Lincoln: Lakes, Riverfront and Waterfront Recreation

Lincoln is shaped by its waterways: 13 lakes, more than 4,300 acres of water, nearly 70 miles of shoreline and 19 miles of riverfront give the landscape a distinct connection to the water. Ways to enjoy a stay include boating, fishing, free kayak and paddleboard rentals, and wildlife watching. For planning, it is worth considering the waterways and their specific offerings individually.

Public boat launches at six waterways

Lincoln has public boat launches at various waterways. The launch at Cold Stream Pond is basic and suitable only for hand-carried boats. Other public launches are located at:

• Folsom Pond, at 500 Folsom Pond Road;
• Mattanawcook Pond, at 31 Lake St;
• the Penobscot River in Lincoln, at 725 W Broadway;
• Stump Pond, on Frost St;
• Upper Cold Stream Pond, at Little Narrows, 900 Transalpine Rd.

This means you can consider different waterways as destinations for an outing on the water. The specific restriction at Cold Stream Pond is important if you plan to bring a boat: the launch is suitable only for boats that can be carried to the water by hand.

Paddling, fishing and wildlife watching

Kayaks and paddleboards are available to rent for free at Prince Thomas Park. For visitors who want to experience Lincoln from the water, these rentals offer another option alongside the public boat launches. Fishing is also part of the area’s waterside appeal: popular catches in Lincoln include smallmouth bass, landlocked salmon, brook trout, togue (lake trout), smelt and white perch.

At Edwards Family Kids Fishing Pond, fishing is permitted only for people under 16 or people with a qualifying free fishing permit. If you are considering this pond for a fishing trip, keep this requirement in mind when planning.

Wildlife watching is another possible activity in Lincoln. Wildlife includes loons, ducks, geese, herons, eagles and ospreys, as well as white-tailed deer, bears and moose. For a walk with a picnic or wildlife watching, consider the Lincoln Community Walking and Fitness Trail. It is accessible, with no steep inclines. These uses make it an alternative to activities on the water.

The Loon Festival and local history

The annual Loon Festival takes place in Lincoln every July. The program includes the Redneck Regatta, a parade, arts and crafts, and other activities. If you want to plan your trip around the festival, check the exact event dates for your chosen year.

The town’s architectural history can also be seen at specific sites. The Corro House is one of the oldest houses in Lincoln and was built by the Stinchfield family in 1836. The Little Red Schoolhouse is located in Schoolhouse Park on West Broadway and dates from 1891. The two buildings offer distinct points of reference for the town’s history.

In the wider region, the Lincoln Historical Society has books and artifacts related to the Lincoln area. Its collection also includes a one-room schoolhouse and school-related items from Lincoln schools. These collections complement the historic buildings with objects that document everyday school life in the area.

Discover more destinations: Dexter, Glenburn, Orono, Millinocket, Brewer, Bangor, Corinna, Lee

For the broader travel overview: Penobscot.