A fort overlooking two rivers and trails along the shore and around a pond show how many different ways there are to explore Lincoln. Historic sites and homes sit alongside protected areas, wildlife and insights into marine ecology. To plan your visit, choose what interests you: architecture and coastal history, outdoor trails or learning about nature by the water.
Historic Places with Distinctive Perspectives
Colonial Pemaquid is a state historic site administered by the Bureau of Parks and Public Lands of the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. Fort Edgecomb offers a different perspective: it overlooks the Sheepscot River and the Back River. Its two-story octagonal design is modeled on English forts.
At Pownalborough Court House, you can add some time outdoors to your visit: visitors can hike the trail system in the woods across the road. Castle Tucker combines the history of a house with the history of Maine’s coast. Spanning 150 years, it tells the story of life in a prominent shipping family.
Coastal Landscapes and Trails
Dodge Point has more than 8,000 feet of frontage on the Damariscotta River and marks the northeastern terminus of the River-Link Trail. Directions are also clearly provided: Dodge Point is accessible by boat from the public landing in Damariscotta or by car via River Road, south of U.S. Route 1.
At Oak Point Farm, coastal scenery meets a variety of trail distances. The preserve covers 32 acres and has more than 2,000 feet of shoreline on Hodgdon Cove. A 0.6-mile trail segment leads to the shore, follows it and loops around the freshwater pond. It is accessible and suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. There is also an easy one-mile loop trail through fields and woods along the water.
At Ovens Mouth Preserve, shoreline trails, quiet coves and salt marshes meet wooded landscapes. The eastern and western sections are heavily wooded and have some shoreline. The preserve has more than five miles of hiking trails in total. Eagles, ospreys, otters and deer are among the wildlife found there. This offers a different focus from the designated trails at Oak Point Farm: here, the trail network connects several distinct coastal and habitat types.
The Sea and Other Experiences
At the Maine State Aquarium, visitors can learn about the Gulf of Maine as a dynamic ecosystem with more than 3,000 species. Topics include the ecological role of kelp and scallops, as well as the science and management of aquaculture in the region. Exhibits may change seasonally. Parking is very limited, and there is no dock for arriving by boat. Check the latest information before your visit.
Boothbay Railway Village offers train rides around its grounds. Damariscotta River Cruises offers cruises with oyster and wine tastings. Since schedules and offerings may change, it’s a good idea to check dates before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Boothbay Harbor, Newagen, Waldoboro, Southport, Boothbay, Bristol, Edgecomb, Alna, South Bristol, Wiscasset.
For the main travel overview: Maine.
