Lincoln Rhode IslandATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Lincoln, Rhode Island.
1. Lincoln Woods State Park
NATURAL OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Lincoln Woods State Park spans 627 acres and is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts featuring impressive glacial boulders and rugged landscape. Visitors can enjoy a freshwater beach on Olney Pond, extensive picnic areas, and trails suitable for horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking, and snowmobiling. The park also offers facilities for boating, ice skating, fishing, and various sports fields, with local businesses providing canoe and kayak rentals.
2. R1 Indoor Karting
HIGH-SPEED ENTERTAINMENT CENTER
R1 Indoor Karting is an indoor entertainment center featuring fast-paced tracks and tight turns for an adrenaline rush. The facility offers exciting go-kart racing experiences complemented by axe throwing activities. It serves as an ideal venue for group entertainment and family outings.
3. Hearthside House
HISTORIC FEDERAL-STYLE MUSEUM
The Hearthside House is a Federal-style historic house museum built in 1810 for Stephen Hopkins Smith, rumored to have been constructed with Louisiana lottery winnings. The fieldstone structure features ten fireplaces and was intended as a grand gesture to win over a Providence lady's heart. Now managed by the Friends of Hearthside, the house displays a collection of furnishings from various periods and includes a weaving exhibit in the top rooms.
4. Arnold House
COLONIAL HISTORICAL LANDMARK
Arnold House is one of the oldest homes in Rhode Island and stands as a significant historical landmark in Lincoln. Visitors can take informative guided tours to learn about the colonial history and architecture of the region. The house offers an authentic glimpse into early Rhode Island life through its well-preserved structure and historical artifacts.
5. Bally's Twin River Lincoln Casino Hotel
GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX
Bally's Twin River Lincoln Casino Hotel offers a comprehensive entertainment experience with gaming, dining, and accommodation options. The casino features a variety of gambling options including slot machines, table games, and poker rooms. Visitors can enjoy live entertainment, multiple dining venues, and comfortable hotel accommodations all under one roof.
6. Blackstone River State Park
SCENIC RIVERSIDE RECREATION
Blackstone River State Park provides beautiful natural scenery and recreational opportunities along the historic Blackstone River. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, and wildlife observation in this serene riverside setting. The park celebrates the industrial heritage of the region while offering peaceful natural landscapes for outdoor enthusiasts.
7. Rock Spot
INDOOR CLIMBING ADVENTURE
Rock Spot is an indoor climbing facility offering challenging routes for climbers of all skill levels. The sports complex features bouldering areas, rope climbing walls, and training spaces for fitness enthusiasts. Instructors provide lessons and guidance for beginners while experienced climbers can test their skills on more advanced routes.
8. Old Orchard Farm
TRADITIONAL NEW ENGLAND FARM
Old Orchard Farm offers visitors a chance to experience traditional New England farm life in a picturesque setting. The farm features seasonal activities including apple picking, pumpkin patches, and farm-to-table experiences. Families particularly enjoy the educational aspects and the opportunity to connect with agricultural heritage.
9. Moffett Mill
INDUSTRIAL HERITAGE SITE
Moffett Mill stands as a charming historical landmark showcasing Lincoln's industrial past. The mill provides visitors with insight into early American manufacturing techniques and water-powered industry. Tour guides share fascinating stories about the mill's operations and its significance in the development of the region.
10. Blackstone River Greenway
SCENIC RECREATIONAL PATHWAY
The Blackstone River Greenway in Lincoln offers a picturesque paved pathway ideal for walking, running, and cycling along the historic river corridor. This recreational trail connects various historical sites and natural areas within the Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park. Visitors enjoy scenic views, interpretive signage about the area's industrial heritage, and opportunities to observe local wildlife.
11. Explorer River Tours
GUIDED WATERWAY ADVENTURES
Explorer River Tours provides guided boat excursions along the Blackstone River showcasing the natural beauty and historical significance of the waterway. Passengers learn about the ecological importance of the river system and the role it played in America's industrial revolution. The tours offer unique perspectives of Lincoln and surrounding communities from the water.
12. RISD Museum
PREMIER ART COLLECTION
The RISD Museum is Rhode Island's leading museum of art and design located near Lincoln in Providence. The museum houses an impressive collection spanning ancient times to contemporary works, including paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, costumes, and textiles from diverse cultures. Visitors can explore the intersection of art, design, and culture through rotating exhibitions and the museum's permanent collection.
13. John Brown House Museum
18TH CENTURY HISTORIC LANDMARK
The John Brown House Museum is a significant 18th century landmark located in nearby Providence, offering insights into early American history. The elegant mansion was built in 1788 for John Brown, a prominent merchant, patriot, and slave trader, showcasing the complexity of America's founding era. Guided tours of the house reveal detailed stories about colonial life, the American Revolution, and the early republic through its architecture and artifacts.
14. Governor Henry Lippitt House Museum
VICTORIAN ARCHITECTURAL GEM
The Governor Henry Lippitt House Museum is an American National Historic Landmark featuring exceptional Victorian architecture and interior design. Built in 1865 for textile merchant and Rhode Island governor Henry Lippitt, the house represents the prosperity of Providence during America's industrial age. Visitors can admire the ornate woodwork, stenciled ceilings, stained glass, and original furnishings that showcase the craftsmanship and lifestyle of wealthy 19th century Americans.
15. Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum
ELEGANT ESTATE GARDENS
Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum offers breathtaking grounds and a magnificent historic mansion approximately 30 minutes from Lincoln. The 33-acre summer estate features a 45-room mansion filled with family heirlooms, and spectacular gardens that include rare and unusual plants, specimen trees, and an exceptional collection of rhododendrons. Visitors can explore the grand lawn sloping to Narragansett Bay, the bamboo grove, and themed gardens that change with the seasons.