1853 and was named for Abraham Lincoln, who was practicing law in Illinois when the city was established. Lincoln is widely recognized as the only city in the United States named for Abraham Lincoln before he became president. The city became the county seat of Logan County and grew as a railroad, agricultural, and commercial center. Historic Route 66 passes through Lincoln, adding to its transportation and tourism history. The Logan County Courthouse and Postville Courthouse State Historic Site are important local landmarks. The city also has several sites connected with Abraham Lincoln's early political and legal career. A unique feature of Lincoln is its direct connection to Abraham Lincoln's name before his presidency. The surrounding area consists mainly of fertile farmland typical of central Illinois. Interstate 55 and U.S. Route 66 provide convenient connections to Springfield, Bloomington, Decatur, and other central Illinois communities.

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Lincoln City Facts

Distance from Lincoln, IL to Nearby Cities

• Atlanta, IL – 10 miles (16 km)
• Mount Pulaski, IL – 10 miles (16 km)
• Clinton, IL – 20 miles (32 km)
• Springfield, IL – 30 miles (48 km)
• Decatur, IL – 30 miles (48 km)
• Bloomington, IL – 35 miles (56 km)
• Normal, IL – 35 miles (56 km)
• Jacksonville, IL – 45 miles (72 km)
• Peoria, IL – 55 miles (89 km)
• Champaign, IL – 70 miles (113 km)
• Quincy, IL – 110 miles (177 km)
• Danville, IL – 90 miles (145 km)
• Urbana, IL – 70 miles (113 km)
• Joliet, IL – 120 miles (193 km)
• Chicago, IL – 165 miles (266 km)

Top Attractions in Lincoln

• Postville Courthouse State Historic Site – A reconstructed 1840 courthouse where Abraham Lincoln practiced law during his early career.
• Logan County Courthouse – A prominent historic civic building in downtown Lincoln and the seat of Logan County government.
• Route 66 Heritage Sites – Historic locations along the original U.S. Route 66 that reflect Lincoln's role on the famous highway.
• Railsplitter Festival – An annual community event celebrating Lincoln's connection with Abraham Lincoln and local heritage.
• Lincoln Heritage Museum – A museum preserving artifacts and stories connected with Abraham Lincoln, Logan County, and the region.
• Kickapoo Creek Park – A local recreation area with trails, open spaces, fishing, and outdoor activities.
• Railsplitter Covered Wagon – A large roadside landmark associated with Lincoln's Route 66 heritage.
• Abraham Lincoln's Logan County History Sites – Several locations around the city document Lincoln's legal and political activities in central Illinois.

Airports Near Lincoln

• Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport (SPI) – 30 miles
• Central Illinois Regional Airport (BMI) – 40 miles
• Decatur Airport (DEC) – 35 miles
• Peoria International Airport (PIA) – 60 miles
• Willard Airport (CMI) – 75 miles

Sources:

Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the official Lincoln city website and local government records.

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