Springfield New HampshireATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Springfield, New Hampshire.
1. Eastman Cross Country Ski Center
WINTER RECREATION PARADISE
Eastman Cross Country Ski Center offers visitors miles of groomed trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing during the winter months. The center provides equipment rentals and lessons for beginners as well as challenging routes for experienced skiers. During warmer seasons, many of the trails convert to excellent hiking paths with scenic views of the surrounding countryside.
2. New London Historical Society
PRESERVING LOCAL HERITAGE
New London Historical Society maintains a collection of historic buildings and artifacts that showcase the region's rich cultural heritage. The open-air museum features a village setting with several 19th-century structures including a schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, and sawmill. Visitors can experience hands-on history through regular demonstrations, special events, and educational programs throughout the year.
3. Spring Ledge Farm
FRESH LOCAL PRODUCE
Spring Ledge Farm is a beloved local farm stand and garden center offering seasonal produce, flowers, and plants grown right on the premises. Visitors can pick their own strawberries and raspberries during the summer months or select from pumpkins and fall decorations later in the season. The farm hosts educational programs and seasonal events that celebrate agricultural traditions and sustainable farming practices.
4. New London Barn Playhouse
HISTORIC SUMMER THEATER
New London Barn Playhouse is one of the oldest continuously operating summer theaters in the country, hosting professional productions since 1933. The charming converted barn venue offers an intimate setting for Broadway musicals, plays, and children's productions during its summer season. Many performers who began their careers at the Barn have gone on to successful careers on Broadway and in television and film.
5. Lake Sunapee
PRISTINE MOUNTAIN WATERS
Lake Sunapee is a crystal-clear glacial lake spanning over 4,000 acres with numerous recreational opportunities throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy swimming at several public beaches, boating, fishing, and water sports during summer months, while winter brings ice fishing and skating. The lake is surrounded by charming towns, hiking trails, and Mount Sunapee, offering spectacular views and outdoor activities in all seasons.
6. Mount Sunapee Resort
FOUR-SEASON MOUNTAIN PLAYGROUND
Mount Sunapee Resort is a popular recreational destination offering downhill skiing and snowboarding across 66 trails during winter months. In summer, the resort transforms to feature an adventure park with ziplines, canopy tours, and mountain biking trails for outdoor enthusiasts. The summit provides breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Sunapee and the surrounding mountains, accessible via scenic chairlift rides in summer and fall.
7. Colby-Sawyer College
HISTORIC ACADEMIC CAMPUS
Colby-Sawyer College features a picturesque campus with historic architecture, beautiful gardens, and cultural attractions open to the public. The campus is home to the Sawyer Fine Arts Center, which hosts art exhibitions, theater productions, and concerts throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy walking the grounds, attending sporting events, or exploring the Susan Colgate Cleveland Library/Learning Center with its special collections.
8. Pleasant Lake
TRANQUIL NATURAL BEAUTY
Pleasant Lake offers a serene setting for swimming, fishing, and boating with its clear waters and mountain views. The lake is known for its excellent water quality and is home to a variety of fish species including bass, trout, and perch. A public beach area provides access for visitors to enjoy this natural gem surrounded by the rolling hills of the Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee region.
9. Peter Christian's Tavern
HISTORIC DINING EXPERIENCE
Peter Christian's Tavern is a beloved local restaurant housed in a historic building serving traditional New England fare in a cozy atmosphere. The tavern is famous for its homemade breads, hearty soups, and signature mustard sauce that accompanies many of their sandwich offerings. With its warm wooden interior and friendly service, this establishment has been a regional favorite for both locals and visitors for decades.
10. Flying Goose Brew Pub
CRAFT BEER AND VIEWS
Flying Goose Brew Pub combines craft beer brewing with panoramic mountain views and hearty pub fare. The restaurant produces a wide variety of award-winning beers on-site, including seasonal specialties and regular favorites that can be enjoyed in flights for sampling. Large windows and an outdoor deck allow diners to take in spectacular views of Mount Kearsarge while enjoying locally-sourced meals in a casual, friendly atmosphere.
11. Morgan Hill Bookstore
INDEPENDENT LITERARY HAVEN
Morgan Hill Bookstore is a charming independent bookshop offering a carefully curated selection of titles for readers of all ages. The knowledgeable staff provides personalized recommendations and hosts author events and book signings throughout the year. The store has been a cultural cornerstone in the community for decades, supporting local authors and fostering a love of literature in the region.
12. Mount Kearsarge
SPECTACULAR SUMMIT VIEWS
Mount Kearsarge offers hikers multiple trail options leading to stunning 360-degree views from its 2,937-foot summit. The mountain features two state parks (Winslow on the north and Rollins on the south) with well-maintained trails suitable for hikers of various experience levels. On clear days, visitors can see all the way to the White Mountains, the Green Mountains of Vermont, and even the Boston skyline from the summit's fire tower.
13. The Fells Historic Estate & Gardens
LAKESIDE HISTORIC MANSION
The Fells Historic Estate & Gardens is a magnificent early 20th-century summer home set on 83 acres of woodlands, gardens, and natural areas on the shores of Lake Sunapee. Visitors can tour the 22-room Colonial Revival mansion that was once the summer residence of diplomat and statesman John Milton Hay. The property features stunning gardens, including a Japanese-inspired rock garden, rose terrace, and hiking trails through the surrounding conservation land.
14. King Ridge Antiques
TREASURE HUNTER'S PARADISE
King Ridge Antiques offers a vast collection of vintage treasures, collectibles, and unique historical items in a charming country setting. Browsers can explore multiple rooms filled with furniture, glassware, jewelry, tools, and other artifacts from various historical periods. The knowledgeable proprietors are happy to share the stories behind their carefully selected merchandise, making each visit both a shopping experience and a glimpse into the past.
15. Musterfield Farm Museum
LIVING AGRICULTURAL HISTORY
Musterfield Farm Museum preserves a historic 18th-century farm complex with original buildings, demonstrations, and educational programs about rural New England life. The 250-acre property includes hiking trails, fields, forests, and a maple sugar house where visitors can witness traditional syrup-making during season. Throughout the year, the farm hosts special events including an ice harvest, harvest day festival, and farm days that bring agricultural heritage to life through hands-on activities.