Lincoln, Montana
A small mountain town in the upper Blackfoot Valley, with gold rush roots and big country all around it.
Lincoln, Montana
We’re glad to call Lincoln home. Along Highway 200, the Blackfoot River, surrounding national forest and nearby wilderness give you plenty of reasons to get outside. But you don’t need a big adventure planned to enjoy a visit.
Walk through Sculpture in the Wild, grab a meal in town or spend a little time beside the river. If you want to head farther out, our hiking, fishing and day trip guides can help you find your next outing.
Lincoln at a glance
- Gold rush beginnings
- 1865
- Population
- About 1,000
- Elevation
- About 4,500 feet
- County
- Lewis and Clark
- Nearby weather record
- 70 below at Rogers Pass, 1954
A little history
Lincoln’s roots go back to the gold rush. In 1865, prospectors staked claims in a gulch they named Abe Lincoln Gulch, after the recently assassinated president. A mining community grew around the discovery, and Lincoln eventually developed at its present location. A continuously operating post office was established in 1887.
Logging, ranching and mining helped sustain the community as it grew. Today, the historic buildings and surrounding landscape offer reminders of the people who made their lives here.
On January 20, 1954, a temperature of 70 below zero was recorded near Rogers Pass. It remains the lowest officially recorded temperature in the lower 48. Thankfully, our campground season runs from April 15 through October 15.
Sculpture in the Wild
Large outdoor sculptures appear among the trees at Blackfoot Pathways: Sculpture in the Wild. Some invite a closer look at their materials. Others look different as you walk around them. Take your time and see what catches your eye.
The sculptures draw on the Blackfoot Valley’s natural surroundings and industrial history, using materials connected to the community. It makes for an interesting walk, even if visiting an art park wasn’t on your original list.
- Where: 1500 E MT Highway 200, Lincoln
- Admission: Free
- Hours: Dawn to dusk, year round
- Good to know: Parking is available, and leashed dogs are welcome.
Around town
Hooper Park
A playground, skate park, ball fields and pavilion make Hooper Park a good stop when the kids want time to play. On the east side of Lincoln, it also serves as a gathering place for community events. Map · Hooper Park visitor info
Lincoln Community River Park
For public access to the Blackfoot River near town, head to Lincoln Community River Park on the south bank near the Stemple Pass Road bridge. Spend a little time beside the water without making a whole day of it. Map
Lincoln Ranger Station
Stop at the Lincoln Ranger Station east of town on Highway 200 for maps and forest information before heading into the mountains. While you’re there, take a look at the grizzly bear display in the lobby. It’s worth seeing up close.
Check current office hours before making a special trip.
A stop in town
Leave a little room for a meal or a look around the local shops. Ask us for our current favorites. We’re always happy to point you toward a good meal.
A little time around Lincoln
You can spend an afternoon around Lincoln without much of a plan. Walk through the sculptures, stop for lunch and leave some time to look around.
If you have kids along, add a stop at Hooper Park. If you’d rather spend time beside the water, visit the river park. For a longer day out, explore our hiking, fishing and day trip guides.
Lincoln in winter
Winter brings a different side of Lincoln, with snowmobiling, cross country skiing and traditions like the Race to the Sky sled dog race. Snow conditions and event schedules vary, so check current information before planning a winter visit.
Lost Moose Meadows is closed during winter. Our RV season runs April 15 through October 15.
Keep exploring
More to see and do
Open April 15 to October 15
Come see our little town.
Spend an afternoon around Lincoln, then come back to mountain views and room to settle in at Lost Moose Meadows.