13 Best Things to Do in Lincoln (Maine)

Situated in the picturesque east-central Maine, Lincoln is a former mill town that has evolved into an active and vibrant community, filled with cultural, historic, and outdoor activities.

While the peak season for tourism runs from the middle of spring through the fall, there are plenty of opportunities for enjoyment in every season in the Lincoln area.

Acting as a hub for surrounding communities allows the town to support businesses that would typically only be found in larger communities. This means that there are a full slate of restaurants, gift shops, and amusements to make a visit worth while.

If you are planning a visit, here are thirteen of the best things to do in the Lincoln Maine area:

1. Take A Selfie With The Loon

Lincoln is known for its lakes – there are 13 lakes or ponds that are in or touch the town in some way. And all those lakes mean lots of loons like Lincoln, too. So naturally the town adopted the iconic bird as its mascot.

A few years ago the town took advantage of an economic development grant and commissioned the giant loon statue in the photo above. They placed it right on Main Street, next to a gazebo that overlooks Mattanawcook Lake. That means if you come in to town you can’t miss it.

The town uses the loon in theming various festivals and holidays, and dress it up in appropriate garb to match. Recent themes include beads for Loon-digras and tie-dye for Loonstock. It was a wise move, as the loon quickly became both a local favorite and a destination for travelers who like things that are out of the ordinary. And the town encourages folks to take selfies, and share them on social media with appropriate hashtags.

2. Jump In The Lake

Those 13 lakes and ponds in Lincoln are just begging to be enjoyed, and one of the best ways is to jump in for a swim.

The picture above was taken at the public beach at Prince Thomas Park on Mattanawcook Lake, just a block away from Main Street at the center of town. But many of the other bodies of water in Lincoln are also great for swimming.

Of course, swimming is not the only way to enjoy a lake – boating is another favored activity. Whether you are paddling a canoe or kayak, or skimming across in a speedboat or jet ski, boating enthusiasts have a number of opportunities for enjoying Lincoln’s many lakes.

Lodging Options

If you are thinking of coming to Lincoln for a visit, here are some excellent hotels and rental options for your stay:

3. Pay Your Respects

The town of Lincoln has a rich history of men and women who have served their country with distinction in the armed services. The town folks have honored their sacrifices, and erected several memorials around town over the years so they would not be forgotten.

One of the most notable was master sergeant Gary Gordon, a member of the Army’s Delta Force who valiantly gave his life in the battle of Mogadishu in 1993, and received the Medal of Honor for his actions. His story and selfless actions are recounted in the book and movie Black Hawk Down, and there is a statue and memorial to him in town.

There are other notable monuments around town, including the WWI Doughboy statue pictured above, and a Civil War monument that has stood in town since 1887.

With so many things in town we are free to enjoy, it is fitting to take a moment of our time to remember the men and women who fought to give us those freedoms.

4. Paint The Rock

While we typically discourage vandalism of any kind, “The Rock” in Lincoln is an exception.

Located outside of town on Rt. 6 heading towards Lee, The Rock has served as a communal billboard of sorts for generations. People frequently paint it to wish someone happy birthday or anniversary, to encourage local sports teams or graduating classes, or welcome back seasonal visitors.

We spoke with the local police department about it, and they are fine with folks painting the rock as long as they clean up and properly dispose of their supplies. And as a community resource seen by all ages it should be used for positive and encouraging messages.

So if you are spending some time in Lincoln and have something on your chest, grab some spray paint and let loose your inner Banksy. Just be sure to snap a picture or two and send it to us so we can add it to our Facebook page.

5. Take A Walk

If you are looking for a nice, easy walk Lincoln has a great walking trail, just off Mackenzie Avenue.

The gravel trail is 2.2 miles long, is handicapped accessible, features several fitness stations along the way. The chances are good you’ll see some local wildlife on your journey, so make sure you have your smart phone or camera with you.

The Lincoln Rec Department has all the details on trail, so give them a call if you have any questions before you set out.

6. Hit The Links

Spring, summer, and Fall are great times to play golf, and Lincoln has you covered if you are longing for the links.

Jato Highlands is an 18-hole par 72 course located in Lincoln that will prove both challenging and enjoyable for any golfer. They offer everything you’d expect from a quality course, including a pro shop, carts, lessons, and more.

Just next door to Lincoln in West Enfield is Barnes Brook Golf Course, a 9-hole course that is enjoyable to play. Mike and the staff are super friendly, and their kitchen makes an excellent pizza if you are hungry after a round.

7. Go To Church

While Lincoln is widely known for their 13 lakes and ponds, they could be just as widely known for their houses of worship. At last count there were at least 14 fellowships of various denominations that have sprung up to meet the spiritual needs of area residents.

There are churches of all types in town – everything from Catholic to Protestant, from Congregational to Calvary Chapel, from Mormon to Maranatha. So if you have a hankering for hymns, a longing for liturgy, or are pining for praise music there is likely a fellowship in Lincoln for you.

Here is a list of some of the churches and fellowships in town:

• The Mission
• Community AOG
• Maranatha Riverside Church
• Lincoln Christian Fellowship
• First Congregational Church of Lincoln, ME UCC
• St Mary of Lourdes
• Bible Baptist Church
• Lincoln Center Church of God
• Full Gospel Tabernacle
• First United Methodist Church of Lincoln

8. Find A Bargain

One of the iconic stores from the state of Maine has an outlet on Main Street in Lincoln – Marden’s Surplus & Salvage. Their famous jingle includes the phrase “I should have bought it when I saw it at Marden’s!”, referencing the fact that you never know what treasure you will find when you visit one of their stores.

Visitors to Lincoln owe it to themselves to plan a stop at this surplus store, to see if that tool, toiletry, or article of clothing they’ve been looking for happened to come in on the last truck. The staff is like most of the establishments in town – friendly – and the bargains and random selection of items can’t be beat.

9. Catch A Fish

In addition to the lakes and ponds in and around Lincoln are a variety of brooks and streams, and their downhill big brother the Penobscot River. That means anglers of all persuasions can find entertainment on a visit to town.

Trout are in abundance, as are perch, bass, and even the occasional salmon. In a boat, on the shore, in waders, or even through the ice – the fishing opportunities are one of the prime attractions in the area.

Whitney’s Outfitters on West Broadway has all the gear you are likely to need to catch your limit, including an Old Town canoe. And there are several sport shops that can help hook you up with a bass or pontoon boat if you are looking for something with a motor.

10. Hit The Trails

One recreational activity that has taken off in recent years is off-roading with ATVs and side-by-sides. And that trend has definitely found a home in the Lincoln area, thanks to a well maintained trail system. The trails come right into town, so you can ride in, gas up, and grab a bite to eat before heading back out.

There are several area clubs for enthusiasts, including the Penobscot Off Road Riders ATV Club that can give you all the particulars about where and when you can ride.

Snowmobiling is also a popular sport in the area, and it isn’t unusual to see sleds in the parking lots or on the frozen lakes once the ice is thick enough.

11. Watch The Lynx

Just because the Red Sox, Celtics, and Patriots are a few hundred miles away doesn’t mean sports fans can’t catch a good game.

Maine residents like their sports, and that is definitely true in Lincoln. But like much of the Pine Tree State that itch is scratched with high school sports.

Mattanawcook Academy has a fine variety of boys and girls teams – everything from football, soccer, and field hockey in the fall, to basketball and wrestling in the winter, and baseball and softball in the spring.

If you have never experienced a hotly contested high school game, be sure to plan a trip to the MA gym when they take on one of their local rivals. The atmosphere is electric, and it is almost impossible not to get caught up in the action.

12. Catch A Concert

Many towns have local cover bands or coffee house performers, but it is a rare thing to find a dozen or two musicians jamming out on ukuleles. If you’ve never experienced a talented group that can play well and have fun, then you owe it to yourself to find out the next time the StrumDinger’s are giving a concert in town and plan a trip.

Thom Knowles and Jane Scanlon have put together a great group of musicians that love to play. They are regulars at many of the area festivals and events, so make a point to put a concert on your itinerary the next time you travel to town.

13. Pick Some Produce

While the North Chester Orchard is technically not in Lincoln, since Chester is in the same zip code we’re going to allow it.

There is nothing like fresh produce, and picking your own is something everyone should experience. The LeBrun family has a delightful orchard just outside Lincoln where you can show the kids where apples come from, and see their eyes light up when they try one fresh from the tree.

On your way there you pass by the Jordan Farms produce stand, which features a variety of seasonal fruits and veggies. Their Chester Gold corn is some of the best you will taste, and their local potatoes and popcorn are epic. And they are open for most of the year, offering self-service of items that keep during the slower months.

And since we are stepping outside Lincoln on this one, just across the Chester Bridge over the Penobscot is Pratt’s Blueberries in Winn. Their cultivated blueberries are huge and wonderful, and you can pick your own or buy them by the pint. The Pratt’s are a super friendly couple, and make the U-Pick experience something your family will love.

13 Best Things to Do in Lincoln (Maine):

• Take A Selfie With The Loon
• Jump In The Lake
• Pay Your Respects
• Paint The Rock
• Take A Walk
• Hit The Links
• Go To Church
• Find A Bargain
• Catch A Fish
• Hit The Trails
• Watch The Lynx
• Catch A Concert
• Pick Some Produce