New Hampton New HampshireATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near New Hampton, New Hampshire.
1. Sky Pond State Forest
NATURAL FOREST RESERVE
Sky Pond State Forest offers visitors a serene natural environment with hiking trails through pristine woodland terrain. The forest features diverse flora and fauna, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers. Seasonal changes transform the landscape, providing unique experiences throughout the year.
2. Huckins Farm
HISTORIC FAMILY DAIRY
Huckins Farm is a family-owned, grade-A dairy farm located in central New Hampshire that has been operating for generations. Visitors can explore the working farm, learn about sustainable dairy production, and purchase fresh products directly from the source. The farm offers educational tours that showcase traditional farming methods alongside modern agricultural practices.
3. Scribner-Fellows State Forest
MOUNTAIN VIEW WILDERNESS
Scribner-Fellows State Forest provides spectacular mountain views and outdoor recreational opportunities for visitors to New Hampton. The forest contains multiple well-maintained trails suitable for hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing depending on the season. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound in this protected natural area that showcases New Hampshire's diverse ecosystem.
4. Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway
SCENIC MOUNTAIN TRANSPORT
The Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding White Mountains region. This historic tramway carries visitors to the 4,080-foot summit of Cannon Mountain in under ten minutes. At the top, guests can explore observation decks, hiking trails, and the New England Ski Museum.
5. Hampton Beach
VIBRANT COASTAL DESTINATION
Hampton Beach features a walkable 1.35-mile stretch of pristine sandy shoreline that consistently earns high marks for water quality. The beach is complemented by a vibrant boardwalk offering restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues for visitors of all ages. Throughout summer, Hampton Beach hosts numerous events including concerts, fireworks, and the famous annual sand sculpture competition.
6. New Hampton Historical Society
LOCAL HERITAGE CENTER
The New Hampton Historical Society preserves and showcases the rich history of this New Hampshire town through exhibits, artifacts, and educational programs. Housed in a historic building, the society maintains collections documenting the area's development from early settlement through modern times. Visitors can explore changing exhibitions that highlight various aspects of local heritage and cultural significance.
7. Newfound Lake
CRYSTAL CLEAR WATERS
Newfound Lake is one of the cleanest and clearest lakes in New Hampshire, located just a short drive from New Hampton. The lake offers excellent swimming, boating, and fishing opportunities with several public beaches and boat launches available for visitors. Wellington State Park on the lake's western shore provides additional recreational facilities including picnic areas and hiking trails.
8. The Old Country Store
HISTORIC RETAIL EXPERIENCE
The Old Country Store is one of the oldest continuously operating country stores in the United States, offering a nostalgic shopping experience near New Hampton. Visitors can browse through an eclectic collection of New Hampshire-made products, penny candy, maple syrup, and unique souvenirs. The store's historic building, dating back to 1781, features original fixtures and architecture that transport guests to a bygone era.
9. Castle in the Clouds
HISTORIC MOUNTAIN ESTATE
Castle in the Clouds is a spectacular 16-room mansion built in 1913 that sits atop the Ossipee Mountains offering breathtaking views of Lake Winnipesaukee. The estate features meticulously maintained gardens, hiking trails, and a restaurant serving lunch with panoramic vistas. Tours of the Arts and Crafts-style mansion provide insight into the luxury and innovation of early 20th century architecture and design.
10. Squam Lakes Natural Science Center
WILDLIFE EDUCATION FACILITY
Squam Lakes Natural Science Center offers visitors up-close encounters with native New Hampshire wildlife along naturalist-guided trail experiences. The center features exhibits with live animals including black bears, mountain lions, bobcats, and various bird species in naturalistic habitats. Educational programs, lake cruises, and interactive displays provide engaging ways to learn about local ecosystems and conservation efforts.
11. The Common Man Restaurant
RUSTIC NEW ENGLAND DINING
The Common Man Restaurant serves hearty New England fare in a converted 18th-century barn with a warm, rustic atmosphere. The menu features locally-sourced ingredients prepared with classic techniques, including their famous pot roast, seafood dishes, and homemade desserts. Diners appreciate the restaurant's commitment to hospitality, consistent quality, and celebration of New Hampshire culinary traditions.
12. Polar Caves Park
GLACIAL BOULDER FORMATIONS
Polar Caves Park features a series of remarkable caves and passages formed by massive granite boulders deposited during the last Ice Age. Visitors can navigate through nine boulder caves connected by boardwalks while enjoying the surrounding forest landscape. The park also offers educational exhibits, a maple sugar house, and animal encounters that appeal to explorers of all ages.
13. New Hampton Community School Farmers Market
LOCAL AGRICULTURAL SHOWCASE
The New Hampton Community School Farmers Market brings together local farmers, artisans, and food producers in a vibrant seasonal marketplace. Visitors can purchase fresh produce, handcrafted goods, baked items, and specialty foods directly from the people who make them. The market serves as a community gathering place where residents and visitors connect while supporting the local agricultural economy.
14. Weirs Beach
LAKESIDE ENTERTAINMENT HUB
Weirs Beach is a popular lakefront destination on Lake Winnipesaukee featuring a sandy beach, boardwalk, and numerous attractions within a short drive from New Hampton. The area boasts arcades, mini-golf courses, go-karts, and a variety of dining options ranging from casual to upscale. During summer, visitors can enjoy boat cruises, fishing charters, and special events including motorcycle week and fireworks displays.
15. Meredith Bay
SCENIC WATERFRONT AREA
Meredith Bay offers stunning views of Lake Winnipesaukee with a charming waterfront area perfect for relaxation and recreation. The bay area features a public beach, docks, and walking paths along with access to water sports and boat rentals during summer months. Nearby shops and restaurants in downtown Meredith provide additional attractions for visitors looking to experience this quintessential New Hampshire lake town.