25 Fascinating Facts You Never Knew About New Hampshire
Nestled just a short 15-minute drive south of Concord, the state capital, the Canterbury Shaker Village offers a fascinating glimpse into one of New Hampshire’s unique religious communities. This living history museum preserves the structures and daily practices of the Shakers, a group known for their simple, functional craftsmanship and communal lifestyle. Walking the well-marked trails through the 694-acre site, visitors can explore the beautifully restored Meeting House and workshops, where Shaker furniture and tools hint at a distinctive blend of spirituality and practicality. Autumn, when the foliage paints the landscape in fiery hues, is the best time to visit, as the crisp air and colorful backdrop enhance the meditative atmosphere of the village.
About 45 minutes north of Manchester lies the White Mountain National Forest, home to the brutal but rewarding Mount Washington Auto Road. Driving or hiking to the summit, which tops out at 6,288 feet, offers a firsthand experience of the famously volatile weather that earned Mount Washington its reputation as the “world’s worst weather.” Visitors can stop at the summit building to learn about the mountain’s meteorological history and marvel at panoramic views that stretch across four states and even into Canada on clear days. The road is especially popular in late spring through early fall, when the wildflowers bloom and the mountain’s rugged terrain is most accessible.
In Portsmouth, a historic coastal city about an hour’s drive east of Concord, the Strawbery Banke Museum brings New Hampshire’s colonial and maritime heritage vividly to life. The 10-acre outdoor history museum features more than 40 restored homes and gardens dating from the 17th to 20th centuries. Visitors can stroll through the centuries on the Puddle Dock neighborhood trail, watch blacksmiths and weavers at work, or explore the evolving stories of immigrant families who shaped the region. Summer evenings are ideal here, when the museum hosts traditional craft demonstrations and outdoor concerts, making the centuries-old streets buzz with lively energy.
Just under two hours northwest of Concord, Franconia Notch State Park is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts and home to the iconic Flume Gorge. This natural granite gorge extends 800 feet at the base of Mount Liberty and is accessible via a family-friendly 2-mile loop trail that crosses covered bridges and waterfalls. The gorge’s dramatic geology—a result of glacial activity—makes it a must-see for nature lovers and photographers alike. Visiting early in the morning during the fall foliage season rewards hikers with fewer crowds and spectacular red and gold leaves framing the sparkling water below.
In the southern part of the state, about a 40-minute drive from Nashua, the town of Keene is famous for its role in the early abolitionist movement. The Monadnock Center for History and Culture offers exhibits that delve into the Underground Railroad activities in the region, showcasing artifacts, documents, and firsthand accounts. The nearby Mount Monadnock, one of the most climbed mountains in the United States, invites visitors to reflect on freedom and perseverance while hiking its well-marked trails. Fall is an excellent time to visit both the center and the mountain, as the cooler air and vivid foliage create a reflective and invigorating atmosphere.
Driving roughly an hour from Manchester into southwestern New Hampshire, the Currier Museum of Art in Manchester itself houses an impressive collection including works by American masters such as Winslow Homer and European luminaries like Picasso. The museum’s unique blend of early modern and contemporary art, paired with a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed house on the grounds, makes it a cultural gem. Art enthusiasts should plan visits in the winter months, when cozy galleries invite long contemplative hours away from the cold New England weather.
The Kancamagus Highway, a scenic byway stretching 34 miles through the White Mountains from Lincoln to Conway, is renowned for its fall foliage but holds surprises year-round. Along the route, about 90 minutes north of Concord, travelers can stop at Sabbaday Falls, a breathtaking 50-foot waterfall accessible via an easy 0.3-mile walk. This short hike suits families and casual explorers and provides an intimate encounter with the region’s glacial geology and lush forest canopy. Early October is prime time, when the road becomes a kaleidoscope of red, orange, and yellow leaves, but the rushing water of Sabbaday Falls is enchanting throughout the year.
Near Lebanon, about 20 minutes west of the Dartmouth College campus, the Montshire Museum of Science offers interactive exhibits and nature trails that explore the natural history and technology of the Upper Valley region. Visitors can follow the riverside trails to observe local flora and fauna or experiment with hands-on displays inside the museum. It’s a perfect destination for families and curious minds, especially in spring when the museum grounds burst with wildflowers and migrating birds.
On the seacoast, just a few miles from Portsmouth, Odiorne Point State Park sits on a rocky peninsula offering sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and access to the Seacoast Science Center. Visitors can explore tide pools, watch harbor seals, and learn about coastal ecosystems through interactive exhibits. The park’s trails weave through salt marshes and rocky shores, providing excellent birdwatching in late spring and early summer. The juxtaposition of rugged coastline and scientific discovery makes it a unique coastal experience in New Hampshire.
Heading north about 80 miles from Manchester, the town of Littleton is a gateway to the Connecticut River Valley and home to the historic Spaulding Turnpike Overlook. From here, visitors can catch panoramic views of the White Mountains to the east and the Green Mountains of Vermont across the river. The nearby Main Street offers quaint shops and cafes serving local fare, perfect for unwinding after a day of sightseeing. Autumn’s early morning light casts a magical glow over the valley, making this spot a favorite for photographers capturing New England’s quintessential landscapes.
The Mount Washington Observatory, perched at the summit of Mount Washington, is accessible from the Sherman Adams Visitor Center via a challenging hike or the auto road in warmer months. About two hours north of Concord, the observatory is a hub for weather research and public education. Visitors can tour the facility to learn about the mountain’s fierce climate and the science behind forecasting. Winter visits are for the truly adventurous, as the summit is blanketed in snow and ice, revealing the raw power that shapes this peak’s legendary status.
In the Lakes Region, roughly an hour’s drive north of Manchester, Squam Lake is famous not only for its pristine waters but also for inspiring the beloved film “On Golden Pond.” Visitors can take guided boat tours from the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, which offers a chance to spot native wildlife like loons and bald eagles. Trails around the center provide gentle hikes through hardwood forests and wetland habitats. Summer mornings offer the clearest skies and calmest waters for wildlife viewing and photography.
Around 30 minutes northeast of Concord, the town of Hanover is home to Dartmouth College, whose campus boasts impressive examples of Federal and Colonial Revival