Squam Lakes Natural Science Center

Located between Squam Lake and Little Squam Lake, the Squam Lake Natural Science Center lets you connect with the surrounding natural environment and learn about its ecology. Spare a day in the beautiful lakes region to visit and enjoy everything the center offers.

Follow self-guided hiking paths through woodlands and marshes, perhaps prioritizing the animal trail where you can observe native creatures like bobcats, coyotes, otters, black bears, and owls in natural habitat enclosures along the way. Plus, take a pontoon lake ride to spot eagles and loons, stroll in the beautiful Kirkwood Garden–a haven for butterflies and bees–and enjoy the center’s guided nature tours and picnic areas.

• Allow 2 hours to follow the animal trail or a day to enjoy everything at the park.

• The animal trail is wheelchair-accessible (although some loose-gravel areas might be difficult), as are the pontoon cruises. Motorized scooters and non-motorized wheelchairs are available on request.

• Bring sturdy shoes, sunhats, sunscreen, and bug spray for the trails.

• On-site amenities include a gift shop, restrooms, and a free car park.

The center sits off Route 113 in Holderness, New Hampshire. By far, your easiest travel option is by car: from Manchester or Boston, a roughly 1- and 2-hour drive, respectively, using Interstate 93 (North-South), turning off at Exit 24 to Holderness, and following Route 3 to the 113 turn-off. Daily buses link Manchester and nearby Plymouth, where cabs can ferry you to Squam Lake in about 40 minutes.

The center’s trails are usually open daily from May 1–Nov. 1, with cruises also running during this period. Regular opening hours are 9:30am-5pm, with the last animal trail admission at 3:30pm. The trails are usually at their busiest in the morning, so arrive around 12:30pm for a quieter atmosphere. Some educational programs run through the winter, and the center office operates year-round, generally from 9:30am–4:30pm.

Don’t miss the animal trail, which loops through woods, meadows, and marshes to viewpoints where you can see hawks, deer, mountain lions, and other creatures and visit bird-feeding stations, aquariums, and other exhibits. If you’re here in June, book a pontoon boat ride that scours the lake for the majestic bald eagles that typically nest on its shores.