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The Lakes Region
The Lakes Region is a summertime haven for fishermen, families and fun. But there is something to offer in every season, from skiing and ice fishing in the winter to a fall foliage flood of color for "leaf peepers" in the autumn. It is home to America's first summer resort, Wolfeboro, thanks to Governor Wentworth, who in 1763 built a summer home on the shores of Lake Wentworth.
Each year motorcyclists of all shapes, sizes and walks of life descend on Laconia for the annual "motorcycle week". The event draws hundreds of thousands of bikes and tourists to the area; some come for the races at nearby New Hampshire Motor Speedway, but most just come to admire the chrome.
The lakes truly define this region of the state. Of the 273 lakes and ponds in this area, Winnipesaukee is the crown jewel. The largest lake in the state at 72 square miles, Winnipesaukee has it all. Scuba dive in 213 feet of water, take a scenic train ride via the HOBO Scenic Railroad or a cruise around the lake on the M/S Mount Washington in Center Harbor; rent a canoe and straddle the perimeter of the lake or swim at the popular Weirs Beach.
For a little less hustle and bustle, try Newfound Lake in Bridgewater, known for its pristine waters, 22 miles of shoreline and the sandy beach at Wellington State Beach. The Lake Ossipee region offers an unspoiled wilderness and crystal clear lakes and rivers. Or, head to the Squam Lakes natural spring-fed waters, where the movie "On Golden Pond" was filmed. Nearby Holderness is home to the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, a 200-acre sanctuary for wildlife and exploration of the natural world.
The countryside here is not only decorated with mountains and lakes. You can take a step back in time at the historic Canterbury Shaker Village, tour the historic mansion known as the "Castle in the Clouds" in Moultonborough or feast on an ice cream buffet at Kellerhaus at Weirs Beach.
Shoppers will find a variety of antique shops and country stores along winding back roads. The Tanger Outlet Center's tax-free shopping is a Mecca for those looking for bargains on brand-names such as Coach, Banana Republic and Yankee Candle.
The Lakes Region offers something for everyone, in every season. Explore the small towns and back roads of this magical place and you'll find a reason to keep coming back.
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Explore the Lakes Region
Covered Bridges
Durgin Bridge #45
The first bridge constructed at this site was built to replace the ford, located nearly a quarter mile upstream. The ford...
Smith Millennium Bridge #44
According to W. Edward White in his book Covered Bridges of New Hampshire, a Captain Charles Richardson built the first covered...
Squam River Bridge #65
This covered bridge replaces a steel and concrete bridge that was condemned by the state on River Street in Ashland. After the...
Sulphite Bridge #62
The existing structure replaced a framed trestle bridge erected here in 1891 or 1892 by the Franklin and Tilton Railroad. This...
Tannery Hill Bridge #68
This bridge spans the Gunstock Brook just north of the village proper in Gilford. The bridge was constructed by Tim Andrews and...
Whittier Bridge #46
This is the fifth bridge to be located at this site. The first bridge was a crude open timber bridge, according to Town Records.
Attractions
Libby Museum
The Libby Museum was established in 1912 and is on the registry of national historic places.
Mt Washington Cruises
Experience beautiful Lake Winnipesaukee from the decks of the M/S Mount Washington.
Museum of Childhood
Enchanting museum that features over 5,000 dolls, 57 furnished dollhouses, a teddy-bear room, train exhibit and twelve themed...
New Hampshire Boat Museum
The Museum, located in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire, two miles from the center of Wolfeboro near Lake Winnipesaukee features...
Pauline E. Glidden Toy Museum
Every shelf in every room will bring cries of 'Oh look!' and 'I had one of those!' as the collection ranges from 1850s nesting...
Polar Caves
Amazing series of caves and passages formed by the falling of massive boulders nearly 50,000 years ago as the third continental...
Remick Country Doctor Museum
The chores and traditions of agricultural and domestic life are presented in self-guided exhibits in the museum's Visitor Center,...
Squam Lakes Natural Science Center
If you're wild about New Hampshire wildlife, the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center is the place to visit!
The WaterSlide at Weirs Beach & Mini Golf
Located in the center of beautiful downtown Weirs Beach. Four fantastic slides including a 75-foot drop, 110-foot dark tunnel,...
The Wright Museum
The Wright Museum is a one-of-a-kind non-profit institution dedicated to teaching present and future generations about the...
Whipple House Museum
This site was the home of Dr. George Hoyt Whipple, who won the Nobel Prize for Medicine.
Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad
The railroad takes visitors along Meredith Bay an offers spectacular views of Lake Winnipesaukee.
Hampshire Pewter
Hampshire Pewter offers free guided tours of the factory, where the fine art of hand casting pewter is practiced.
Gunstock Mountain Resort
Gunstock has everything from mountain biking, in-line skating, and mountainboarding to paddleboats and kayaks. It also has a...
Chocorua Island Chapel
Services are held each Sunday at 10:30 a.m. from the end of June until the beginning of September.
Castle in the Clouds
The incredible beauty of the Ossipee Mountains and sweeping views of Lake Winnipesaukee surrounds the historic "Lucknow Estate,"...
Belknap Mill Society
The Belknap Mill is the oldest unaltered brick textile mill in America and the official meetinghouse of New Hampshire, featuring...
Barnstormers Summer Theatre
Barnstormers Theatre is a 282 seat building situated in the center of Tamworth.
State Parks and Beaches
White Lake State Park
Some of the best swimming in the White Mountain region can be found in 140-acre White Lake State Park in Tamworth.
Madison Boulder Natural Area
Madison Boulder is the largest known erratic in New England, and among the largest in the world. Madison Boulder is a huge...
Cardigan State Park
Cardigan State Park spans 5,655 acres and is an excellent area for hiking. A mountain road leads to trails on the west slope of...
Ahern State Park
Ahern State Park spans 128 acres, with 3,500 feet of shoreline on Lake Winnisquam. Activites in the park include fishing,...
Historic Markers
Marker Number: 118
Marker Number: 7
Marker Number: 116
Marker Number: 20
Marker Number: 135
Endicott Rock may be the oldest public monument in New England.
Marker Number: 100
Marker Number: 5
Marker Number: 123
Marker Number: 129
Marker Number: 149
Marker Number: 17
Marker Number: 39
Marker Number: 96
Marker Number: 53
Waterfalls
Bring a picnic lunch and a camera, because this is a very scenic region.
Forests
Rolling hills, meandering streams and majestic lakes provide a varied backdrop for this region's forests.
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