9 Best Attractions To Visit In New Hampshire
Many states in the U.S. deliver quality tourism opportunities for travelers far and wide. One in particular, New Hampshire, does so with more variety than you may realize. There are many locales and landmarks to experience while exploring the Granite State, from the Castle in the Clouds to Santa's Village, and visitors may find something engaging with each trip. These are the top attractions to visit in the state, offering a range of memorable experiences.
Castle in the Clouds, Moultonborough
In the small town of Moultonborough, you may come across a notable landmark. The Lucknow Estate, also known as the “Castle in the Clouds,” is a mountaintop mansion that served as a 1913-1914 lakeside retreat with family antiquities, historical mountainous backdrops, and original furnishings selected by Thomas and Olive Plant. The Craftsman-style estate, spanning over 5,000 acres, offers lake scenery and an artistic atmosphere.
Visitors may enjoy the landmark’s 28 miles of hiking trails or try ice cream and creative writing through one of its in-house programs. Those interested in historical legacies can learn about early 20th-century house features, such as a central vacuuming system and needle showers. The Carriage House Restaurant offers on-site dining with salads and cocktails. Lake Winnipesaukee views are visible while touring the mansion by trolley or along nearby hiking paths.
Memorial Arch of Tilton, Northfield
Overlooking the town of Tilton, the Memorial Arch of Tilton is a landmark that reflects 1880s history. The arch was originally planned as a giant tombstone honoring a Gold Rush millionaire named Charles Tilton in 1882, but those plans changed, and it became a photographed feature on a hilltop outside the village of Tilton. Measuring 55 feet high and 40 feet wide, this granite structure draws attention for its symbolic presence of peace.
If you look closely at the arch, you will notice a keystone containing a time capsule with newspapers, a book, and gold and silver coins. Its base also features a Numidian lion structure set atop a Scottish granite sarcophagus. With Roman architectural inspiration from the Arch of Titus and surrounding hillsides, the monument stands as a testament to both history and culture.
Madison Boulder, Madison
In Madison, an enormous granite rock measures about 83 feet in length and 23 feet in height. Weighing about 5,000 tons or more, the Madison Boulder is a notable example of a natural oddity. Part of the Madison Boulder Natural Area, the largest glacial erratic in the entire continent may appear unremarkable from a distance, but up close, it is over 10,000 years old.
The boulder offers a way to experience the New England outdoors, as hikers can bring pets and view the structure along forest paths. For casual itineraries, this site provides an accessible look at geological features for visitors of all ages. Forest road trails through Madison lead directly to the boulder.
Ponemah Bog, Amherst
Existing for over 12,000 years, the Ponemah Bog is a flora landmark within the Ponemah Bog Wildlife Sanctuary known for its plant habitats. Spanning 75 acres, the preserve is home to a three-acre pond surrounded by pine woods and a kettle hole element. The bog is a draw for nature enthusiasts, as it includes hardy northern plants (such as spruce) and southern species, along with pitcher plants and sundew varieties. Along the Bog Trail, visitors can also find carnivorous plants, which are rare to encounter in this region.
Beyond these plant species, the preserve includes white pine conifers, tamarack, and varied wetland vegetation. Some visitors view the Amherst site as a quiet natural outing, while others see it as a living museum, offering opportunities to observe marsh landscapes in a secluded setting.
Madame Sherri's Castle, Chesterfield
Madame Sherri's Castle is a set of ruins located in Chesterfield. The castle ruins were associated with an eccentric resident named Madame Sherri, who was reportedly involved in lavish parties and lived in a distinctive castle on the property. With Prohibition-era ambiance and grand living, Sherri was a well-known part of the town’s social scene.
The ruins later became an important historical and cultural landmark in Chesterfield and are within the 513-acre Madame Sherri Forest. Despite being overlooked by some visitors, the site, covered in fallen leaves and forest growth, remains a place of interest for those exploring the area.
Mount Washington Cog Railway, Mount Washington
Also referred to as “The Cog,” the Mount Washington Cog Railway is one of the key tourism features in Mount Washington. It is known as the world’s first mountain-climbing railway and remains a popular way for visitors to reach the summit. It typically departs from Marshfield Base Station and travels up the mountain to the peak. A round trip on the train usually takes a little under three hours, while some trips using steam engines can take closer to an hour.
Reservations may be necessary, as bookings often fill early and trains can sell out in advance. The railway offers views of the White Mountains scenery, the rocky cascades of the Upper Ammonoosuc Falls, and occasional wildlife sightings, including moose and bears. The experience reflects a form of mountain travel that dates back to the 1860s.
Franconia Notch State Park, Lincoln
In Lincoln, Franconia Notch State Park is a natural area that spans from the Flume Gorge to Echo Lake. Located within the White Mountain National Forest, the park includes high peaks and the Franconia Notch, a well-known mountain pass in the region. Connecting the Kinsman and Franconia mountain ranges, the park offers opportunities for photography and hiking, along with access to aerial tramways near Cannon Mountain. The tramway is also located near the New England Ski Museum, which highlights the region’s skiing history.
The park supports a range of wildlife, including black bears and common bird species. Visitors often experience rugged landscapes and alpine environments throughout the park. Lonesome Lake passes by an inactive beaver lodge, while Kinsman Falls features waterfalls and views of the surrounding valleys.
America's Stonehenge, Salem
Salem is home to America’s Stonehenge, an archaeological wonder and private attraction that may not stand out at first glance. Spread across about 30 acres within the town, the attraction consists of stone structures that also function as a commercialized set of ruins. Historically, it was rumored to have been built using astronomical values and precise stone measurements, while others believe it was constructed by early inhabitants or later settlers. The site is presented today as a curiosity and educational attraction rather than a confirmed ancient monument.
A looping trail guides visitors around the site and allows close views of the structures, making it suitable for family-friendly visits. Some visitors may also notice alpacas on the grounds and a gift shop offering souvenirs. Although the site is sometimes associated with solar and lunar events, many people visit primarily to observe it as a distinctive local attraction.
Santa's Village, Jefferson
In the town of Jefferson, Santa’s Village is a family-oriented attraction centered on a North Pole theme. The park features amusement rides, seasonal activities, and reindeer exhibits. It operates as a theme park with a Christmas focus and is open between May and December each year, offering structured entertainment for visitors of various ages.
Visitors can explore the North Pole Workshop, where winter-themed gifts are available, and interactive activities are offered. Full o’ the Dickens Book Shoppe includes educational toys and children’s literature. At the Post Office, guests can send custom postcards and letters that are delivered during December. The Yule Log Flume provides a water ride experience within Yule Forest. The park includes a range of attractions designed for families.
A Broad Look at New Hampshire’s Key Attractions
These are some of the most notable attractions to visit while touring New Hampshire. Each location or landmark offers a different type of experience for visitors, familiar or unfamiliar with the Granite State. With a range of natural, historical, and commercial sites, the state provides varied options for travelers. This collection highlights places that continue to draw interest from those visiting the region.
