Attractions and Places To See in Merrimack County - Top 20

Merrimack County is rich in history. A prominent site is Canterbury Shaker Village, a National Historic Landmark and outdoor museum where you can learn about Shaker life through restored buildings and craft demonstrations. Other notable historical locations include the Chamberlain Bridge, the Capt. Spaulding Foundation, the Old Meetinghouse Site, and Matthew Thornton's home, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. The Mary Baker Eddy Historic House in Concord also offers insights into the founder of the Christian Science Church.

For impressive views, consider Mount Kearsarge, one of New Hampshire's oldest mountains, featuring glacial grooves at its peak. Another excellent spot is Oak Hill, where a fire tower offers panoramic views of the western mountains. The Upper Merrimack River corridor also boasts unique geological features, including bluffs, floodplain forests, and sandy beaches. For preserved natural beauty, visit Horse Hill Nature Preserve in Merrimack, which features hills, streams, and wetlands.

Yes, several attractions cater to families. Canterbury Shaker Village offers an engaging historical experience for all ages. The McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center in Concord is an inspiring space exploration center with exhibits and a planetarium. Twin Bridge Park in Merrimack provides a 27-acre outdoor area with a wooden playground. Many trails, like the Broken Ground Trails, are also suitable for family walks.

Merrimack County offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can explore trails like the Broken Ground Trails, which feature easy loops through wooded areas. For more challenging hikes with views, the Summit Trail offers panoramic vistas. Bear Brook State Park provides extensive trails for hiking and other activities. For cycling, consider the Concord-Lake Sunapee Rail Trail.

For easy hikes, the Broken Ground Trails offer gentle loops like the Marsh Loop and Pond Loop. The trails around Oak Hill are also relatively easy, providing great views. You can find more options for relaxed walks and family-friendly trails in the Easy hikes in Merrimack County guide, which includes routes like the Bear Brook, Carr Ridge, and Hayes Farm Loop.

Yes, Merrimack County has several unique natural landmarks. Mount Kearsarge features distinct glacial grooves at its summit. Simonds Rock in Merrimack is considered the second-largest erratic boulder in New Hampshire. The Upper Merrimack River corridor also showcases large bluffs, floodplain forests, and isolated oxbow ponds, offering diverse natural scenery.

Beyond historical sites, Merrimack County offers cultural experiences like the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center in Concord, dedicated to space exploration. The Museum of New Hampshire History, also in Concord, provides deeper insights into the state's past. Canterbury Shaker Village combines history with cultural preservation, showcasing the Shaker way of life.

Yes, you can find spots for water activities. Webster Lake Public Beach and Covered Bridge offers a beach area for swimming and relaxation. The Upper Merrimack River corridor also features sandy beaches, providing opportunities for enjoying the water.

Cyclists can enjoy various routes, including the Concord-Lake Sunapee Rail Trail. For road cycling, the Road Cycling Routes in Merrimack County guide lists options such as the White Farm and Whittier Pond loop, and the Contoocook River Park and ponds loop from Concord, catering to different difficulty levels.

For those interested in shopping, Merrimack Premium Outlets offers a wide variety of stores and deals, making it a popular destination for retail therapy.

Visitors frequently appreciate the diverse offerings, from the historical depth of Canterbury Shaker Village to the stunning natural beauty and panoramic views from Mount Kearsarge and Oak Hill. The ease of access to trails like the Broken Ground Trails and the family-friendly atmosphere of many sites are also highly valued.

Yes, there are hiking opportunities that include waterfalls. The Waterfall hikes in Merrimack County guide features routes like the Welton Falls and Back 80 Loop, offering scenic trails where you can discover these natural features.