Rochester New HampshireATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Rochester, New Hampshire.
1. Rochester Opera House
HISTORIC PERFORMING ARTS VENUE
The Rochester Opera House is a beautifully restored theater built within City Hall in 1908 and is the only remaining theater in the world with a unique mechanism that raises the orchestra floor for amphitheater seating and levels it for dancing. This non-profit organization presents an annual performance season of shows for children, teens, adults, and seniors. The venue serves as a cultural centerpiece in downtown Rochester, offering quality entertainment and preserving an important piece of the city's architectural heritage.
2. The Ridge
PREMIER SHOPPING DESTINATION
The Ridge is a popular shopping mall in Rochester that offers visitors a variety of retail options in a convenient location. With a 4.6 rating from visitors, it ranks as one of the top attractions in the city for those looking to shop. The mall provides a comfortable shopping environment with multiple stores to browse and explore.
3. Rochester Common
CENTRAL COMMUNITY PARK
Rochester Common is a public park featuring a playground, walking loop, baseball diamond, and a distinctive bandstand that hosts summer concerts. Most recognizable by its large gazebo, this green space serves as a gathering place for community events and outdoor recreation. Located on Route 108/South Main Street, the Common provides residents and visitors alike with a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city.
4. New England Porch Rockers
CHARMING ANTIQUE SHOP
New England Porch Rockers is a highly-rated antique shop in Rochester with a perfect 5.0 visitor rating. This specialty store offers unique furniture pieces and nostalgic items that capture the essence of New England charm. Visitors can browse through carefully curated collections of classic porch rockers and other antique treasures.
5. Rochester Crossing
CONVENIENT SHOPPING CENTER
Rochester Crossing is a well-regarded shopping mall that provides convenient retail options for locals and visitors alike. With a solid 4.2 visitor rating, the center offers a variety of stores to meet different shopping needs. The mall's accessible location makes it a practical stop for anyone looking to shop while in Rochester.
6. Parson Main Statue
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN MONUMENT
The Parson Main Statue is a notable monument in Rochester that commemorates an important historical figure in the city's past. Standing prominently in the downtown area, this statue serves as a reminder of Rochester's rich heritage and history. Visitors interested in local history often stop to appreciate this monument while exploring the downtown district.
7. Rochester Riverwalk
SCENIC RIVERSIDE TRAIL
The Rochester Riverwalk offers visitors a pleasant hiking trail experience along the Cocheco River with developed areas including Duval Park. This riverside path provides beautiful views of historic structures like the Old Stone Bridge (Main Street Bridge) built in the 1880s and features benches where visitors can sit and enjoy the sounds of rushing water. The trail includes both paved and natural sections, making it accessible for various outdoor enthusiasts looking to experience Rochester's natural beauty.
8. Dominicus Hanson Pines
NATURAL RECREATION AREA
Dominicus Hanson Pines is a popular outdoor recreation area in Rochester featuring biking trails and natural surroundings. The area includes The Hanson Pines Trail with a footbridge over the Cocheco River and paved paths connecting Hillsdale Road to Yeagley Way near Rochester High School. This green space offers residents and visitors a peaceful retreat for outdoor activities including hiking and biking.
9. Rochester Museum of Fine Arts
CONTEMPORARY ART COLLECTION
The Rochester Museum of Fine Arts is a cultural institution showcasing contemporary works in the heart of downtown Rochester. The museum offers accessible art experiences to residents and visitors alike, enriching the community through visual arts. Located near the historic Rochester Opera House, this venue represents an important component of the city's vibrant arts scene.
10. Rochester Performance & Arts Center
CULTURAL EDUCATION HUB
The Rochester Performance & Arts Center (RPAC) is an intimate venue located in downtown Rochester that opened in 2017. RPAC offers affordable entertainment, educational programming, and event spaces for private parties and community gatherings. Just around the block from the historic Rochester Opera House, this newer addition to Rochester's cultural landscape provides accessible arts experiences for the community.
11. Rochester Historical Society and Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE SHOWCASE
The Rochester Historical Society and Museum preserves and showcases the rich heritage of Rochester through exhibits and artifacts. Located in downtown Rochester, this institution serves as an educational resource for both residents and visitors interested in local history. The museum offers insights into the development of Rochester from its early days to the present.
12. Roger Allen Park
YOUTH SPORTS COMPLEX
Roger Allen Park is a comprehensive youth sports complex dedicated to providing a safe environment for young people in the greater Rochester area to learn, play, and enjoy sports. The facility includes soccer, softball, baseball, and football fields as well as a playground for visitors of all ages. Roger Allen Park is also known for hosting the area's first 'Buddy Ball' program, making sports accessible to more children in the community.
13. Rochester Country Club
PUBLIC GOLF COURSE
Rochester Country Club is an 18-hole public golf course offering a challenging and fun experience for golfers of all skill levels. The well-maintained facility provides a scenic setting for both casual players and serious golf enthusiasts. Located conveniently in Rochester, this course serves as a recreational destination for locals and visitors alike.
14. Gonic Trails
PEACEFUL NATURE WALKS
The Gonic Trails offer pleasant walking paths through natural settings in the Rochester area. These trails provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and peaceful nature walks away from the bustle of city life. Visitors can enjoy the tranquility of wooded areas while getting exercise on these well-maintained paths.
15. New Hampshire Farm Museum
AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE SITE
The New Hampshire Farm Museum consists of two adjoining farmsteads situated on 50 acres on Plummer's Ridge in Milton, just outside of Rochester. This historical site preserves the agricultural heritage of the region through its extensive collection of artifacts and historic buildings. Visitors can experience what farm life was like in earlier times through the museum's educational exhibits and programs.