Discover Lincoln: Auburn Ravine, Art and City History

Get to know Lincoln through several distinct attractions: Auburn Ravine, public art downtown, a city museum, and parks and event venues. To plan your stay, you can first decide whether you want to focus on the landscape, a walking tour or an event. The following pointers can help you work these interests into your travel plans.

Auburn Ravine and Getting Around

Auburn Ravine is a creek nearly 34 miles long, running through foothills and valley terrain. It flows from Auburn through Ophir and Newcastle and on through Lincoln. Its course thus passes through several towns and extends beyond Lincoln into the surrounding region.

Lincoln has numerous bike routes and bike lanes throughout the city. A map of Auburn Ravine shows parking options and access to the trail. The city’s visitor maps and guides include cycling and hiking maps, campground and restaurant locations, and road maps of the surrounding area. You can choose maps based on whether you want to find your way around the Ravine, plan cycling or hiking activities, or explore the wider area.

Parks, Baseball and Events

McBean Park is in the heart of Lincoln and covers 24 acres, with a range of amenities. McBean Stadium is the home ballpark of the Lincoln Potters Baseball Club. These offer different connections to the city: the park is notable for its size and central location, while the stadium is associated with a baseball club. If baseball is part of your travel plans, the stadium’s connection to the club is a useful point of reference.

Beerman Plaza in downtown Lincoln hosts an annual holiday tree-lighting ceremony. The plaza also hosts concerts and other annual activities. If you’re planning your trip around an event, check the specific dates in advance. The Lincoln Theatre Company presents professional-quality theater productions for audiences of all ages. The city’s cultural offerings thus include both events in a public square and stage productions.

Murals and City History

The Art in Public Places program includes murals in the downtown business district. A digital mural map guides visitors through Lincoln’s historic center to see the artworks there. The center is also characterized by its traditionally designed buildings: many can be seen on a walk through historic downtown. If you want to focus on public art, you can use the digital map to find your way; if you’re interested in the buildings’ design, the walking tour offers a different perspective.

The Lincoln Area Archives Museum acquires, preserves, interprets and exhibits artifacts and information about the cultural history of Lincoln and its surrounding area. Its focus brings together the collection, interpretation and exhibition of local history. The museum offers private and group tours by appointment only. If you’d like to include a tour in your travel plans, arrange it in advance.

Explore more destinations: Kings Beach, Lake Forest, Squaw Valley, Dollar Point, Foresthill, Emigrant Gap, Auburn, Rocklin

For the broader travel overview: Placer.