

The town of Lincoln in New Hampshire is home to mountain scenery, winding streams, forest, and diverse wildlife. The ways to explore Lincoln’s vast lads are endless, from water sports like canoeing, kayaking, and rafting to winter sports like skiing and snowboarding, but also hiking and mountain biking. Travelers can choose to go camping and picnicking, or enjoy the town’s upscale shopping options, and savor the fine dining scene. No matter what your travel style is or if you’re a solo traveler, or planning a family trip, one thing’s for sure – you’ll undoubtedly find what you’re looking for here. Not convinced yet? Here are the top things to do in Lincoln, New Hampshire.
To make the most of your vacation in Lincoln, consider staying in one of the best accommodations, from Vrbo vacation rentals to Airbnb vacation rentals.
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1. Enjoy the beautiful scenery at Flume Gorge
Flume Gorge is a natural oasis spreading over 800 feet (243 meters) at the base of Mount Liberty. With granite rocks rising on the sides, and a trail with uphill walking and lots of stairs, the outdoor adventure here will be framed by some of the most amazing views of Mount Liberty, Mount Flume, and abundant flora and vegetation. Children and adults alike can enjoy some good-old fun on a Flume Gorge Scavenger Hunt; they will get a checklist of flowers, animals, and other natural elements to spot along their walk through Flume Gorge. The story behind the Flume is quite fascinating as well, as it formed approximately 200 million years ago, in Jurassic time, and continued its history through the Ice Age, and turned into what we get to see today.
Flume Gorge
Address: 852 Daniel Webster Hwy, Lincoln, NH 03251
Website: Flume Gorge
Opening hours: 8:30am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 16 USD
2. Gorge on al fresco meals at Gordi’s Fish and Steak House
There is always a special feeling when you step into a family-owned restaurant, from the cozy atmosphere to the way they treat their guests, and the passion they put into their business. Gordi’s Fish and Steak House is no exception; with a history of more than 20 years, the family-run business is known in the town of Lincoln for its high quality and homey vibe. On Thursday nights they have an all you can eat fish & chips offer, or you can check them out any other night and try one of their specialties, including the Gordi’s Bleu Cheese Filet Mignon or the Belgian Style Mussels. They are a family-friendly place, so their menu also includes kids’ meals.
Gordi’s Fish and Steak House
Address: 260 Main St, Lincoln, NH 03251
Website: Gordi’s Fish and Steak House
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 4pm - 9pm; Sat - Sun: 11:30am - 9pm
3. Plan a day out with your kids at Clark’s Trading Post
Clark’s Trading Post is an excellent choice for an exciting family-friendly day outdoors. The place is home to a wide diversity of activities and attractions that range from live entertainment to water sports and museums. Guests can explore five museums, take a tour on a Segway, or even hop on the Anaconda Escape, a water raft ride with insane speed and lots of twists and turns. Another activity you shouldn’t miss is the 25-minute train ride on the White Mountain Central Railroad, a wood-burning, steam-powered locomotive. The train will take you through some of the region’s most picturesque scenery, including the Pemigewasset River.
Clark’s Trading Post
Address: 110 Daniel Webster Hwy, Lincoln, NH 03251
Website: Clark’s Trading Post
Opening hours: 9:30am - 5:30pm (daily)
Price: 24 USD
4. Take a scenic passenger excursion ride with Hobo Railroad
Whether you’re a trains enthusiast or would like to opt for a faster, more comfortable way to explore New Hampshire’s scenic landscape, hop on a Hobo train and prepare for a marvelous ride. The train departs from Lincoln and will take its passengers along the winding Pemigewasset River for a family-fun adventure. The trip has even been voted “best ride for kids” by the New Hampshire Magazine, so the little ones will enjoy it for sure, but so will you.
Hobo Railroad
Address: 64 Railroad St, Lincoln, NH 03251
Website: Hobo Railroad
Price: 18 USD
5. Splash around at Whale’s Tale Water Park
Whale’s Tale Water Park is a fun land for the whole family. Spreading over 17 acres (7 hectares), Whale’s Tale has been named the best waterpark in America by the Aquatics International Magazine. What makes it so unique are its many thrilling attractions, including the super-fast Banzai Pipeline, Shipwreck Island, where the whole family can stay entertained for hours, and the Eye of the Storm, a favorite among visitors, and one of the latest additions when it comes to waterpark technology. The list of attractions in Whale’s Tale Water Park doesn’t end here, so you should go check in out for more splashy fun.
Whale’s Tale Water Park
Address: 481 Daniel Webster Hwy, Lincoln, NH 03251
Website: Whale’s Tale Water Park
Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 44 USD
6. Ride the aerial gondolas at Loon Mountain

Loon Mountain is home to a plethora of sports and activities year-round. From biking and ziplining in the summer months to snow tubing, skiing, and snowshoeing in the wintertime, there are always new experiences awaiting. Beyond all the thrilling sports, the mountain scenery is quite surreal and worth noticing. One of the best ways to take in the breathtaking views is on the scenic Gondola Skyride to the summit of Loon Peak. In only 10 minutes you’ll get to the top, where a fresh mountain breeze and stunning mountain views await.
Loon Mountain
Address: 60 Loon Mountain Rd, Lincoln, NH 03251
Website: Loon Mountain
Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)
Price: From 18 USD
7. Go ziplining above the forest floor with Alpine Adventures
Another great way to get your adrenaline pumping is through the many experiences Alpine Adventures has to offer. Their services include a variety of off-road tours, ziplines, and more. One of their most sought-after tours is the Tree Top Canopy Tour, which is suitable for families, thrill-seekers, but beginners too. The tour lasts for about two hours and includes six ziplines that get progressively faster and longer. The tour ends with their famous Zip 6, a super-fast zipline going at a speed of 45 miles per hour (72 kilometers per hour).
Alpine Adventures
Address: 41 Main St, Lincoln, NH 03251
Website: Alpine Adventures
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8:30am - 6pm; Sat - Sun: 8am - 7pm
Price: 89 USD
8. Try the house-brewed lagers at One Love Brewery

Adventure and outdoor sports make cold beer taste even better, so after trying all these adventures Lincoln has in store for its visitors, stop for a house-brewed lager at One Love Brewery. They are a craft brewery, full-service restaurant, and bar, all into one. Their menu includes a variety of starters, soups, salads, burgers, sandwiches, and main courses. One of their most popular beers is the One Love Brewery Porter, with a subtle hint of chocolate and a coffee finish, but their beer list is much more extensive. During the summer and fall, they also have dog-friendly areas.
One Love Brewery
Address: 25 S Mountain Dr, Lincoln, NH 03251
Website: One Love Brewery
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 12pm - 9pm; Fri: 12pm - 11pm; Sat: 12pm - 12am
9. Get adventurous at Art's Outdoor Outfitters
When visiting Lincoln, New Hampshire, you shouldn’t miss exploring its waters. Travelers and locals alike love to explore the rivers and lakes in the area, take in the surrounding alpine landscape, and enjoy the peace and tranquility. Art’s Outdoor Outfitters will have you covered with anything you might need for a day kayaking or canoeing on the lakes. They rent anything from kayaks, paddles, life vests, stand up paddleboards, and offer a shuttle to and from the waters. They have 4 daily kayak and canoe shuttles, at 9:30am, 11am, 12:30pm, and 2pm.
Art's Outdoor Outfitters
Address: 78 Main St, Lincoln, NH 03251
Website: Art’s Outdoor Outfitters
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 9am - 6pm; Fri - Sat: 9am - 6:30pm; Sun: 10am - 5pm
10. See moose up close with Pemi Valley Moose Tours

The wildlife surrounding the town of Lincoln is quite diverse and abundant, making it worth a spot on your to-do list while in town. Some of the most popular wild animals that travelers can spot along their trip include moose, bears, and more. With the Pemi Valley Moose Tours, you’ll get the best shot at spotting moose in their natural habitat. Their night moose tours have a success rate of 97%, so make sure you bring video cameras, binoculars, and maybe even a sweater, in case it gets cold.
Pemi Valley Moose Tours
Address: 136 Main St, Lincoln, NH 03251
Website: Pemi Valley Moose Tours
Opening hours: 3pm - 9pm (daily)
Price: 35 USD
11. Taste the sample wines at Seven Birches Winery
The Seven Birches Winery is part of the Riverwalk Resort at Loon Mountain, and it is home to a variety of distinct wines that stay true to the spirit of New Hamshire. Seven Birches Winery has two locations, one is the winery facility that also includes the Winery Tasting Room, and the second one is the Atrium Wine Bar, located near the Lincoln Village Shops. For only 10 USD, guests can order a wine flight, which includes 5 samples of wine from the menu, or they can order wine by the glass. Other ways to explore the winery is through a tour of the production facility, or by having a nice glass of wine out on the patio, in the center of town.
Seven Birches Winery
Address: 22 S Mountain Dr, Lincoln, NH 03251
Website: Seven Birches Winery
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 1pm - 7pm; Fri: 1pm - 9pm; Sat: 12pm - 9pm; Sun: 11am - 7pm
Price: 10 USD
12. Enjoy camping with friends along the Lincoln Woods Trail
For those looking to get up close and personal with nature, camping might be an excellent idea. Lincoln Woods Trail, considered the gate to the Pemigewasset Wilderness is a popular camping destination, as it boasts a variety of trails, bridges, and the scenic Franconia Falls. There is also a large parking area where you can leave your car, and it includes restrooms, an information cabin, water, and different amenities. From here, hikers can choose the best trail depending on level, length, and time, and look for the best camping site.
Lincoln Woods Trail
Website: Lincoln Woods Trail
13. Wet your feet at Franconia Falls
Franconia Falls is located at the end of one of the flattest trails in the White Mountains. With little to no elevation, the trail is a family favorite and can be accessed year-round by different means, whether it’s by foot or mountain bike, cross-country skis or snowshoes. The fall has several waterslides and swimming holes, so visitors are bound to have loads of fun, refreshing times. However, everyone should be careful and assess potential risks before soaking their feet into the falls’ cold waters. After this refreshing activity, visitors can also go hiking in the White Mountains, where plenty of trails await.
Franconia Falls
Address: Franconia Falls Trail, Lincoln, NH 03251, USA
14. Have fun swimming at Echo Lake
Families, but especially the little ones, love coming to Echo Lake State Park, as it is home to lots of outdoor fun. People come here for a swim in the Echo Lake, or to have a picnic in the fresh alpine air. The area is sprinkled with walking, hiking, and mountain biking trails, but it is also great for snowshoeing in the wintertime. Besides swimming, water sports aficionados can also try kayaking or canoeing, or relax on the lakeshore fishing.
Echo Lake State Park
Address: 68 Echo Lake Rd, North Conway, NH 03860
Website: Echo Lake State Park
Opening hours: 9am - 8pm (daily)
Price: 4 USD
15. Pay a visit to the Betty and Barney Hill Incident Historical Marker
Lincoln might not be the first place you associate with UFOs, but there is a place where extraterrestrial activity was reported decades ago – The Betty and Barney Hill Incident Historical Marker. The Hills were an American couple who experienced a close encounter with a UFO while driving south near Lincoln. The alien abduction has remained in history as the first widely reported, and to mark it, their story lives on through the historical marker along Route 3.
Betty and Barney Hill Incident Historical Marker
Address: US Rt. 3 about a half-mile from the entrance to Franconia Notch State Park, Lincoln, NH 03251
16. Have a breakfast date at The Black Diamond Bar and Pub
Treat yourself with this delicious dessert at our onsite restaurant ?? PC: @kurt_cobra
Posted by Mountain Club on Loon on Friday, 9 November 2018
The Black Diamond Bar and Pub is a casual American restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and it is part of the Mountain Club on Loon Resort and Spa. Their menu caters to both families with children and bold-flavor seekers, as their meals are the result of their chefs’ creativity, mixed with the region’s best produce. They offer a farm-to-table experience by buying from some of the best bakers, farmers, butchers, and brewers in the region. Their hearty meals are paired with some of the best mountain views in Lincoln, making the whole experience worth it.
The Black Diamond Bar and Pub
Address: 90 Loon Mountain Rd, Lincoln, NH 03251
Website: The Black Diamond Bar and Pub
Opening hours: Mon - Thu & Sat: 7:30am - 10am, 11:30am - 9pm; Fri: 7:30am - 10am, 11:30am - 9:30pm: Sun: 8am - 11am, 11:30am - 9pm
17. Witness a live show at Jean's Playhouse
Spend a fun evening out and share a laugh or two in downtown Lincoln. Here you will find Jean’s Playhouse, a theater where a variety of shows are played every season, including musicals, plays, and special events. Some of the most popular shows to catch here include Titanic the Musical, Cinderella, and The Hound of the Baskervilles. If you browse through their past seasons, you’ll discover the list is much longer, as their first season dates back to the summer of 1986. If you’re traveling with kids, no need to worry, they also have a lot of children’s plays.
Jean's Playhouse
Address: 34 Paper Mill Dr, Lincoln, NH 03251
Website: Jean’s Playhouse
Opening hours: Thu - Fri: 12pm - 5pm (closed from Sat - Wed)
Price: 32 USD
18. Hang out at CJ's Penalty Box Sports Bar & Pub
Drinks and sports go hand in hand at CJ’s Penalty Box Sports Bar & Pub. They’re a top favorite among locals and tourists alike, as they’re part sports pub, part family-friendly restaurant. They are fairly priced, have a newly renovated dining room, and a lovely patio with alpine views. CJ’s Penalty Box Sports Bar & Pub serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and their menu includes anything from appetizers, salads, and seafood to burgers, pizza, and comfort food. Make sure you check out their award-winning mac ‘n’ cheese too.
CJ's Penalty Box Sports Bar & Pub
Address: 11 Pollard Rd, Lincoln, NH 03251
Website: CJ’s Penalty Box Sports Bar & Pub
Opening hours: Mon: 4pm - 11pm; Tue - Sat: 7am - 11am, 4pm - 11pm; Sun: 7am - 12pm, 4pm - 11pm
19. Plan a family picnic at Franconia Notch State Park

Franconia Notch State Park is yet another spot you’ll want to add on your outdoor adventure bucket list, when in Lincoln. Located in the heart of the White Mountain National Forest, Franconia Notch is a scenic mountain pass where travelers can go hiking, but it is also a place for water sports like canoeing and kayaking, or winter sports like snowshoeing, skiing, and snowmobiling. Travelers come here for camping, so they have enough time to explore the surroundings, but you can also pack lunch and have a picnic while taking in the picturesque surroundings.
Franconia Notch State Park
Address: 260 Tramway Drive, Franconia/Lincoln, NH 03580
Website: Franconia Notch State Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
20. Give your nails a new look at Lincoln Nails & Spa
Posted by Lincoln Nails & Spa on Thursday, 9 May 2019
Just because you’re on vacation doesn’t mean you can’t take some time to relax and pamper yourself. If you’ve been traveling for a while and your manicure needs some refreshing, or you just want to try something new, the Lincoln Nails & Spa is an excellent choice. You can call and make an appointment, and choose from a simple or gel manicure, a regular, spa, or deluxe pedicure, and other additional services. In case you don’t have where to leave the children, you can bring them along because they also offer kid’s services.
Lincoln Nails & Spa
Address: 31 Main St, Lincoln, NH 03251
Website: Lincoln Nails & Spa
Opening hours: Mon: 12pm - 7pm; Tue - Fri: 9am - 7pm; Sat: 9am - 5pm (closed on Sun)
Price: From 15 USD
21. Buy souvenirs from Cloud 9 North
Posted by Cloud 9 North on Friday, 11 February 2011
Most of us usually buy souvenirs from our travels to take back home to friends and family, so you’re likely to be looking for a souvenir shop in Lincoln too. Cloud 9 North is not your average shop, but it sure is worth a peek. The groovy shop sells anything from beads, jewelry, and novelties to unique gifts, incense, and smoking accessories.
Cloud 9 North
Address: 57 Main St #1, Lincoln, NH 03251
Website: Cloud 9 North
Opening hours: Wed - Thu: 11am - 5pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 6pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
22. Tee off at Hobo Hills Adventure Golf
Whenever you’re looking for a fun, affordable activity for the whole family, mini golf can easily be one of the best options. At Hobo Hills Adventure Golf, however, you get more than that, as you also get to experience what it’s like living the simple life of local hobos and admire the scenic landscape that integrates the course between meandering streams and cascading waterfalls. The 18-hole golf course is perfect for both kids and adult and promises an afternoon filled with fun and laughter.
Hobo Hills Adventure Golf
Address: 127 Main St, Lincoln, NH 03251
Website: Hobo Hills Adventure Golf
Opening hours: 9am - 9pm (daily)
Price: 9 USD
23. Attend a yoga class at Live a Little Fitness
Whether you’re a yoga master or still a skeptical noob, a yoga class at Live a Little Fitness is a must-try experience that will forever get you hooked on this sport. They have a variety of classes available, but Yoga in the Woods is by far the most spectacular. You’ll get to experience yoga like never before, as Lincoln’s nature will be your studio. From Lost River Gorge to Boulder Caves, the setting is surreal and will help you connect with nature, your body, and your spirit even easier. You’ll leave the class with a relaxed body and a refreshed mind.
Live a Little Fitness
Address: 25 S Mountain Dr, Lincoln, NH 03251
Website: Live a Little Fitness
Opening hours: Wed - Thu: 3pm - 6:30pm; Fri: 12:30pm - 2pm; Sat: 1pm - 8pm; Sun: 10am - 4pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
Price: 15 USD
24. Watch a hit movie at Lincoln Cinemas 4
Posted by Barnz's Lincoln Cinema on Friday, 26 April 2013
Just because you’re on vacation doesn’t mean you should miss your favorite movies playing in cinema at the moment. Going to the movies can be an excellent activity if the weather outside is cold or rainy, or if you want to spend a relaxing evening with the family or friends. At Lincoln Cinemas 4 you’ll get to see the newest blockbusters, so you stay up to date.
Lincoln Cinemas 4
Address: 593 Main St, Lincoln, NH 03251
Website: Lincoln Cinemas 4
The many sides of Lincoln, New Hampshire
As you can see, Lincoln is a place of spectacular nature, outdoor sports galore, but also unique yoga classes, one-of-a-kind souvenirs, craft beer, and hearty meals. Before you visit, make sure you check out our list of the best things to do in Lincoln, New Hampshire, so the entire family stays happy and entertained. If you’re still wondering where to stay, there are also plenty of pet-friendly cabins nearby that your furry friends will enjoy.
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