Carl Sandburg State Historic Site
Carl Sandburg State Historic Site
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
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95 within 3 miles
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23 within 6 miles
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
35 reviews
Excellent
16
Very good
14
Average
5
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Naomi L
1 contribution
Aug 2021
I am now fortunate enough to return to live in Galesburg and grew up within walking distance of the Carl Sandburg birthplace. Returning to visit brings back wonderful memories of my cousins and I walking over the 4th St. bridge to the site. The home, grounds, and museum are immaculate. A friend and I spent time looking at the displays, sitting in the garden, looking at Remembrance Rock, and then attending a delightful program in the barn. We were not able to see the video at this time, but I plan to return, and spending time watch it. Mr. Sandburg contributed a great deal to American history through his writings and music. It is well worth one's time to visit this State Historic Site and learn more about a man whose presence influenced, and continues to, the entire country.
Written January 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KH2oson
154 contributions
Feb 2022 • Couples
So glad we took the time to visit! This was not part of our itinerary, but I’m so glad we stopped.
Entered the visitor center and greeted by a very friendly and informative docent. We started with a professional video that gave an overview of Carl Sandburg’s life (don’t skip the video). The visitor center also has a small gift shop and a room full of interesting artifacts.
The docent then walked with us to the home. The stories about the local area and Carl Sandburg were very interesting.
Entered the visitor center and greeted by a very friendly and informative docent. We started with a professional video that gave an overview of Carl Sandburg’s life (don’t skip the video). The visitor center also has a small gift shop and a room full of interesting artifacts.
The docent then walked with us to the home. The stories about the local area and Carl Sandburg were very interesting.
Written February 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Liz M
Middletown, Rhode Island9 contributions
May 2017 • Business
Sandburg’s Birthplace is a gentle reminder of the power of simplicity. This native son rose to international acclaim and seeing his humble beginnings reminds us that pedigree is no measure of success. Treat yourself to a visit in the summer. Take a copy of Always the Young Strangers and read it in the garden to the melody of bumblebees and the scent of hyacinths and biscuits. And if you are a philanthropist, make a meaningful donation, as state funding is slender at best.
Written December 21, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MikeHobbs
Galesburg, Illinois, United States4 contributions
Jun 2016 • Friends
Carl Sandburg--world-famous poet, Lincoln biographer, collector of traditional American songs, social activist, writer of children's stories, movie reviewer, newspaper reporter, Spanish-American War veteran, novelist, two-time Pulitzer Prize recipient, friend of presidents and celebrities--was born to Swedish immigrant parents in a humble 3-room cottage in Galesburg, IL in 1878. You can go inside his birthplace cottage, look at the many Sandburg artifacts in the next door Visitors Center, see a nice video of his life and accomplishments, purchase one of his many books. The beautifully-maintained grounds are a peaceful setting for Remembrance Rock under which his ashes are buried and Quotation Walk with lines from such poems as "Fog." An excellent docent will give you a tour of the Site which is open Thursdays to Sundays from 9 am to 5 pm.
Written June 17, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
trimic
Black Mountain, NC351 contributions
Sep 2022
Unfortunately the day we arrived it was closed, but we were able to walk in the back garden and see the rock under witch Carl and his wife are burried. Since we live near Flat Rock. NC and have been to his home there this was interesting. If you are in Galesbury this should be a must stop
Written September 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karl38
Washington DC40 contributions
Jul 2019
The actual home he was born in is there but the inside is off-limits. The larger building has a great small museum and a gift shop. Another room is a kind of theater for the 16-minute DVD introduction; some such videos are so-so but this one is excellent -- do ask to see it if it is not offered. The grounds in the back are open for a stroll -- see Remembrance Rock under which his ashes are interred. Knowledgeable staff if you have any questions. Limited days and hours of operation -- check before planning a visit.
Written August 18, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jsteak
Rochester, MI187 contributions
May 2018 • Friends
If the DVR is not offered to be shown to you, ask to see it. We had to ask. It is a very good movie about Sandburg. Small museum, but worth it. Next door is his home. Again, small but gives insight to the man. A quotation path, quotes on stepping stones,is a lovely walk to the large stone his ashes are buried under. Call ahead to check for hours as they change. Free parking in front of the museum.
Written May 16, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bgerber948@gmail.com
Miami Beach, FL364 contributions
Sep 2017 • Couples
the Carl Sandburg site basicly is the historic restored home where he was born.
it is a tiny house with a big back yard, that has a statue of him. they have a
visitor center next store.
the site give you a view of what it was like to live in Galesburg,
150 years ago. you will not need much time to see it , but it is interesting if you have extra time.
it is a tiny house with a big back yard, that has a statue of him. they have a
visitor center next store.
the site give you a view of what it was like to live in Galesburg,
150 years ago. you will not need much time to see it , but it is interesting if you have extra time.
Written September 14, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JL B
Oswego, IL64 contributions
Jun 2016 • Family
If your in the Galesburg area, check out this site. It only costs a small donation to get in. They run a pretty good 17 minute video on Carl Sandburg and have some nice photographs and a few personal effects to look at in the house next door, then you can see the 3 room house Carl was born in. Be sure to check out the yard for his final resting place and the stone path of quotes. On a side note the stones need a little work to keep them visible. Be sure to take a gander at the Abe Lincoln portrait that hangs in the visitor center! It's amazing!
Written June 13, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Susan E
Fort Collins, CO86 contributions
May 2016 • Family
My son recently learned about Carl Sandburg in his 4th grade class. Since we were in the area we decided to stop in. It was a very well done museum. My son was quite taken with the actual stereoscope that Sandburg sold as he worked his way across the US. The house is charming and gives a great perspective to what home life was like in that era. The hours are limited and are subject to change so you may want to call ahead.
Written May 11, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Claim your listingCarl Sandburg State Historic Site - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Carl Sandburg State Historic Site
- Carl Sandburg State Historic Site is open:
- Sun - Sun 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
- Thu - Fri 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Sat - Sat 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Hotels near Carl Sandburg State Historic Site:
- (1.65 mi) Holiday Inn Express & Suites Galesburg, an IHG Hotel
- (1.74 mi) Baymont by Wyndham Galesburg
- (1.30 mi) Great House of Galesburg
- (1.85 mi) Best Western Prairie Inn & Conference Center
- (2.97 mi) AmericInn By Wyndham Galesburg
- Restaurants near Carl Sandburg State Historic Site:
- (0.71 mi) Landmark Cafe & Creperie
- (0.72 mi) Baked
- (0.69 mi) Iron Spike Brewing Company
- (0.82 mi) Innkeeper's Fresh Roasted Coffee
- (0.11 mi) Hi-Lo Supermarket