Home » NewHampshire.com » Travel & Tourism » Lakes
Read More
The Lakes Region
The Lakes Region is a summertime haven for fishermen, families and fun. But there is something to offer in every season, from skiing and ice fishing in the winter to a fall foliage flood of color for "leaf peepers" in the autumn. It is home to America's first summer resort, Wolfeboro, thanks to Governor Wentworth, who in 1763 built a summer home on the shores of Lake Wentworth.
Each year motorcyclists of all shapes, sizes and walks of life descend on Laconia for the annual "motorcycle week". The event draws hundreds of thousands of bikes and tourists to the area; some come for the races at nearby New Hampshire Motor Speedway, but most just come to admire the chrome.
The lakes truly define this region of the state. Of the 273 lakes and ponds in this area, Winnipesaukee is the crown jewel. The largest lake in the state at 72 square miles, Winnipesaukee has it all. Scuba dive in 213 feet of water, take a scenic train ride via the HOBO Scenic Railroad or a cruise around the lake on the M/S Mount Washington in Center Harbor; rent a canoe and straddle the perimeter of the lake or swim at the popular Weirs Beach.
For a little less hustle and bustle, try Newfound Lake in Bridgewater, known for its pristine waters, 22 miles of shoreline and the sandy beach at Wellington State Beach. The Lake Ossipee region offers an unspoiled wilderness and crystal clear lakes and rivers. Or, head to the Squam Lakes natural spring-fed waters, where the movie "On Golden Pond" was filmed. Nearby Holderness is home to the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, a 200-acre sanctuary for wildlife and exploration of the natural world.
The countryside here is not only decorated with mountains and lakes. You can take a step back in time at the historic Canterbury Shaker Village, tour the historic mansion known as the "Castle in the Clouds" in Moultonborough or feast on an ice cream buffet at Kellerhaus at Weirs Beach.
Shoppers will find a variety of antique shops and country stores along winding back roads. The Tanger Outlet Center's tax-free shopping is a Mecca for those looking for bargains on brand-names such as Coach, Banana Republic and Yankee Candle.
The Lakes Region offers something for everyone, in every season. Explore the small towns and back roads of this magical place and you'll find a reason to keep coming back.
Top 10
Explore the top 10 things to do in the Lakes Region!News & Happenings
Waterfalls
Lakes Region
READER COMMENTS: 0Bring a picnic lunch and a camera, because this is a very scenic region.
Attractions by Region
Browse By Region: Click on a region of interest on the map or from the dropdown menu below.
State Parks
White Lake State Park
READER COMMENTS: 0Some of the best swimming in the White Mountain region can be found in 140-acre White Lake State Park in Tamworth.
Madison Boulder Natural Area
READER COMMENTS: 0Madison Boulder is the largest known erratic in New England, and among the largest in the world. Madison Boulder is a huge...
Cardigan State Park
READER COMMENTS: 0Cardigan State Park spans 5,655 acres and is an excellent area for hiking. A mountain road leads to trails on the west slope of...
Ahern State Park
READER COMMENTS: 0Ahern State Park spans 128 acres, with 3,500 feet of shoreline on Lake Winnisquam. Activites in the park include fishing,...
Beaches
White Lake State Park
READER COMMENTS: 0Some of the best swimming in the White Mountain region can be found in 140-acre White Lake State Park in Tamworth.
Madison Boulder Natural Area
READER COMMENTS: 0Madison Boulder is the largest known erratic in New England, and among the largest in the world. Madison Boulder is a huge...
Cardigan State Park
READER COMMENTS: 0Cardigan State Park spans 5,655 acres and is an excellent area for hiking. A mountain road leads to trails on the west slope of...
Ahern State Park
READER COMMENTS: 0Ahern State Park spans 128 acres, with 3,500 feet of shoreline on Lake Winnisquam. Activites in the park include fishing,...
Historic Markers
Gilford Commemorating a Revolutionary War Battle
READER COMMENTS: 0Marker Number: 118
First Summer Playhouse
READER COMMENTS: 0Marker Number: 90
First Normal School in NH
READER COMMENTS: 0Marker Number: 83
NH Historical Markers - Durgin Bridge
READER COMMENTS: 0Marker Number: 82
NH Historical Markers - Dudley Leavitt
READER COMMENTS: 0Marker Number: 7
NH Historical Markers - College Road
READER COMMENTS: 0Marker Number: 116
NH Historical Markers - Chocorua Legend
READER COMMENTS: 0Marker Number: 31
NH Historical Markers - Chinook Kennels
READER COMMENTS: 0Marker Number: 155
NH Historical Markers - Captain Lovewell's War
READER COMMENTS: 0Marker Number: 20
NH Historical Markers - Birthplace of Daniel Webster
READER COMMENTS: 0Marker Number: 91
NH Historical Markers - Belknap Mill / Busiel Mill
READER COMMENTS: 0Marker Number: 135
NH Historical Markers - Baker River
READER COMMENTS: 0Marker Number: 55
NH Historic Sites - Endicott Rock
READER COMMENTS: 0Endicott Rock may be the oldest public monument in New England.
NH Historical Markers - George Hoyt Whipple
READER COMMENTS: 0Marker Number: 100
NH Historical Markers - George A. Wentworth
READER COMMENTS: 0Marker Number: 5
NH Historical Markers - The Governor's Road
READER COMMENTS: 0Marker Number: 123
NH Historical Markers - Henry Wilson, Vice President of the United States
READER COMMENTS: 0Marker Number: 98
NH Historical Markers - Indian Mortar Lot
READER COMMENTS: 0Marker Number: 129
NH Historical Markers - Lochmere Archeological District
READER COMMENTS: 0Marker Number: 149
Old Province Road
READER COMMENTS: 0Marker Number: 17
NH Historical Markers - Samuel Livermore
READER COMMENTS: 0Marker Number: 39
NH Historical Markers - The Two-Mile Streak
READER COMMENTS: 0Marker Number: 96
NH Historical Markers - The Wentworth Estate
READER COMMENTS: 0Marker Number: 53
Covered Bridges
Durgin Bridge #45
READER COMMENTS: 0The first bridge constructed at this site was built to replace the ford, located nearly a quarter mile upstream. The ford...
Smith Millennium Bridge #44
READER COMMENTS: 0According to W. Edward White in his book Covered Bridges of New Hampshire, a Captain Charles Richardson built the first covered...
Squam River Bridge #65
READER COMMENTS: 0This covered bridge replaces a steel and concrete bridge that was condemned by the state on River Street in Ashland. After the...
Sulphite Bridge #62
READER COMMENTS: 0The existing structure replaced a framed trestle bridge erected here in 1891 or 1892 by the Franklin and Tilton Railroad. This...
Tannery Hill Bridge #68
READER COMMENTS: 0This bridge spans the Gunstock Brook just north of the village proper in Gilford. The bridge was constructed by Tim Andrews and...
Whittier Bridge #46
READER COMMENTS: 0This is the fifth bridge to be located at this site. The first bridge was a crude open timber bridge, according to Town Records.
Attractions
Libby Museum
READER COMMENTS: 0The Libby Museum was established in 1912 and is on the registry of national historic places.
Mt Washington Cruises
READER COMMENTS: 0Experience beautiful Lake Winnipesaukee from the decks of the M/S Mount Washington.
Museum of Childhood
READER COMMENTS: 0Enchanting museum that features over 5,000 dolls, 57 furnished dollhouses, a teddy-bear room, train exhibit and twelve themed...
New Hampshire Boat Museum
READER COMMENTS: 0The Museum, located in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire, two miles from the center of Wolfeboro near Lake Winnipesaukee features...
Pauline E. Glidden Toy Museum
READER COMMENTS: 0Every shelf in every room will bring cries of 'Oh look!' and 'I had one of those!' as the collection ranges from 1850s nesting...
Polar Caves
READER COMMENTS: 0Amazing series of caves and passages formed by the falling of massive boulders nearly 50,000 years ago as the third continental...
Remick Country Doctor Museum
READER COMMENTS: 0The chores and traditions of agricultural and domestic life are presented in self-guided exhibits in the museum's Visitor Center,...
Squam Lakes Natural Science Center
READER COMMENTS: 0If you're wild about New Hampshire wildlife, the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center is the place to visit!
The WaterSlide at Weirs Beach & Mini Golf
READER COMMENTS: 0Located in the center of beautiful downtown Weirs Beach. Four fantastic slides including a 75-foot drop, 110-foot dark tunnel,...
The Wright Museum
READER COMMENTS: 0The Wright Museum is a one-of-a-kind non-profit institution dedicated to teaching present and future generations about the...
Whipple House Museum
READER COMMENTS: 0This site was the home of Dr. George Hoyt Whipple, who won the Nobel Prize for Medicine.
Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad
READER COMMENTS: 0The railroad takes visitors along Meredith Bay an offers spectacular views of Lake Winnipesaukee.
Kirkwood Gardens
READER COMMENTS: 0A three acre garden at western vista of The Holderness Inn.
Hampshire Pewter
READER COMMENTS: 0Hampshire Pewter offers free guided tours of the factory, where the fine art of hand casting pewter is practiced.
Gunstock Mountain Resort
READER COMMENTS: 0Gunstock has everything from mountain biking, in-line skating, and mountainboarding to paddleboats and kayaks. It also has a...
Funspot
READER COMMENTS: 0Funspot is the largest arcade in the world with over 500 games for all ages.
Chocorua Island Chapel
READER COMMENTS: 0Services are held each Sunday at 10:30 a.m. from the end of June until the beginning of September.
Castle in the Clouds
READER COMMENTS: 0The incredible beauty of the Ossipee Mountains and sweeping views of Lake Winnipesaukee surrounds the historic "Lucknow Estate,"...
Belknap Mill Society
READER COMMENTS: 0The Belknap Mill is the oldest unaltered brick textile mill in America and the official meetinghouse of New Hampshire, featuring...
Barnstormers Summer Theatre
READER COMMENTS: 0Barnstormers Theatre is a 282 seat building situated in the center of Tamworth.
Ashland Railroad Station Museum
READER COMMENTS: 0The Ashland Railroad Society Museum was opened in 1999.
Forests
Lakes Region
READER COMMENTS: 0Rolling hills, meandering streams and majestic lakes provide a varied backdrop for this region's forests.
-
Scene Setters for May 20, 2013
Scene Setters for May 20, 2013.
Photo Galleries
-
NCAA Div. II Baseball Regional, Pace vs, FPU, May 18
College Sports
-
Photos of the Week, May 12-18
Photo Galleries
Lakes
- To get away, they come to NH - 0
- Bach's Lunch Series Concludes in June with Music of Night and Nature - 0
- Open House at Owl Brook Hunter Education Center on June 1 - 0
- From middle school to Middle Ages in Windham - 0
- Londonderry Rotary to host classic car show - 0
- Book tells story of wife's battle with cancer - 0
- Grantham man is Geospatial Hall of Famer - 0
- Evidence challenged in Craigslist sex extortion case - 0
- Commerical fishing season set for tasty start - 0