Chichester New HampshireATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Chichester, New Hampshire.
1. Thunder Bridge
HISTORIC STONE BRIDGE
Thunder Bridge is a historic landmark and one of the must-see attractions in Chichester. Visitors can access the bridge via a short spur road adjacent to the Chichester side, where parking is also available. The bridge offers a glimpse into the area's transportation history while providing a picturesque spot for photography enthusiasts.
2. Chichester Historical Society
LOCAL HISTORY PRESERVED
The Chichester Historical Society preserves and showcases the rich heritage of this New Hampshire town. Visitors can explore exhibits highlighting local artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of Chichester's development over the centuries. The society often hosts special events and presentations that bring history to life for residents and tourists alike.
3. Chucksters
FAMILY FUN CENTER
Chucksters is a popular family entertainment center offering a variety of recreational activities for visitors of all ages. The facility features attractions such as mini-golf, go-karts, batting cages, and arcade games that provide hours of fun. Chucksters creates an ideal setting for family outings, birthday celebrations, or casual get-togethers in Chichester.
4. Canterbury Shaker Village
LIVING HISTORY MUSEUM
Canterbury Shaker Village is a living history museum that preserves the legacy of the Shaker community that once thrived in this area. The site features original Shaker buildings, exhibits of Shaker crafts, and demonstrations of the simple yet innovative lifestyle practiced by this religious group. Visitors can experience guided tours, workshops, and special events that illuminate the Shakers' contributions to American culture and craftsmanship.
5. Strawbery Banke Museum
WATERFRONT HISTORIC SETTLEMENT
Strawbery Banke Museum is an outdoor history museum featuring more than 30 restored buildings from the 17th to 19th centuries. The 10-acre site chronicles the evolution of this historic waterfront neighborhood through nearly 400 years of New England history. Visitors can interact with costumed interpreters, participate in traditional crafts, and experience seasonal programs that bring Portsmouth's past to vibrant life.
6. New Hampshire Telephone Museum
COMMUNICATION HISTORY SHOWCASE
The New Hampshire Telephone Museum houses a fascinating collection of telephones and communication devices spanning multiple eras. Visitors can trace the evolution of telephone technology from early wooden hand-cranked models to modern smartphones through engaging exhibits and displays. The museum offers a unique and educational experience that connects people with the remarkable history of human communication.
7. Lost River Gorge
NATURAL WONDER EXPLORATION
Lost River Gorge is a spectacular natural attraction where visitors can explore a river that mysteriously disappears beneath massive glacial boulders. The site features boardwalks and hiking trails that wind through boulder caves and alongside cascading waterfalls. Adventure-seekers can navigate through tight passages and caves while enjoying the breathtaking scenery of this unique geological formation.
8. Mount Washington Cog Railway
HISTORIC MOUNTAIN RAILWAY
The Mount Washington Cog Railway offers a thrilling journey to the summit of the Northeast's highest peak. Passengers travel on historic train cars pushed by either vintage steam or modern biodiesel locomotives up steep grades that showcase spectacular mountain views. The experience culminates at the 6,288-foot summit where visitors can enjoy panoramic vistas often described as 'the second greatest show on Earth.'
9. Loon Mountain Resort
FOUR-SEASON OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Loon Mountain Resort is a premier year-round destination offering diverse recreational activities for outdoor enthusiasts. In winter, visitors enjoy skiing and snowboarding on well-groomed trails, while summer brings opportunities for mountain biking, gondola rides, and ziplining. The resort's tagline 'Fun for Everyone in Any Season' perfectly captures its appeal to families, adventure seekers, and nature lovers alike.
10. Tangmere Military Aviation Museum
WARTIME AVIATION HISTORY
Tangmere Military Aviation Museum showcases the rich history of military aviation with an impressive collection of aircraft and memorabilia. Visitors can examine historic planes up close and learn about the brave pilots who flew them through engaging exhibits. The museum offers a fascinating glimpse into aviation history while honoring the service and sacrifice of military personnel.
11. Weald and Downland Open Air Museum
RURAL LIFE COLLECTION
The Weald and Downland Open Air Museum preserves historic buildings that have been carefully dismantled, conserved, and rebuilt to create a living museum of rural life. Visitors can explore traditional houses, farms, and workshops spanning several centuries of New Hampshire history. The museum regularly features demonstrations of historical crafts and agricultural practices that bring the past vividly to life.
12. USS Albacore Museum
SUBMARINE TOUR EXPERIENCE
The USS Albacore Museum allows visitors to board the Navy's first modern submarine, a revolutionary vessel that changed underwater naval design. Guests can walk through the actual submarine, see the cramped quarters where sailors lived and worked, and learn about its groundbreaking technological innovations. The self-guided tour provides fascinating insights into submarine operations and the challenges of underwater warfare.
13. Pierce Manse
PRESIDENTIAL BOYHOOD HOME
Pierce Manse is the restored boyhood home of Franklin Pierce, America's 14th president and the only president from New Hampshire. The Greek Revival house contains period furnishings and exhibits that illuminate Pierce's life and controversial presidency during a pivotal period in American history. Guided tours provide visitors with insights into 19th-century domestic life and the political career of this often-overlooked president.
14. League of New Hampshire Craftsmen
FINE CRAFT GALLERIES
The League of New Hampshire Craftsmen operates stunning retail galleries throughout the state showcasing exceptional handmade crafts. Visitors can browse and purchase unique pieces including pottery, jewelry, textiles, woodworking, and glass created by juried members. The League represents a long tradition of fine craftsmanship in New Hampshire, supporting local artisans while offering distinctive shopping experiences for tourists and collectors.
15. McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center
SPACE AND AVIATION MUSEUM
The McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center is a science museum honoring New Hampshire's two famous space travelers, teacher Christa McAuliffe and astronaut Alan Shepard. The center features interactive exhibits on astronomy, aviation, space science, and Earth systems that engage visitors of all ages. Its state-of-the-art planetarium offers immersive shows exploring the cosmos and inspiring the next generation of scientists and explorers.