Valley Sites - Lincoln

Moffett Mill c. 1810

LINCOLN

There are many treasures to be found in Lincoln. From the historic colonial houses along Great Road to the rare plants found in the Lime Rock Preserve and the mill worker’s homes in Manville, Lincoln provides a wonderful Blackstone River Valley Experience.

Great Road Historic District
One of the Blackstone Valley’s treasures where 300 years of history can be found in 3 miles. For specific sites, please see the listings below.

Great Road
Lincoln, RI 02865

Friends Meeting House
Built in 1704, this is the oldest meetinghouse in New England in continuous use. Sunday Meetings at 10:30, open for tours 3rd Saturday of month 1-4.

374 Great Road
Lincoln, RI 02865
[phone]

Eleazer Arnold House
The oldest home in Lincoln (c. 1693) is also the finest example of a “stone-ender” in Rhode Island. Its most distinctive feature is the great stone-end chimney that makes up the western end of the house. Parking for Great Road is available next to the Arnold House. Open 4th Saturday of each month 1-4.

Great Road
Lincoln, RI 02865
[phone]
www.historicnewengland.org

Moffett Mill
This 1812 mill has undergone a number of uses in its life, producing machines, wagons, wagon wheels and shoelaces. Recently restored, the mill will soon house some new exhibits and be open to the public.

Great Road
Lincoln, RI 02865
[phone]

Chase Farm
This 118-acre dairy farm was active for a century until 1965. Now preserved as a green space it is used for a number of activities such as summer concerts. Also on site is a butterfly garden. Park open from dawn to dusk.

100 Great Road
Lincoln, RI
[phone]

Hannaway Blacksmith Shop
The restored Hannaway's Blacksmith Shop is located on the grounds of Chase Farm. Open for blacksmithing demonstrations May-October, Saturdays 9-12.

100 Great Road
Lincoln, RI
[phone]
www.hearthsidehouse.org/hannaway

 

Tour of Hearthside

Hearthside
A unique 1810 Federal style home, built by Stephen Smith. According to the legend of the house, Smith was courting a woman who wanted to marry the man who could build her the most magnificent home in Rhode Island. Smith won $50,000 in the Louisiana Lottery and used it to build this home, but the girl still refused to marry him, saying she did not want to live so far from Providence. Open 2nd Saturday of each month 1-4 pm.

Great Road
Lincoln, RI 02865
[phone]
www.hearthsidehouse.org

Lime Rock Village
Built along the Great Road, this village was based on mining, not on the textile industry. In the mid-1600s the Dexter and Harris began to quarry Limestone in this area, much of which was used to make mortar for building. The Conklin Limestone Company continues in operation today.

Great Road
Lincoln, RI

Valentine Whitman House
This 17th Century Stone Ender, is the second oldest house in Lincoln and the site of the first Town Meeting in Smithfield. Open first Saturday of the Month 1-4 pm.

Corner of Great Rd & Whalen Rd
Lincoln RI 02865
401-333-1100

Lime Rock Preserve
The Lime Rock Preserve is a beautiful and unique habitat that supports more rare plant species than any other site in Rhode Island. Lime Rock Preserve is an excellent place to watch the seasons change, explore walking trails, or look for animals and plants like migrant warblers, raccoons, and trout lilies. The preserve is laced with trails illustrating a wide variety of distinctive New England habitats -- rich woodlands, forested swamps, streams, open water, and calcareous ledges. Open dawn to dusk.

Wilbur Road
Lincoln, RI
www.nature.org/

North Gate Toll House
Built in 1807, it served as a tollhouse for the Louisquisset Turnpike Co. and as a hotel and grange hall in the mid-1800’s On site is a library with holdings pertaining to the Blackstone Valley, a small museum room with early 18th century furniture. It is also home of the Blackstone Valley Historical Society. Monthly meetings, special events and by appointment.

1873 Old Louisquisset Pike (Rte. 246)
Lincoln RI 02865
[phone]

 

Kelly House Transportation Museum

Blackstone River State Park/ Blackstone River Bikeway
Eight miles of the Blackstone River Bikeway is now open in the towns of Lincoln and Cumberland. Eventually, the Bikeway will run 48-miles from Worcester to Providence. 3.5 miles of the Bikeway run on top of the preserved Blackstone Canal towpath. Bike path open year round dawn to dusk. See link below for directions to trailheads.

[401] 723-7892
www.blackstoneriverbikeway.com

Captain Wilbur Kelly House Transportation Museum
Located along the Blackstone River Bikeway and the Blackstone Canal is the Kelley House, home of ships captain and mill owner Wilbur Kelley that has been transformed into a museum on transportation in the Blackstone Valley. Open April-October, 7 days a week 9-4:30.

Lower River Road
Lincoln, RI
[phone]

Lincoln Woods
Over 600 acres available for swimming at the fresh water beach, trout fishing, hiking, jogging, horseback riding, or just relaxing under a shade tree. Direct access from Rt. 146 or off Great Road. Open sunrise to sunset. No admission fee, some use fees apply.

2 Manchester Print Works Road
Lincoln, RI
[phone]
www.riparks.com/lincoln