Looking for a peaceful getaway with parks, history, and small-town charm? Head to Lincoln, RI! Just north of Providence, Lincoln blends scenic nature trails with historic mills, gaming excitement, and classic New England charm—perfect for a relaxing weekend escape or a fun day trip.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Lincoln is from late spring through early fall (May to October). Enjoy outdoor activities, fall foliage, and comfortable weather for hiking or sightseeing. Winter offers indoor fun and quiet scenic beauty.
How to Get There
- By Car: Lincoln is about 15 minutes north of Providence via I-95 and RI-146, and 1 hour from Boston.
- By Train: Take Amtrak or MBTA to Providence, then drive or use a rideshare to reach Lincoln.
- By Air: Fly into T.F. Green Airport (PVD), about 30 minutes away by car.
Where to Stay
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Smithfield – Comfortable, convenient option just minutes from Lincoln.
- Renaissance Providence Downtown Hotel – Stylish hotel in nearby Providence for a more urban stay with easy access.
- Local B&Bs and Inns – Enjoy cozy, personalized stays at bed-and-breakfasts in the surrounding countryside.
Top Attractions
Lincoln Woods State Park
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Lincoln Woods State Park is a 627-acre recreation area in Lincoln, Rhode Island, around Olney Pond, about four miles from Pawtucket. The park is known for the giant glacial boulders and the rocky terrain. Until the 1940s, the park was known as Quinsnicket, a name given by white settlers. The park has a freshwater beach on Olney Pond, large picnicking area and trails for horseback riders, mountain bikers, snowmobilers and hikers. There are also facilities for boating, ice skating and fishing, as well as a few game fields. Canoe and kayak rentals and kayaking lessons are offered by a local company. The park is also a popular spot for bouldering, a type of rock climbing without ropes or harnesses.
2 Manchester Print Works Rd, Lincoln, RI 02865, Phone: 401-723-7892
Hearthside House
© Hearthside House
Hearthside House is a historic house museum in Lincoln, Rhode Island built in 1810 for Stephen Hopkins Smith in Federal style. The house is constructed of fieldstone and has ten fireplaces. The story is that Smith built the house with winnings from the Louisiana state lottery. He was planning to use the house to woo a woman from Providence. Hearthside served as a private home to 11 different owners until 1996 when the town of Lincoln purchased it. The property is now managed by the "Friends of Hearthside", a nonprofit organization. Because the house changed so many owners, no original furnishing exists. Most of furnishing at the Hearthside has been donated or loaned so that the house can be a museum depicting several different periods.
677 Great Rd, Lincoln, RI 02865, Phone: 401-726-0597
Recommended Activities for Families
Arnold House
© Historic New England
The Eleazer Arnold House is a historic house in Lincoln, Rhode Island, in the Great Road Historic District. The house was built for Eleazer Arnold in 1693. The house is a fairly large "stone-ender," a type of building brought from the western England and commonly used in northern Rhode Island. It has two stories, with four rooms on each floor, exposed fieldstone end-walls, a lean-to, wooden side-walls, and a chimney. A gable had been added by the 20th century. In 1919 Preserved Whipple Arnold donated the house to Historic New England , at that time called the Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities. The house was restored twice since then. The house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was declared a National Historic Landmark. It is open to the public on weekends.
487 Great Rd, Lincoln, RI 02865, Phone: 401-728-9696
Blackstone River State Park
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Blackstone River State Park is a riverfront park with a network of bike paths and walking trails and facilities for canoe portage and freshwater fishing. There are historical walking tours organized along the canal tow path that was built in 1828. Located within the park, Captain Wilbur Kelly House Museum offers exhibits on canal, railroad and highways. The Blackstone River State Park is stretched along alternate banks of the Blackstone River, between Valley Falls, Cumberland and Hamlet Village in Woonsocket. The park's most popular feature is the 12-mile long Blackstone River Bike Path. The path starts with an elevated boardwalk over the Valley Falls marsh in Cumberland. It winds its way through a meadow, a former Drive-in movie theater, and runs along the tow path of the historic Blackstone Canal in Lincoln.
Lower River Rd, Lincoln, RI 02865, Phone: 401-334-6720
Trattoria Romana
© Trattoria Romana
Trattoria Romana is a family of restaurants serving authentic Italian cuisine throughout Southern New England. Their Lincoln location is an elegant, upscale eatery with warm, family atmosphere, huge murals of Rome on the walls, gleaming glassware, white tablecloths and a wall of wine bottles separating the dining area from the fully stocked bar. The large menu includes Roman specialties and a range of classic Italian dishes that use the fresh seafood from the area. One of the most popular dishes is Aragosta Ravioli with pasta filled with fresh Maine lobster and ricotta cheese, in a light cream sauce with parmigiano-reggiano cheese. There is a nice patio for those warm summer evenings.
3 Wake Robin Rd, Lincoln, RI 02865, Phone: 401-333-6700
Honey Dew Donuts
© Honey Dew Donuts
Honey Dew Donuts is the largest locally owned donut and coffee shop chain in New England, with 145 location. For the last 40 years they have been known for serving a variety of coffees, delicious donuts, pastries, muffins, breakfast sandwiches and other drinks. Their Lincoln spot is a bright, modern counter-serve shop with a colorful display of fresh donuts and specials of the day. There is a drive-tru and a few tables for those who cannot wait another minute to taste their fresh mouth-watering donut with a cup of hot, or cold, coffee. They also serve sandwiches.
179 Front St, Lincoln, RI 02865, Phone: 401-728-3990
Attractions for Couples
Rock Spot Climbing
© Rock Spot Climbing
For passionate wall climbers and athletes just getting into the sport, Rock Spot Climbing is a great place to visit. Learn more about the sport and gain a better appreciation of what it takes to excel at the different kinds of sports climbing at this facility. Owned by Lary Noring and Nadav Minkin, Rock Spot Climbing has been open since 1998 and provides all visitors with a world-class climbing facility and beginner-friendly environment. Try walls of different levels, bouldering, and other climbing-related activities when you drop by the climbing gym.
100 Higginson Avenue, Lincoln, Rhode Island 026875, Phone: 401-727-1704
TimeMission
© JackF/stock.adobe.com
TimeMission is the first of its kind in the country and the biggest time machine gaming experience in the world to date. With 5,300 square feet of space, TimeZone features 25 different connect rooms called portals. Within each of these portals is a challenge that will test not just your physical strength and wits, but also your flexibility, hand, and eye coordination, and other skills sets. In addition to having a range of skill challenges, TimeZone’s portals also represent different eras and periods in time. Do you and your team have what it takes to beat this 1.5-hour experience and become the Key Masters? Find out for yourself when you book a game at TimeMission.
100 Higginson Avenue, Lincoln, Rhode Island 02865, Phone: 401-721-5554
BattlegroundZ
© BattlegroundZ
With 20,000 square feet of playable space, BattlegroundZ is the largest indoor field in New England and the ultimate destination for legendary paintball or airsoft battles. Battlers at this premier amusement complex will engage in crazy battles aided by awesome lighting, surprising sound effects, and a realistic battle course littered with obstacles and structures like jails, hospitals, bust stops, and even a four-way intersection with vehicles to hide behind and shoot from. The mission? Diffuse a bomb hidden in the arena before time runs out. In addition to the paintball and airsoft field, Battlegroundz also offers dodgeball, laser tag, dart wars, and an arcade.
100 Higginson Avenue, Lincoln, Rhode Island 02865, Phone: 401-305-3600
Bally’s Twin River Lincoln Casino Hotel
© Bally’s Twin River Lincoln Casino Hotel
Committed to providing world-class services and top-of-the-line casino gaming to all their guests, Bally’s Twin River Lincoln Casino Hotel is a great option for accommodations and entertainment. Known for its exceptional facilities, Bally’s Twin River Lincoln has a huge casino for guests to spend a few hours in. Play at one of the casino hotel’s 125 table games with options like Sportsbook, Poker, and Simulcasting, or try your luck at one of the 4,100 slot machines. When you’re done at the casino, explore the Bally’s Twin River’s fantastic dining options for a delicious meal, or participate in some of the sporting events or concerts that are regularly held at the hotel’s event center.
100 Twin River Road, Lincoln, Rhode Island 02865, Phone: 401-723-3200
Where to Eat
- Asia Grille – Local favorite for Chinese and Asian fusion dishes in a relaxed setting.
- Macera’s Italian Restaurant – Classic Italian-American fare with hearty portions and friendly service.
Local Events
- Lincoln Summer Concert Series – Free live music in the park during warm-weather months.
- Blackstone Valley Heritage Events – Seasonal walks, talks, and tours celebrating the region’s industrial past.
- Holiday Tree Lighting (December) – Community celebration with lights, music, and festive cheer in town.
Day Trips Within 30 Minutes of Lincoln, Rhode Island
- Providence (15–20 min) – Visit RISD Museum, stroll Waterplace Park, or enjoy eclectic dining and arts.
- Pawtucket (10–15 min) – Catch a performance at Gamm Theatre or browse local art studios and breweries.
- Woonsocket (15–20 min) – Explore French-Canadian heritage at the Museum of Work & Culture or walk the Blackstone River Trail.
- Garden City Center (25–30 min) – Shop name-brand stores, dine al fresco, and stroll charming open-air plazas.
- Attleboro, MA (20–25 min) – Visit Capron Park Zoo or browse art and history at the Attleboro Arts Museum.
- Seekonk Grand Prix (25–30 min) – Race go-karts, play mini golf, and enjoy arcade games with the family.
FAQ
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Where is Lincoln, Rhode Island located?
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What makes Lincoln historically significant?
- Lincoln is located in the lower Blackstone Valley of Rhode Island and in the John H. Chafee, Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor, New England's historic National Park area.
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What outdoor attractions does Lincoln offer?
- Lincoln Woods State Park surrounds Olney Pond and is known for its giant glacial boulders. Blackstone River State Park is best known for the 12-mile long Blackstone River Bike Path.
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What historic sites can visitors explore in Lincoln?
- Lincoln has a number of historic house museums, such as Hearthside House and Arnold House, a "stone-ender," a type of building brought from western England and common in Rhode Island.
At a Glance
Best Time to Visit |
Places to Stay |
Top Activities |
Spring (March-May) – Mild weather and blooming flowers. |
Hampton Inn & Suites Providence / Smithfield – A comfortable stay near Lincoln. |
Visit Lincoln Woods State Park – Enjoy hiking, fishing, and scenic lake views. |
Summer (June-August) – Warm and great for outdoor activities. |
Courtyard by Marriott Providence Lincoln – A well-rated option with modern amenities. |
Try your luck at Bally’s Twin River Casino – Enjoy gaming, dining, and live entertainment. |
Fall (September-November) – Crisp air and beautiful autumn foliage. |
Renaissance Providence Downtown Hotel – A stylish stay within a short drive. |
Explore Chase Farm Park – A historic farm with trails and scenic fall landscapes. |
Winter (December-February) – Cool and cozy with seasonal charm. |
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Smithfield – Providence – A budget-friendly and convenient stay. |
Visit Hearthside House Museum – Discover a beautifully preserved 19th-century mansion. |
Plan Your Trip
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