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Traveling I-93, or the spurs of I-293 or I-393? If your schedule isn't too tight, consider a 1-4 hour stop at any of these points of
interest. Selected by their variety and proximity to I-93, some are educational, some are fun, some are 'classic' NH, and some are simply unusual, but all
are worthy of a little time. Many are seasonal, most have fees, and some have limited schedules so please do check their web sites prior to visiting.
Green indicates the
travel time from the highway in minutes, and
Blue indicates the amount of visit time we recommend you
should plan.
Example: (10
- 90) would indicate the attraction is 10 minutes from the highway (including parking) in normal traffic, and plan on spending 90 minutes for a reasonable visit.
If you want to venture further afield, get a complete list of NH attractions here.
Interstate 293 (Manchester/Bedford/Hooksett Area)
Exit 1 - S. Willow Street, Route 28, Manchester
Mall of NH (5
- You tell us!) - 125 Shops. 'Nuff said!
Exit 6 - Manchester
Amoskeag Fishways Learning Center (3
- 45) - Have you ever wanted to see migrating fish, up close and personal? Or learn about the Merrimack River? This FREE seasonal attraction will allow you to do both!
Millyard Museum (10
- 1 Hour) - Back in the middle 1800's hydro power from the Merrimack River enabled Manchester to become the world's largest textile center! Although renovated for other purposes, most of the mill buildings still remain and the Museum is just the spot to learn it all.
SEE Science Center (10
- 2 Hours) - An interactive learning center for all ages, established to promote the understanding, enjoyment and achievements of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Currier Gallery of Art (15
- 90) - Extensive collections of American and European art including paintings, sculpture, furniture, glass, and ceramics.
Interstate 393 (Concord Heights By-Pass)
Exit 1 - Ft. Eddy Road
McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center (10
- 1 - 2 Hours) - Innovative, interactive exhibits: astronomy, aviation, Earth and space sciences, etc.
Exit 2 - Loudon Road / East Side Drive
Steeple Gate Mall (5
- Any Length) - 60+ Stores and small food court.
Interstate 93
Exit 1 - Salem
The Mall at Rockingham Park (5
- Any Length) - NH's largest mall, 1.25 million square feet of tax free shopping.
Exit 2 - North Salem
America's Stonehenge (15
- 60 - 75) - A maze of man-made chambers, walls and ceremonial meeting places, America's Stonehenge is possibly the oldest man-made construction in the United States.
Canobie Lake Park (15
- 3-4 Hours) - Think a little calmer than "Six Flags" and about 2/3rds the size, and you will have this nailed. Their lake excursions are particularly relaxing and the entire park is good, wholesome fun for the entire family.
Exit 14 - Bridge Street, Concord
NH State House (10
- 30) - An impressive building, finished in 1818. (Visitor Center, 603-271-2154)
New Hampshire Historical Society (10
- 2 Hours) - Operating two facilities in downtown Concord (a library and a museum) has the world's most extensive collection of objects and archives related to New Hampshire's history.
Margaritas Restaurant (10
- 30) - Anyone eating here ends up in jail. Really! Authentic food, served in Concord's old police station and jail.
Exit 15 - I-393, Concord
McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center (10
- 1 - 2 Hours) - Innovative, interactive exhibits: astronomy, aviation, Earth and space sciences, etc.
Pierce Manse (5
- 30) - The Pierce Manse is the only home ever owned and occupied by President Franklin Pierce, a New Hampshire native and the 14th President of the United States.
Exit 17 - Penacook
Quickwater Canoe & Kayak Rentals (7
- 1-6 Hours) - Enjoy the mighty Merrimack River. Paddle 'locally' or enjoy shuttle lifts for up to 15 miles of river fun.
Orchard & Farm Stand (7
- 30-90) - Apple Hill Farm has been in business for over 3 decades: they have pick-your-own fruits including apples, peaches, blueberries and raspberries as well as home made pies and baked goods.
Exit 18 - Canterbury
Canterbury Shaker Village (15
- 2 Hours) - For over 70 years the Shakers had a celibate community, occupying 20+ buildings and shipping their products worldwide. Step back in history with this living museum.
Exit 20 - Tilton
Lakes Region Factory Stores (5
- 1-4 Hours) - A nice assortment of stores (50+), this stop promises retail therapy for the whole family.
Smitty's Cinema Pub (12
- 2+ Hours) - A multi-screen theater with table-side seating on reclining tall-backed chairs. Smitty's features pub food and great desserts, mostly around $8-15 a plate. Arrive well before show time for good seating.
Exit 23 - NH-104 / NH-132, Meredith
MS Mount Washington (20
- 2 ½ - 3 Hours) - From her home port in Weirs Beach, the the 230 foot ship, the "Mount", offers daytime scenic cruises and evening dinner cruises on Lake Winnipesauke.
Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad (20
- 2 Hours) - A pleasant 14 mile train ride along the northwest shores of Lake Winnipesaukee.
Exit 24 - Ashland / Holderness
Squam Lakes Natural Science Center (15
- 1 ½ Hours) - "To advance understanding of ecology by exploring New Hampshire's natural world." A great NH gem, see live large NH mammals and so much more. If you have the time, also check out their Squam Lake cruises.
Exit 32 - NH-112 E / Kancamagus Hwy, Lincoln
Hobo Scenic Railroad (3
- 2 Hours) - Daily train rides in season, departing Lincoln and following the Pemi River. Some food service and some entertainment.
The Café Lafayette Dinner Train (5
- 2 Hours) - Enjoy a scenic train ride and 5-course meal in the "restaurant with a constantly changing view".
Clark's Trading Post (5
- 2 Hours) - Watch a famous Black Bear show, ride a steam train, be chased by the infamous Wolfman, and be amazed by Chinese acrobats - all in the same day!
Lost River Gorge (20
- 2 Hours) - In Kinsman Notch, the powerful forces of water, wind, weather and time worked their magic, creating Lost River, a place where granite walls seem to erupt from the earth and a river plays hide and seek.
Exit 33 - North Lincoln
Whale's Tale Water Park (3
- 2-3 Hours) - A small-ish but fun water park, stop here with the kids to escape the heat.
Exit 34B - Franconia Notch
Cannon Arial Tram (2
- 1 ½ Hours) - An 80-passenger cable car brings visitors to the 4,080-foot summit of Cannon Mountain. On a clear day, you can see mountains in four states and Canada and everyone can enjoy the trails.
Old Man in the Mountain Visitor Center (2
- 40-80) - For over 200 years a rock formation resembling a human profile graced the cliffs of Cannon Mountain. It became symbolic of NH, appearing on the state quarter, road signs and even a postage stamp. Learn about its history and demise. Museum building, gift shop, rest area, picnic tables and a beautiful outdoor pavilion.
Exit 34C - Franconia Notch
Echo Lake Beach (5
- 2+ Hours) - Part of Franconia Notch State Park, the picturesque beach is at the base of Cannon Mountain. Picnicing and swimming on the beach, and bike, canoe and kayak rentals available.
Exit 38 - Franconia / Sugar Hill
Harman's Cheese & Country Store (12
- 20-30) - Started in 1955, Harmon's has a wide variety of cheese, maple, jams & jellies, meats, etc.
Polly's Pancake Parlor (10
- 45-60) - Mentioned mostly for your bragging rights, Polly's is a well known tourist trap that serves excellent, authentic pancakes! Holiday & special event weekends may require patience for seating.
Exit 41 - Littleton/Whitefield
Chutters (10
- 20-30) - Confirmed by Guinness World Records, Chutters is home of the world's longest candy counter. A visit to Chutters is reported to be a like a trip to Candyland.
For More Information
► I-89 Points of Interest
► I-95 Points of Interest
► Rest Area Alternatives
► Visitor Resource Center Home
Page: 1103-A
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