Lincoln State Park is an awesome park for history, hiking, the lake, the amphitheater, and all the nearby fun you'll find in Santa Claus! Before he was the 16th president, Abraham Lincoln was a kid growing up in southern Indiana on this very property! From ages 7 to 21, he was shaped by his experiences in the forests and farmlands of our state. Those formative moments from his childhood developed him into our country's leader. In the episode, you'll learn a few stories from Abe's childhood and consider how your own childhood has influenced you.
Learn about the events and projects supported by the Friends of Lincoln State Park volunteers and follow them on Facebook.
Get your tickets from the Lincoln Amphitheater for Lincoln productions and the summer concert series. The 2026 season started in May and carries into October.
If you go to the park, be sure to visit the charming town. Learn more about the post office in Santa Claus, Indiana, and its sweet history. And of course, be sure to stop at Holiday World & Splashin' Safari!
You are going to learn about:
- Stories from Lincoln's childhood, like how he almost died as a kid
- What influenced Lincoln's anti-slavery stance
- How the Lincolns and other farmers overlogged the land and why they left Indiana
- The Lincoln Amphitheater concert venue
- The campground and park features