Plainfield New HampshireATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Plainfield, New Hampshire.
1. Mac's Maple
SWEET LOCAL FARM EXPERIENCE
Mac's Maple is a popular farm attraction in Plainfield that offers visitors an authentic maple syrup production experience. Visitors can tour the facilities to learn about the maple sugaring process from tree to table. The farm also features a country store where guests can purchase pure maple products and other local goods.
2. Riverview Farm
SEASONAL FAMILY FUN
Riverview Farm is a beloved agricultural destination offering seasonal activities including apple picking, pumpkin patches, and corn mazes. The farm provides visitors with opportunities to connect with nature and experience farm life firsthand. Their farm store sells fresh produce, homemade goods, and local crafts throughout the growing season.
3. Meriden Covered Bridge
HISTORIC RIVER CROSSING
The Meriden Covered Bridge is a picturesque historic structure that spans a local waterway in Plainfield. This well-preserved bridge represents the region's architectural heritage and provides a glimpse into New Hampshire's transportation history. Visitors often stop to photograph the bridge and enjoy the scenic surroundings.
4. Edgewater Farmstand
FRESH LOCAL HARVEST
Edgewater Farmstand offers visitors access to locally grown produce and farm products in a charming rural setting. The farmstand features seasonal fruits and vegetables harvested at peak freshness from nearby fields. Visitors appreciate the farm-to-table experience and opportunity to support local agriculture.
5. Helen Woodruff Smith Bird Sanctuary
PEACEFUL WILDLIFE HAVEN
The Helen Woodruff Smith Bird Sanctuary provides a protected natural environment for birdwatching and nature appreciation in Plainfield. Visitors can explore walking trails while observing diverse bird species in their natural habitat. The sanctuary offers a tranquil escape and educational opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts of all ages.
6. Annie Duncan State Forest
WOODLAND RECREATION AREA
Annie Duncan State Forest offers outdoor enthusiasts access to pristine woodland areas for hiking, wildlife viewing, and seasonal recreation. The forest features well-maintained trails that wind through diverse ecosystems and scenic viewpoints. Visitors can enjoy activities including hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing depending on the season.
7. Plainfield Town Hall
HISTORIC PARRISH ARTWORK
Plainfield Town Hall houses a remarkable stage backdrop painted by renowned artist Maxfield Parrish, making it a cultural landmark. The historic building serves as both a functional municipal space and an artistic treasure for the community. Visitors can appreciate the unique combination of local government and artistic heritage when touring this distinctive venue.
8. Kimball Union Academy
HISTORIC EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION
Kimball Union Academy, founded in 1813, is a prestigious private school with beautiful historic architecture and grounds in Plainfield's Meriden Parish area. The campus features several notable buildings including Baxter Hall that showcase the region's educational heritage. Visitors can appreciate the school's historical significance and architectural beauty while exploring the grounds.
9. Meriden Congregational Church
HISTORIC RELIGIOUS LANDMARK
Meriden Congregational Church stands as a picturesque religious landmark with significant historical importance to the community. The church's classic New England architecture makes it a photogenic stop for visitors interested in historical buildings. Its presence on Meriden Hill contributes to the charming character of this part of Plainfield.
10. Plainfield Trail Blazers
COMMUNITY OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
The Plainfield Trail Blazers organization maintains and promotes local recreational trails for community enjoyment throughout the seasons. This volunteer group organizes outdoor activities including guided hikes, trail maintenance events, and seasonal outings. Visitors can participate in group activities or use the trail systems maintained by this dedicated local organization.
11. Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park
RENOWNED SCULPTOR'S ESTATE
Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park preserves the home, studios, and gardens of Augustus Saint-Gaudens, one of America's greatest sculptors. Visitors can explore the property to view original sculptures, tour the historic buildings, and enjoy the beautifully landscaped grounds. The park represents an important part of the Cornish Art Colony that flourished in the region from 1885 to 1930.
12. Blow-Me-Down Farm
HISTORIC ARTISTIC RETREAT
Blow-Me-Down Farm served as a gathering place for members of the famous Cornish Art Colony during its heyday in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The property features historic buildings and beautiful views of the Connecticut River Valley that inspired artists of the period. Now part of the Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park, the farm offers visitors insight into the artistic community that flourished near Plainfield.
13. Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge
LONGEST WOODEN BRIDGE
The Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge is the longest wooden covered bridge in the United States and spans the Connecticut River between New Hampshire and Vermont. Built in 1866, this historic bridge features a lattice truss design and remains an important transportation link between the two states. The bridge offers spectacular views of the river and is a popular spot for photography and appreciation of historic engineering.
14. Paradise Park
RIVERSIDE RECREATION AREA
Paradise Park offers visitors a pleasant riverside setting with recreational facilities including picnic areas, playgrounds, and walking paths. The park provides access to the Mascoma River with opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and enjoying water activities during warm months. Its convenient location makes it a popular destination for families seeking outdoor enjoyment near Plainfield.
15. AVA Gallery and Art Center
CONTEMPORARY ARTS HUB
AVA Gallery and Art Center showcases contemporary art exhibitions in a renovated historic building near Plainfield. The center offers rotating displays of work by regional artists alongside educational programs and workshops for all ages. Visitors can explore multiple gallery spaces, meet local artists, and even participate in art classes throughout the year.