Laws and Policies

Visitors should be aware of the following laws and policies that may affect their visit to the Lincoln Home:

Firearms and Other Weapons

Legislation: As of February 22, 2010, a new federal law allows people who can legally possess firearms under applicable federal, state, and local laws to legally possess firearms in this park. Refer to Section 512 of the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009, Public Law 111-24, 123 Stat. 1764-65.

Park User Responsibility: It is the responsibility of visitors to understand and comply with all applicable state, local, and federal firearm laws before entering this park. As a starting point, please see the Illinois Criminal Code 720 ILCS section 24-1. Please note that Illinois does not recognize any other state's concealed weapons permit.

Weapons Prohibited in Federal Facilities: Federal law also prohibits firearms in certain facilities in this park; those places are marked with signs at all public entrances. Refer to 18 U.S.C. § 930.

Permits

Some activities require a permit, for which there may be a fee. These include professional filming and videotaping, certain kinds of gatherings, and any other special park uses that might interfere with normal visitor activities. Please contact the Ranger Activities office for further information: [phone], ext. 240, or make a request in writing to the Superintendent.

Accessibility

The Visitor Center and first floor of the Lincoln Home are easily accessible, as are the exhibits "What a Pleasant Home Abe Lincoln Has" and "If These Walls Could Talk." Accessible parking is available in the Site's parking lot. Wheelchairs are available for use within the Site. Touchable plaster casts of Mr. Lincoln's face and hands are available. Personal amplified listening devices are available for loan. The orientation film, "At Home with Mr. Lincoln" is captioned. If you need assistance, please inform the staff at the Visitor Center when you obtain a Lincoln home tour ticket.

Pets

Dogs are allowed in the historic Lincoln era neighborhood, but must be kept on a leash at all times. Pets are not allowed in any of the park's historic buildings including the Lincoln Home and the park's Visitor Center, with the exception of professionally trained guide dogs.

Pet excrement must be immediately collected by the pet handler and disposed of in a trash receptacle. Pets should not be left unattended in vehicles or RVs.

Rules for Touring the Lincoln Home

• Visitors may not bring food or drinks into the Lincoln Home--this includes chewing gum, cough drops, and candy.
• Visitors are not allowed to lean against the walls and door frames inside the home.
• No large bags are allowed in the home (and cannot be left unattended at the Visitor Center). Any purses or backpacks must be carried in front of the visitor to prevent damage to the walls and door frames.
• Photographs (including flash photos) are allowed inside the home.