Indigenous Culture and Heritage Sites to Explore in New Hampshire
Just a short drive north of Concord, the state capital, lies the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center in Holderness. This living history museum offers visitors a window into the natural world that Indigenous peoples of the region have long known intimately. Here, you can walk the trails that weave through New England forest and wetlands, observing native wildlife such as river otters and bald eagles. The center’s educational programs often highlight how the Abenaki and other tribes interacted sustainably with the local environment, teaching about traditional hunting, fishing, and plant use. Visiting in late spring or early fall brings vibrant foliage and active wildlife, deepening the sense of connection to the land as Indigenous peoples have experienced it for centuries.
Further north, near the town of Pittsburg along the Canadian border, the Great North Woods region offers a rugged wilderness that echoes the ancestral territory of the Abenaki and Pennacook peoples. The Connecticut Lakes Scenic Byway, stretching roughly 80 miles from Colebrook to Pittsburg, passes pristine waters and dense forests that invite paddlers and hikers to explore. One standout is the First Connecticut Lake, where the cool, clear waters and remote setting evoke the timeless relationship between Indigenous communities and their freshwater sources. Canoeing here in summer or early fall reveals not just natural beauty but also a sense of place that has nurtured generations of Indigenous people.
In Peterborough, about 30 minutes southwest of Concord, the Mariposa Museum and World Culture Center hosts rotating exhibits that often include artifacts and stories from New Hampshire’s Indigenous peoples. Their collections give a tangible link to the craftsmanship and daily lives of Native ancestors, featuring tools, pottery, and textiles. The museum’s emphasis on cultural celebration and education makes it an inviting stop for those seeking to deepen their understanding of the state’s first inhabitants. Visiting during their Indigenous Peoples’ Day events or fall months can enrich the experience, as special programming connects history to contemporary Native culture.
Not far from Peterborough, the Monadnock Region holds the Monadnock State Park, crowned by Mount Monadnock, about 90 minutes southwest of Concord. This iconic peak has long held spiritual significance for Indigenous nations, including the Abenaki, who saw it as a sacred place. Hiking the White Dot or White Cross Trail to the summit, both moderate to strenuous routes, rewards climbers with sweeping views across southern New Hampshire and into Massachusetts and Vermont. Experiencing the mountain’s summit at sunrise or sunset offers a contemplative moment that echoes the reverence Indigenous people have for this landmark for centuries.
In the southeastern part of the state, near Portsmouth, the Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion sits on the Piscataqua River and provides a glimpse into the colonial history interwoven with Indigenous presence. Though primarily a colonial governor’s mansion, the site acknowledges the early interactions and complex relationships between English settlers and the local Abenaki and Pennacook peoples. Exploring the house and its scenic grounds along the river, especially in spring when the gardens bloom, offers a layered perspective on New Hampshire’s colonial and Indigenous histories intertwined on this landscape.
Heading west, the town of Keene, roughly an hour southwest of Concord, is home to the Keene State College’s cultural resources, including occasional exhibits and public talks about Indigenous history and art. The nearby Ashuelot River, which threads through the city’s parks and trails, was once a vital resource for the Algonquian-speaking tribes. Walking along the riverfront trail, especially during the colorful autumn months, invites reflection on the ways Indigenous peoples lived off these waterways, gathering fish and plants. Local festivals occasionally celebrate Native culture, making Keene a thoughtful stop for travelers interested in living Indigenous legacies.
Finally, tucked away in the White Mountains about an hour northwest of Littleton, the Indian Stream Historic Site commemorates a unique chapter in New Hampshire’s Indigenous and settler history. The area was once home to Native peoples and later became a disputed territory known as the Republic of Indian Stream in the 1830s. Exploring the nearby trails and interpretive markers around the Connecticut River Valley offers both scenic beauty and a narrative of Indigenous resilience amid colonial border conflicts. Visiting in summer or early fall, when the area’s wildflowers bloom and the river sparkles, deepens an appreciation for the layered histories etched into this land.