Top 10 Attractions in New Hampshire

From stunning outdoors activities and mountain trails, to colonial colleges and presidential candidates, here are the Top 10 New Hampshire attractions.

1. Mount Monadnock
   Off Route 124
   Jaffrey, NH  
   603-532-8862
   

   Taking its name from an old Native American term meaning “mountain that stands alone,” Mount Monadnock rises up majestically from the New Hampshire flatlands, enticing visitors to trek its over 40 miles of foot trails. Hikers will be rewarded by stunning panoramic views of all six New England states. The view is so captivating as to make Monadnock the second-most climbed mountain in the entire world. See the mountain in the same context which in the past inspired the works of Thoreau, Emerson, and Mark Twain.

2. Shake Hands with Potential Presidents
   Concord, NH  
   

   Ever since 1920, New Hampshire’s presidential primary elections have occurred before any other states’, turning New Hampshire into an important political preview once every four years. If you’re lucky enough to be in-state in February or March during one of these four years, you can witness the event which is such a critical first step for any candidate on the road to taking the presidency. You’ll also want to hit the streets of Concord, NH, as many of the candidates will be dining and shopping in the local area.

3. Dartmouth College
   Hanover, NH   03755
   603-646-1110
   

   Dartmouth’s reputation for turning out some of the finest students in the American educational body is backed up by almost 300 years of educational experience. As one of nine colonial colleges established in America in pre-revolutionary times, Dartmouth is a shining example of the educational superlative as it’s been passed down through the centuries into the hands of the young and willing learners of America.

4. Moose Alley
   Route 3
   Pittsburg, NH  
   

   The sign doesn’t ask you to stop. It doesn’t convey a speed limit, and it speaks of no dips or bumps. Rather, the sign you’ll see on the roadside of Route 3 as you coarse your way along this New Hampshire by-way says clearly and plainly: “Brake For Moose.” That should be a clue that visitors have entered the territory known affectionately as Moose Alley, where tourists will want to follow the sign’s advice, as well as going a little extra with their cameras. Needless to say, moose run rampant along Route 3 in this principality, and although the best times to catch a glimpse are dusk and dawn, watchful visitors will likely spot a moose at almost any time of day.

5. NH Covered Bridges
   

   We haven’t listed an address, because the tiny state of New Hampshire is saturated with a plethora of over 40 covered bridges – chances are if you step outside of your Choice Hotel room, you’ll see a couple. Step out of the car to saunter across these historic bridges as you admire the craftsmanship of the builders – many of these bridges are over 100 years old.

6. Loon Mountain
   Exit 32 off I-93
   Lincoln, NH   03251
   603-745-8111
   

   You’ll want to visit this elevated sanctuary of both wildlife and human activities on your New Hampshire trip. There’s something for everyone at this natural haven – skiing and snowboarding for the adventurous soul; scenic gondola rides and brilliant glacial caves will tempt anyone with a passion for pulchritude. Children’s programs and day care offer adults a healthy option while dine and shop on the mountain.

7. Maine Archives and Museum
   Kearsage Mountain Road
   Warner, NH   03278
   603-456-2600
   

   Learn about the traditions, philosophy, culture and art of the indigenous residents of New Hampshire. We’re not talking about the British – we’re talking Native Americans. Situated on 100 acres of field, wetlands, and forest, the Mount Kearsarge Indian Museum lies at the foot on Mount Kearsarge, at one time an Indian spiritual grounds. Explore the museum’s exhibit hall through ancient artifacts and other authenticities before breathing in the clean air as you experience the education of the 2 ½ acre outdoor living museum.

8. Christa McAuliffe Planetarium
   2 Institute Drive
   Concord, NH   03301
   603-271-7827
   

   Gaze at the cosmos through one of America’s clearest skies at Christa McAuliffe Planetarium, conveniently located in Concord, New Hampshire. At the planetarium, guests can stare directly at the sky, or can watch a show which combines generated effects, video, slides and music into a cosmologically-simulated and awe-inspiring experience, all beneath an architecturally impressive 40-foot dome.

9. Anheuser-Busch Brewery
   221 Daniel Webster Highway
   Merrimack, NH   03054
   603-595-1202
   

   See the process up-close, from barley to the best beer in the world. That is, if you’re a Budweiser fan. Learn about the slow, natural brewing process that turns boring plants into some of the most exciting carbonated liquid in the world. Historical displays and Anheuser-Busch memorabilia add a layer of hands-off education to this experience, which is sure to be memorable, if not a little fizzy.

10. Conway Scenic Railroad
    Mount Washington Valley-Rt. 16
    302 North Conway, NH   03860
    1-800-232-5251
    

    All aboard! Take a nostalgic train ride on the Conway Scenic Railroad. The “Notch Train” and “Valley Train” are powered by diesel-electric locomotives and travel through the beautiful countryside of New Hampshire. You may also try the “Dining Car Chocorua” and enjoy fine dining during a journey through the Mount Washington Valley countryside. Make sure to book a “sunset” departure.

11. Fort at No. 4 Living History Museum
    Route 11
    267 Springfield Road
    Charlestown, NH   03603
    1-888-367-8284
    

    Experience one of the most authentic – and ancient – displays of history not only in New Hampshire, but in the entire country of America. New Hampshire’s rich and dated history will be on full display for your visit to the replica of fortified village of No. 4, which in pre-revolutionary years claimed space as the most northwestern settlement in New England. A fully costumed staff increase the reenactment value of this insight-bearing glimpse into America’s beginnings.

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