Discover Lincoln: Nature, History and Culture

In Lincoln, you’ll find a variety of ways to experience nature, history and culture. Ball’s Falls preserves the atmosphere of a historic industrial settlement, Cave Springs showcases the landscape of the Niagara Escarpment, and Sho’aríshon Park is dedicated to the history and continuing presence of Indigenous peoples. When choosing a vacation rental, consider which of these aspects you’d like to shape your stay most.

Industrial history and trails at Ball’s Falls

Ball’s Falls Conservation Area is a landmark and a site that has become a tourist destination in the Town of Lincoln. The site preserves the atmosphere of an industrial settlement from the early to mid-19th century. Its historic ensemble includes the original Ball family home, a working grist mill, a lime kiln, a church, a blacksmith shop and a carriage shed. Together, the buildings convey the character of the place rather than focusing on just one chapter of its past.

The Ball’s Falls Centre for Conservation complements this historical perspective with permanent and changing galleries. Interactive exhibits explore nature, conservation and culture in connection with the region’s history, the Niagara Escarpment and its watershed. Those interested in the landscape and its cultural context will find a different perspective here than on a walk through the historic settlement.

For outdoor activity, you can hike or walk the Cataract Trail along the banks of Twenty Mile Creek; there is also easy access to the Bruce Trail. The combination of a historic site, exhibits and trails offers several different ways to focus your visit. As trail conditions can change seasonally, it’s a good idea to check them before setting out.

Cave Springs: Views and geological formations

At Cave Springs, the focus is on the landscape. From there, you can enjoy striking views over Lake Ontario and the former shoreline of Lake Iroquois. Cave Springs also showcases the talus slopes and cliffs of the Niagara Escarpment. These geological formations give the site a different character from the historic buildings and exhibits at Ball’s Falls.

The facilities on site include an accessible 200-metre trail and an interpretive courtyard. The purpose-built entrance from Cave Spring Road offers parking for cars and bicycles; Cave Springs also provides access to the Bruce Trail and the Margaret Reed Side Trail. If you include this place in your plans, check local conditions before you arrive.

Local history at the museum

The Lincoln Museum & Cultural Centre is dedicated to enriching the community’s cultural life and sharing local history and culture. It has three exhibition areas. The collection includes early Ontario pottery, distinctive textiles, a painting by Group of Seven artist A. J. Casson and a collection of Fraktur folk art. The varied objects offer several specific ways to explore the region’s history and cultural expression.

The outdoor grounds are also part of the visitor experience: they offer views of Twenty Mile Creek, and the museum grounds connect directly to the Twenty Valley Trail. Those looking to combine a hiking route with a museum visit will find this direct trail connection right on the grounds. The trails and collections each offer their own focus, so you don’t have to limit yourself to just one kind of outing.

Sho’aríshon Park and Indigenous culture

Sho’aríshon Park is located in Jordan, Lincoln, and is a memorial site of the Neutral Nation Legacy Site. The park is culturally and archaeologically significant and is located near a 17th-century Neutral burial site. It was created in close collaboration with Indigenous partners to honour and reflect the history, culture and continuing presence of Indigenous peoples on this land. A particular focus is the Neutral Nation, the first known inhabitants of what is now Lincoln.

The park provides space for cultural learning, gatherings, ceremonies, reflection and relationship-building. This gives it a distinct cultural focus alongside the museum exhibits and historic buildings at Ball’s Falls. For visitors interested in the history and continuing presence of Indigenous peoples, this focus is an important part of Lincoln’s story.

Choose the focus of your stay

When looking for a vacation rental, you can start by choosing the experiences that interest you most: Cave Springs and the trails put landscapes and walking routes front and centre; Ball’s Falls combines industrial history, exhibits and opportunities for walks, while the Lincoln Museum & Cultural Centre shares local history through its galleries and collection. Sho’aríshon Park offers a distinct focus on Indigenous history, culture and continuing presence. If hiking is part of your plans, the trail connection at the museum grounds and the trails at Ball’s Falls and Cave Springs are useful landmarks. Before setting out, check seasonal conditions and current trail routes.

Explore more destinations

Explore more destinations: Pelham, Fort Erie, St. Catharines, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Thorold, Jordan Station, Welland, Port Colborne.

Back to the regional travel overview: Niagara Regional Municipality.