Thursday, July 26, 2012

New Hampshire Nature Discoveries

New Hampshire offers a diverse landscape to explore. From rocky coasts to the White Mountains known for the most rugged mountains in New England, New Hampshire offers endless opportunities to get into nature. Mount Washington is the highest peak in the Northeastern United States at 6,288 ft.

Science By the Sea: Seacoast Science Center and Odiorne Point State Park
Squam Lakes Natural Science Center
Nestled in the Squam Lakes region, the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center is by far one of the top nature centers I have ever had the pleasure of visiting. It is well maintained and represents nature in New Hampshire in a variety of ways.

The center is perfect for children and adults. With its wide open meadows, marsh boardwalks and my favorite, interactive natural history exhibits where native animals such as black bears, bobcats and birds of prey reside.

The mission of the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center is to "advance understanding of ecology by exploring New Hampshire's natural world." They go above and beyond achieving their mission.

General admission includes travel around The Gephart Exhibit Trail featuring live native New Hampshire wildlife and hands-on exhibits. There are daily life animal presentations and a beautiful garden. The gift shop features local New Hampshire artisans. Admission can include a cruise around the Squam Lake, a comprehensive guided cruise that teaches about the wildlife, ecology and natural history of the region. If you are a member of your local nature center, zoo or aquarium check to see if your membership allows for a reciprocal benefit. We were able to receive 50% off our admission.

Squam Lakes Natural Science Center

Remick Country Doctor Museum and Farm

Not far from the Squam Lakes region is a little town named Tamworth. Tamworth offers a majestic view of Mount Chocorua, the most photographed mountain in America. Its a picturesque town offering dramatic mountain views from many locations. Lake Chocorua, White Lake, flowing brooks and rivers, trout streams and ponds all contribute to the natural beauty and scenic vistas. But perhaps a hidden gem that many may not know about is the Remick Country Doctor Museum and Farm.

For an understanding of the agricultural way of life in New Hampshire from 1790 to the present this farm/museum is a must see. It offers people the chance to visit a working farm with sheep, goats, cows, steers, oxen, chickens, turkeys, lambs, pigs and horses. Walk into the 1830’s garden and view the historic crops and vegetables. Take a leisurely 6/10 mile hike on the Trail, a low impact experience offering spectacular views of Remick Farm, Mount Chocorua, and the Ossipee Mountain Range. My son was able to milk a goat and brush the pony. You can fish in their pond which also is used to harvest ice during the winter. We were able to view where they store the ice.

Admission to the Remick County Doctor Museum admission is $3 for adults children ages 4 and under are free.

Remick County Doctor Museum and Farm

The Mount Washington Weather Discovery Center

Located in North Conway, the Mount Washington Weather Discovery Museum  is worth the stop when heading into the White Mountains. The Discover Center offers an interactive experience to its visitors. The air cannon, flow tank and wind room really illustrated the fact that Mount Washington is home to some of the harshest weather conditions in the world. Watching and feeling the effects of 231 mile an hour wind in the wind room was a highlight. There is an opportunity to speak with the hardy observers living and working in the summit weather station through a twice daily live video link.

The Mount Washington Weather Discovery Center
If traveling to New England and New Hampshire is in your itinerary, add these three places to your trip! Enjoy!


1 comment:

  1. Thanks so much for visiting Squam Lakes Natural Science Center and for such a nice write-up about us. We hope you'll be back again to visit us soon!
    All the best,
    Amanda Gillen
    Marketing and Visitor Services Manager
    Squam Lakes Natural Science Center

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