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Visitor Info & Things to Do in Lincolnton

With majestic mountains on the west and Lake Norman on the east, Lincolnton offers activities and experiences to satisfy everyone. Our slogan, "Near the Mountains, Near the City, Near Perfect" rings true once you visit this delightful city of almost 11,000.Located just northwest of Charlotte and south of Hickory, Lincolnton is easily accessible from I-40 and I-85 via Highway 321, only 25 miles from Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Perfect for a day trip from anywhere in the Piedmont & Western North Carolina.
Incorporated in 1785, Lincolnton is the second oldest town west of the Catawba River and the only incorporated city in mostly rural Lincoln County. Our heritage is rich. History buffs will relish the opportunity to visit Revolutionary War sites and a stroll down our tree-lined streets reveals no shortage of historic homes from the nineteenth century. Over 200 years of history are just waiting to be discovered!

Arts & Culture

Lincolnton is equally acclaimed for its diverse array of cultural activities. The sheer number of such opportunities is remarkable for a community of Lincolnton's size.

Thanks to the creative vision and dedicated efforts of countless volunteers, Lincolnton is the host of literary, art, and photography exhibits & competitions, community theater productions, historical celebrations, and concerts featuring national, regional, and local performers year-round.

These are just a few of the organizations creating a vibrant arts & culture environment in the City of Lincolnton.

Classic Downtown

Enjoy the Lincolnton Food, Wine, & Brewfest each spring. Tap your feet and clap your hands at the Alive After Five concert series in the summer.

Have fun at the annual Cruisin' for a Cause each September and Apple Festival each October. Celebrate the season at our Christmas Parade on the Sunday after Thanksgiving every year. Enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride and visit Santa during our Christmas in Historic Lincolnton Celebration every weekend in December before Christmas. There is plenty to keep you busy in Lincolnton.

But the fun isn't limited to scheduled events. As the "Home of Catawba Valley Pottery", downtown Lincolnton is a top destination for pottery and antique browsers. Come find that perfect gift in one of our specialty shops. Unique shopping experiences are easy to find in Lincolnton. Don't miss the iconic "Pots on Parade" along East Main Street!

Trails

As part of the Carolina Thread Trail, the Cloninger Rail-Trail runs through the heart of downtown Lincolnton - how many communities can boast of having the Carolina Thread Trail as part of its Main Street?

Walkers, joggers, strollers, and cyclists use the Marcia Cloninger Rail Trail to stretch their legs and renew their souls. The Rail-Trail stretches 1.7 miles from City Park on the north side of town to First Federal Park downtown and then to the Motz Street Dog Park and on to Betty G Ross Park to the south. The Rail-Trail features lots of colorful murals, a train tunnel, and historic homes as it weaves through neighborhoods.