If you’re trying to plan a trip to a picturesque New England town, you have plenty of great options in Lincoln. Across Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont, there are many beautiful villages tucked into the mountains.
New Hampshire, in particular, has many beautiful vacation destinations. With the lakes, mountains, and seacoast all in the state, you can’t beat a trip to the state.
One small town in New Hampshire, however, outshines the rest. Nestled in the beautiful White Mountains, just north of the Lakes Region, is Lincoln, New Hampshire. With many places to eat, things to try, and areas to visit, a trip to Lincoln is a must!
Here are 9 awesome things to do while in Lincoln, New Hampshire.
1. Visit Loon Mountain Resort
One time, after a major snowstorm in the city of Boston, the city had a hard time removing all of the snow because of the number of homemade ski jumps and downhill slopes locals had made. The mayor, trying to convince people to allow plows to clean the city said “This isn’t Loon Mountain”.
The fact that the name was so recognizable that everyone in the city knew what he was talking about shows just how fun the ski mountain is. With 61 trails and 3 peaks, the mountain is a winter wonderland.
But Loon is great beyond just the winter. In the warmer months, the mountain has a Zipline, bike paths, frisbee golf, rock climbing, and more! You really can’t go wrong with a trip to Loon Mountain at any time of year.
Additionally, because Loon is the biggest attraction in town, it is easily accessible from everywhere nearby. No trip to Lincoln is complete without a stop at Loon.
The closest places to stay to Loon Mountain are the highly recommended Village of Loon Mountain Resort and the Village of Loon Mountain – VI. Both of these are on the Kancamagus Highway, so you’ll get to see some amazing foliage on your way to the mountain.
2. Make A Stop At Clark’s Bears
It’s not every day that you get to see a black bear, even in the rural woods of New Hampshire. It’s even less common for you to see a black bear eating ice cream, playing basketball, riding a bike, or more incredible tricks!
At Clark’s Bears, you can see all of these things! Clark’s Bears is a theme park in Lincoln, New Hampshire open from the early Spring until the Fall where you can see the Clark Family’s famous trained bears. With daily bear shows under a circus tent, you’ll find fun for the whole family.
While you’re there, you can visit Merlin’s Mystical Mansion, the Segway Park, take a ride on White Mountain Central Railroad, and avoid getting caught by the Wolfman!
Clark’s Bears is great for family gatherings with discounted prices for large groups and is easily accessible from I-93 in Lincoln. A day at Clark’s can take the whole day, but be sure to drink plenty of water!
3. Take a Moose Tour
There are numerous moose tours that will take you to Great North Woods with a chance to spot these majestic beasts in the wild.
Moose tours are bus tours and the guide will explain everything about moose.
4. Make A Splash At Whale’s Tale Water Park
For the last 30 years, Whale’s Tale Water Park has been keeping Lincoln cool with a great combination of surf pools, water slides, kiddie play areas, and more. Whale’s Tales has been consistently voted as one of New England’s favorite water parks, and for good reason!
Located just off I-93, Whale’s Tale is centrally located and gets many visitors each day. Open from June through September, Whale’s Tale attracts locals and visitors alike and is a favorite destination for summer camps in the region, so be sure to get tickets in advance!
Whale’s Tale includes a massive swimming pool, lazy river, multiple water slides for both individuals and tubes, a surf pool, and more. With locker rooms, dining, and a gift shop, it has everything you could ask for in a Water Park.
The best part about Whale’s Tale, however, is their weather guarantee. Thunderstorms are common in the White Mountains and can pop up at any time. If Whale’s Tales needs to close due to weather, you’re promised a refund to continue the fun on a sunnier day.
5. Embrace The Awe Of The Ice Castles
As an old New England town, you’d be forgiven for thinking that Lincoln doesn’t have any castles made for royalty. For 8 months of the year, we don’t. But for a very short weather window, castles made of ice appear in the neighboring town of North Woodstock.
The Ice Castles are a newer attraction to the White Mountains but have been such a success that they’ve come back year after year. The structure, a massive ice sculpture resembling a castle you can walk through, is beyond your wildest imagination.
The Ice Castles are lit up with colorful lights, allowing you to walk through them during the night to truly embrace the beauty. Tickets are weather dependent and sell out fast, so be sure to book in advance if possible!
The Ice Castles are also family-friendly! With slides for kids, light shows, and more, everyone will enjoy the castles. Just be very careful not to slip!
6. Take A Ride On The Hobo Railroad And Play Mini Golf At Hobo Hills
What tourist destination would be complete without a mini golf course? Lincoln’s Hobo Hills Adventure Golf is a great attraction for families at any time of day. Looking for an after-dinner activity? Need a plan for the day, Hobo Hills is a perfect choice.
The golf course is an 18-hole mini golf course themed around the simple life of a local hobo. The course is great for small groups, or large groups willing to split into small groups. The course even holds a charity tournament in the spring!
If you’re not as interested in playing mini golf, you can take a ride on the scenic Hobo Railroad! A 15-mile scenic route operating at different times of the year, the railroad will bring you and your family on a beautiful ride, through the town of Lincoln.
In the winter, the Hobo Railroad transforms into the Santa Express Train, with a visit from the jolly man himself on each ride! Make sure you’re on the nice list!
7. Enjoy The Beauty Of Flume Gorge State Park
Any time that you can, visiting a national park is worth the trip. Unfortunately, in order to preserve their beauty, these parks are often in far-flung places. State parks are far more accessible and include much of the same beauty. Flume Gorge State Park is no exception.
The gorge is a geological formation that has been created after thousands of years of water working to erode the granite at the base of Mt. Liberty. While the formation is important for geological purposes, it also affords visitors a beautiful place to experience nature.
The park includes swimming, camping, hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and mushing available for those daring enough to make the trek. The park is only maintained during the late spring, summer, and fall, so don’t expect amenities outside of these seasons.
If you’re looking for a way to get back into nature, Flume George is the destination for you.
8. Dine Your Way Through Lincoln
If you’re anything like me, one of your favorite parts of visiting a new location is trying the new foods, drinks, and restaurants that come with it. A trip to Lincoln will not disappoint, with plenty of dining options in and around town, you could be here for a week and not have the same meal twice.
If you’re looking for restaurant recommendations, there are a number of fliers around town for great locations, but lodging hosts often know even better. Ask your hotel for some recommendations, and they’ll be happy to provide them.
Some of our favorites include Black Mountain Burger Co and One Love Brewery. Black Mountain Burger Co has some of the best burgers in the White Mountains, with delicious poutine to die for. One Love Brewery, of course, has a great beverage selection, but the vibes the restaurant gives off are even better.
If you do like beer, check out the Woodstock Inn Brewery. With great beer sold nationwide, great food, and friendly wait staff, you can’t ever go wrong here.
9. Take A Walk In Lincoln Woods
Similar to Flume Gorge and Loon Mountain, if you’re coming to Lincoln, you’re here to be outside. Lincoln Woods trailhead is an excellent spot to get out and enjoy a quick walk in the woods, or a long hike.
Just past the main entrance to Loon Mountain, the Lincoln Woods Trailhead includes a spacious parking lot, flush toilets, potable water, and a small ranger station where you can get more information about your trip.
The trails in Lincoln Woods are generally well maintained, with a gorgeous suspension bridge looking over the river, Lincoln Woods Trailhead is a great access spot for anyone looking to run, hike, bike, ski, snowshoe, and more. If it’s not motorized, you’re good to go!
If you go far enough in, Lincoln Woods transforms into the Pemigewasset Wilderness, a gorgeous, unmaintained stretch of true forest. Make sure you have a plan whenever you go hiking and are well prepared.
10. Shop In Lincoln’s Cute Downtown
Every vacation should include some souvenir shopping, and a trip to Lincoln, New Hampshire is no different. With plenty of shopping options in the town, you’ll find everything from big brands, to local artists, to break-out sporting goods stores.
Village Shops at the base of Loon Mountain’s south peak include a number of fun stores to make your way through. Burgeon Outdoors is a favorite of locals and outdoor enthusiasts, while Moon Bakery and Cafe is the go too for a mid-shopping snack.
There are a number of shops within easy walking distance of a number of hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions. Make sure you take advantage of New Hampshire’s tax-free shopping!
Bonus: Where to Stay in Lincoln, NH
- South Mountain Resort – Called the Mill House Inn a few decades ago, this resort features spacious rooms and suites with well-equipped kitchenettes. Indoor pool is a bonus, and ski lifts are a few km away.
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites – Lincoln East – White Mountains – Just a short walk from Hobo Junction, this resort offers brightly-decorated modern rooms and suites with every amenity and well-equipped kitchenettes. Disability and hearing-accessible rooms are also available.
- Days Inn by Wyndham Lincoln – Featuring an indoor pool, a seasonal outdoor pool, and a sauna, this Lincold hotel is just 400 m away from Whale’s Tale Water Park. Compact rooms and cottages are just perfect, while tasty local restaurants like Notchview Country Kitchen are within walking distance.
Whether you’re here in the Summer, Spring, Winter, or Fall, Lincoln, New Hampshire has plenty to do for you and your family. From outdoor recreation to amusement parks to shopping, a trip to Lincoln will transform into a memorable family vacation. We’re willing to be once you’re here, it’ll be hard to leave!