Croydon New HampshireATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Croydon, New Hampshire.
1. Croydon Historical Society Museum
COLONIAL HOME MUSEUM
The Croydon Historical Society operates a 1790 colonial home museum that offers visitors a glimpse into the town's rich history. Visitors can explore the museum by appointment to see artifacts from the colonial era and learn about Croydon's past. The museum serves as an important cultural landmark preserving the heritage of this small New Hampshire town.
2. Corbin Park
PRIVATE HUNTING PRESERVE
Corbin Park is a large private hunting preserve in Croydon that is open to the public for outdoor recreation. The park offers visitors the opportunity to experience New Hampshire's natural beauty and wildlife in a preserved setting. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy various activities while appreciating the conservation efforts maintained within the park.
3. Lake Coniston
SCENIC LAKESIDE RECREATION
Lake Coniston is a picturesque body of water surrounded by forests that provides an ideal setting for outdoor recreation in Croydon. The lake offers opportunities for swimming, boating, fishing, and other water-based activities during the warmer months. Its natural beauty makes it a popular destination for both locals and visitors seeking a quintessential New England lake experience.
4. YMCA Camp Coniston
BELOVED YOUTH CAMP
YMCA Camp Coniston is a beloved overnight youth camp located on Lake Coniston that focuses on personal development and outdoor recreation. The camp offers a variety of programming in a scenic setting surrounded by New Hampshire's natural beauty. It has become popular among youth looking for a quintessential New England summer camp experience with opportunities for skill-building and creating lasting memories.
5. Croydon Turnpike Trails
WINTER RECREATION PATH
The Croydon Turnpike offers over 8 miles of trails on a Class VI road maintained for winter recreation by the local Blue Mountain Snow Dusters snowmobile club. Visitors can enjoy snowshoeing and snowmobiling along these scenic trails during the winter months. The maintained paths provide excellent opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to experience Croydon's winter landscape.
6. Polyculture Brewing
LOCAL CRAFT BEER
Polyculture Brewing is a highly-rated brewery in the Croydon area that crafts unique, flavorful beers. Visitors can sample a variety of handcrafted brews in a welcoming atmosphere that showcases the region's growing craft beer scene. The brewery offers beer enthusiasts an opportunity to experience locally-made beverages while enjoying the charm of small-town New Hampshire.
7. Eastman Cross Country Ski Center
NORDIC SKIING DESTINATION
Eastman Cross Country Ski Center is a premier Nordic skiing destination located near Croydon that offers well-groomed trails for all skill levels. The center provides equipment rentals and lessons for those looking to enjoy the winter landscape on cross-country skis or snowshoes. During the warmer months, many of these same trails transform into hiking and biking paths for year-round outdoor recreation.
8. Lost River Gorge
HIDE AND SEEK RIVER
Lost River Gorge is a fascinating natural attraction near Croydon where visitors can explore a river that plays hide and seek through caves and granite boulders. The gorge features boardwalks and well-maintained trails that allow guests to witness the unique geological formations up close. This natural wonder offers an educational and adventurous experience for families and nature enthusiasts alike.
9. Mount Washington Cog Railway
HISTORIC MOUNTAIN RAILWAY
The Mount Washington Cog Railway offers a breathtaking journey up New Hampshire's highest peak, often described as the 'second greatest show on Earth.' This historic railway has been carrying visitors to the summit of Mount Washington since 1869, making it the world's first mountain-climbing cog railway. From the summit, travelers can enjoy spectacular panoramic views that span several states and even into Canada on clear days.
10. Canterbury Shaker Village
LIVING HISTORY MUSEUM
Canterbury Shaker Village is a living history museum that preserves the legacy of the Shaker religious community that once thrived there. Visitors can explore original Shaker buildings, learn about their innovative craftsmanship, and experience demonstrations of traditional Shaker life. The village offers guided tours, special events, and educational programs that provide insight into the Shakers' simple yet progressive way of life.
11. Strawbery Banke Museum
HISTORIC WATERFRONT NEIGHBORHOOD
Strawbery Banke Museum is an outdoor history museum that showcases over 300 years of American life through preserved buildings, costumed role-players, and traditional crafts demonstrations. The 10-acre site features more than 30 historic buildings restored to different time periods, allowing visitors to walk through New Hampshire's past. This family-friendly attraction offers special events throughout the year, including popular seasonal celebrations that bring history to life.
12. New Hampshire Telephone Museum
VINTAGE COMMUNICATIONS HISTORY
The New Hampshire Telephone Museum houses an impressive collection of telephones and telecommunications equipment that traces the evolution of communication technology. Visitors can view over 1,000 artifacts, from early wooden telephones to modern cell phones, while learning about the impact of telecommunications on society. The museum offers interactive exhibits and guided tours that make this fascinating slice of technological history accessible to all ages.
13. Budweiser Brewery
BEER AND CLYDESDALES
The Budweiser Brewery in Merrimack offers visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the beer-making process from start to finish. Tours include a visit to the Clydesdale stable, where guests can have their photo taken with these magnificent horses that have become synonymous with the Budweiser brand. The experience concludes with complimentary beer samples for adults of legal drinking age in a dedicated tasting room.
14. League of NH Craftsmen Gallery
FINE HANDMADE CRAFTS
The League of New Hampshire Craftsmen Gallery showcases exceptional handcrafted works by juried members from across the state. Visitors can browse and purchase unique pieces including pottery, jewelry, glassware, woodwork, textiles, and more created by talented local artisans. The gallery represents New Hampshire's rich tradition of fine craftsmanship and offers an opportunity to take home a distinctive piece of functional art.
15. Fort Constitution Historic Site
REVOLUTIONARY WAR LANDMARK
Fort Constitution Historic Site preserves the location where the American Revolution 'unofficially' began with the first overt act against the British crown. The coastal fortification, originally built in 1631 and rebuilt several times, offers visitors the chance to explore military architecture spanning several centuries. From its strategic position overlooking Portsmouth Harbor, the fort provides both historical significance and spectacular ocean views for history enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.