10 great places to log a visit with Lincoln

Editor's note: Unless there is an event in the auditorium, the Great Hall at New York's Cooper Union college is not open to visitors.

The election may be behind us, but Hollywood is betting the appetite for political drama persists. Steven Spielberg's Lincoln celebrates a man who still inspires the nation, says Harold Holzer, historian and consultant on the film. To find the soul of the president, he suggests taking a Lincoln tour. "In an age of virtual reality, there's no substitute for being able to walk in the same place our greatest American walked," says Holzer, who shares sites with Larry Bleiberg for USA TODAY.

Abraham Lincoln Birthplace

Hodgenville, Ky.

Lincoln travelers can find an unexpected shrine in central Kentucky, a marble temple surrounding a log cabin that symbolizes Lincoln's birthplace. It's the "American Bethlehem," Holzer says, "the place America's greatest character saw the light of day. It's still remarkably remote, even in the 21st century." 270-358-3137;nps.gov/abli

Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial

Lincoln City, Ind.

Abe spent his formative years in southwest Indiana. The National Park Service preserves his home with a working farm, a visitors center and a relief sculpture. Says Holzer: "This is where Lincoln grew up and went to school. It's very interactive — a wonderful place." 812-937-4541; nps.gov/libo

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum

Springfield, Ill.

Lincoln got a makeover for the 21st century when this new facility opened its first phase in 2003. "It's really an amazing place (with) a lot of high-tech exhibits to bring in the kids," Holzer says. But he urges travelers to visit the city's other sites, including the only home Lincoln owned, along with his tomb, and the state Capitol, where he gave his "House Divided" speech. 800-610-2094; alplm.org

Chicago History Museum

Some of the greatest Lincoln treasures ended up in Chicago, where he was nominated for president. The museum's collection has 140 or so works depicting the 16th president, and other important artifacts, including his deathbed. "It's not just a bunch of materials. It's a faithfully told story about Lincoln's world in the West," Holzer says. 312-642-4600; chicagohs.org

Cooper Union

New York

It was in the Great Hall at this Manhattan college where Lincoln gave what became known as the Cooper Union Address, a speech that won over skeptical Easterners and propelled him to the presidency. "This is where it became real for Lincoln, when he became a national figure," Holzer says. Although the hall's configuration has changed, you can still see the iron lectern where he spoke. 212-353-4100; Cooper.edu

Ford's Theatre National Historic Site

Washington

The assassination site still operates as a theater and now includes a museum with information about the events of April 14, 1865, when Lincoln came for a few hours of relaxation. The theater has been brilliantly preserved, Holzer says. Across the street, visitors can see the small bedroom where Lincoln died. "It's all very chilling," he says. "This is really where American history changed." 202-426-6924; nps.gov/foth

President Lincoln's Cottage at the Soldiers' Home

Washington

This home about five miles north of the White House was Lincoln's Camp David, a place for him to retreat and escape the pressures of the Executive Office, Holzer says. Visitors can almost feel Lincoln's presence. "You can sit in the library where Lincoln used to sit and read Shakespeare to visitors," he says. "You can sit on the veranda and feel the breeze." 202-829-0436; lincolncottage.org

Hildene

Manchester, Vt.

Lincoln's oldest son, Robert, built a gorgeous home and gardens in the town he visited as a young man with his mother and brother. Robert stored his father's papers here, played golf and entertained guests, including President William Howard Taft. "The house is really magnificent. This is the kind of life the Lincolns wanted," Holzer says. 802-362-1788; hildene.org

Gettysburg National Cemetery

Gettysburg, Pa.

This is where Lincoln gave what Holzer calls the greatest presidential speech in American history, the two-minute Gettysburg Address. "The cemetery is still the most quiet, peaceful and evocative Civil War memorial in the country," says Holzer. Each Nov. 19, a dignitary is invited to give a speech on the anniversary of the address. The guest this year: Spielberg. 717-334-1124; nps.gov/gett

Lincoln Memorial Shrine

Redlands, Calif.

On the final day of his life, Lincoln told his wife that he wanted to visit California, and Holzer thinks it's appropriate the president is remembered there. "He loved the idea of adventure and gold and the railroad expansion," Holzer says. The memorial includes curated exhibits of Lincoln memorabilia. 909-798-7636; lincolnshrine.org