Mason New HampshireATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Mason, New Hampshire.
1. Pickety Place
HISTORIC HERB FARM
Pickety Place is a charming historic site in Mason that features beautiful herb gardens with arched arbors and winding paths. Visitors can stroll through formal geometric beds of aromatic herbs to find inspiration for planning their own gardens or simply enjoy the fragrances. The property includes a shop that sells herbs in various forms from cooking packets to herbal soaps and cosmetics, along with a greenhouse and the Herboriste filled with birdhouses and gardening gifts.
2. Uncle Sam's House
AMERICAN PATRIOTIC LANDMARK
Uncle Sam's House is a historical landmark in Mason that celebrates an iconic symbol of American patriotism. The site offers visitors a glimpse into American history amidst picturesque New Hampshire landscapes. This point of interest is considered one of the must-see attractions for history enthusiasts visiting the Mason area.
3. Mason Rail Trail
HISTORIC RAILWAY PATH
The Mason Rail Trail offers visitors a chance to explore the town's historic railway path with several unique features including a notable trestle. The trestle at Jackson Road crossing is listed on the New Hampshire State Register of Historic Places and was constructed tall enough for loaded hay wagons to pass beneath. Along the trail, visitors can also see a rock near Scripps Lane junction with carved shapes of tombstones and a cross, thought to mark the site where two workers were killed during rail line construction.
4. Pleasant View Cemetery
HISTORIC BURIAL GROUND
Pleasant View Cemetery is a historic burial ground in Mason dating back to 1790, marked by an iron gate with this date. The cemetery contains the remains of numerous Revolutionary War soldiers who were fatalities from the Battle of Bunker Hill. Among its notable graves are those of Johnnie A. Hartnoll, memorialized with a marble bust, and Henry Dunster, the first president of Harvard College.
5. Mason Town Hall
GREEK REVIVAL ARCHITECTURE
The Mason Town Hall, built in 1848, is recognized on the State Register of Historic Places as a well-preserved example of Greek Revival architecture. The building stands as one of three such historically designated structures in Mason. It serves as a testament to the town's historical significance and architectural heritage.
6. Mason Public Library
COMMUNITY LITERARY HUB
The Mason Public Library serves as an important community resource featuring a special Twig Room dedicated to youth services. This room was named in memory of Elizabeth Orton Jones, locally known as Twig, who was an integral part of Mason's community life and compiled the town's bicentennial history in 1968. The library offers various programs and resources for residents and visitors alike.
7. Parker's Maple Barn
AUTHENTIC MAPLE EXPERIENCE
Parker's Maple Barn is a beloved dining destination offering authentic New Hampshire maple products and hearty country-style meals. The restaurant is housed in a converted 19th-century barn and features a working sugar house where visitors can learn about the maple syrup production process. Their famous breakfast menu includes maple-infused offerings that have been drawing visitors from across the region for decades.
8. Washburn Family Forest
NATURAL CONSERVATION AREA
The Washburn Family Forest provides a pristine natural environment for hiking, wildlife observation, and outdoor recreation in Mason. The conservation area showcases New Hampshire's diverse ecosystems and offers well-maintained trails for visitors of all skill levels. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy seasonal wildflowers, bird watching opportunities, and peaceful woodland settings throughout the year.
9. Silver Lake State Park
RECREATIONAL WATER DESTINATION
Silver Lake State Park, located a short drive from Mason, offers a sandy beach and clear waters perfect for swimming, fishing, and boating. The park provides picnic areas with grills, making it an ideal spot for family gatherings during the summer months. Visitors appreciate the well-maintained facilities and the peaceful atmosphere of this popular recreational destination.
10. Frye's Measure Mill
WORKING HISTORICAL LANDMARK
Frye's Measure Mill in nearby Wilton is a water-powered woodworking mill that has been in continuous operation since the 1800s. The mill specializes in crafting traditional wooden measures, boxes, and other handcrafted items using authentic historical methods. Visitors can tour this National Historic Landmark and watch craftspeople create beautiful wooden products using machinery powered by a water turbine.
11. Andy's Summer Playhouse
YOUTH THEATER PROGRAM
Andy's Summer Playhouse is a renowned children's theater in Wilton that has been nurturing young performers since its founding. The theater produces original works performed by youth actors, providing unique entertainment for audiences throughout the summer season. This cultural institution was enthusiastically supported by Mason resident Elizabeth Orton Jones and continues to be an important part of the regional arts community.
12. Cathedral of the Pines
SCENIC MEMORIAL SANCTUARY
Cathedral of the Pines is a breathtaking outdoor sanctuary set on a hilltop with panoramic views of Mount Monadnock. This non-denominational spiritual site features various monuments and memorials dedicated to American service members. Visitors can explore beautiful gardens, walking paths, and meaningful memorials while enjoying the serene natural setting.
13. Pickity Place Restaurant
FARM-TO-TABLE DINING EXPERIENCE
The Pickity Place Restaurant offers a unique five-course gourmet luncheon featuring fresh herbs grown in their own gardens. Set in the iconic red cottage that inspired illustrations for Little Red Riding Hood, the restaurant provides a charming dining atmosphere with seasonal menu changes. Reservations are recommended for this popular dining destination that showcases the best of New Hampshire's farm-to-table cuisine.
14. Beaver Brook Association
NATURE EDUCATION CENTER
Beaver Brook Association manages over 2,000 acres of forests, fields, and wetlands with more than 35 miles of trails near Mason. The nature center offers educational programs, wildlife exhibits, and seasonal outdoor activities for visitors of all ages. Nature enthusiasts can explore diverse ecosystems including maple groves, pine forests, and beaver ponds while learning about local flora and fauna.
15. Purgatory Falls
SCENIC NATURAL WATERFALLS
Purgatory Falls features a series of beautiful waterfalls along Purgatory Brook, accessible via well-maintained hiking trails. The Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls each offer unique scenic views and peaceful spots for picnicking or photography. This natural attraction is particularly stunning during spring runoff or after heavy rains when the water volume creates impressive cascades over the rocky terrain.