AMENITIES & ATTRACTIONS
What makes The LAKES REGION so special
Growing up, I would spend summer vacations on Lake Winnipesaukee. I always knew I wanted to my children to experience the same. That’s one reason this area is so special… It holds traditions and memories for many families that are passed down for generations to come. And year-round, there are so many things to do and see. Here, you can truly be as active as you want to be.
lakes
There are 273 lakes in the region. Get acquainted with the five largest.
LAKE WINNIPESAUKEE
Spanning over 44,000 acres with over 250 islands, Lake Winnipesaukee is one of the largest lakes in New England and the largest in New Hampshire. Locals often refer to it simply as the Big Lake.
Spanning over 44,000 acres with over 250 islands, Lake Winnipesaukee is one of the largest lakes in New England and the largest in New Hampshire. Locals often refer to it simply as the Big Lake.
SQUAM LAKE
A channel in Holderness, NH connects Big and Little Squam Lakes. Covering 6,791 acres, it’s the second largest lake entirely in New Hampshire. Surrounded by mountains with wooded shorelines, it showcases scenery you won’t want to miss.
A channel in Holderness, NH connects Big and Little Squam Lakes. Covering 6,791 acres, it’s the second largest lake entirely in New Hampshire. Surrounded by mountains with wooded shorelines, it showcases scenery you won’t want to miss.
NEWFOUND LAKE
This glacial lake is fed by 8 springs, and the water is among the purest and clearest you’ll find. At 6 miles long and 2.5 miles wide, it’s large enough for boating and water sports. At the same time, it’s often less crowded than Lake Winnipesaukee.
This glacial lake is fed by 8 springs, and the water is among the purest and clearest you’ll find. At 6 miles long and 2.5 miles wide, it’s large enough for boating and water sports. At the same time, it’s often less crowded than Lake Winnipesaukee.
LAKE WINNISQUAM
Lake Winnipesaukee feeds into Lake Winnisquam, though there is no boating access between the two lakes. Winnisquam lies along the path of the Winnipesaukee River, which it feeds into. Known for good fishing.
Lake Winnipesaukee feeds into Lake Winnisquam, though there is no boating access between the two lakes. Winnisquam lies along the path of the Winnipesaukee River, which it feeds into. Known for good fishing.
OSSIPEE LAKE
This 3,257 acre lake is the sixth largest located entirely in New Hampshire. Located on the northeastern portion of the Lakes Region, it’s set back from the action and known to be quieter and a great fishing spot.
This 3,257 acre lake is the sixth largest located entirely in New Hampshire. Located on the northeastern portion of the Lakes Region, it’s set back from the action and known to be quieter and a great fishing spot.
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ACTIVITIES
WATERSPORTS
Waterski, kayak, canoe, paddleboard, wakeboard, kneeboard, tube, or jump on an 'aqua cycle.' It's ALL available here with many rental options available.
Waterski, kayak, canoe, paddleboard, wakeboard, kneeboard, tube, or jump on an 'aqua cycle.' It's ALL available here with many rental options available.
HIKING & BIKING
Adventure seekers are sure to feel at home in the Lakes Region. There are hundreds of trails for varying fitness levels. Two of the most popular areas: White Mountain National Forest and the Belknap Mountain Range.
Adventure seekers are sure to feel at home in the Lakes Region. There are hundreds of trails for varying fitness levels. Two of the most popular areas: White Mountain National Forest and the Belknap Mountain Range.
TAX-FREE SHOPPING
Spend an afternoon at the outlets or explore the area's numerous antique shops, gift shops, or galleries.
Spend an afternoon at the outlets or explore the area's numerous antique shops, gift shops, or galleries.
FISHING
The Lakes Region is a top fishing destination. Trout, bass, and salmon are among the dozens of types that can be caught here. Get your fishing license online at NH Fish & Game or at a local sporting good shop.
The Lakes Region is a top fishing destination. Trout, bass, and salmon are among the dozens of types that can be caught here. Get your fishing license online at NH Fish & Game or at a local sporting good shop.
GOLF
The area's natural topography lends itself to scenic and challenging golf courses. You'll find many great private and public options.
The area's natural topography lends itself to scenic and challenging golf courses. You'll find many great private and public options.
SNOW SPORTS
The fun doesn't stop when summer ends. Hit the slopes at Gunstock, Attitash, or Loon ski areas. Snowmobilers will also find 7000+ miles of snowmobiling trails throughout the region.
The fun doesn't stop when summer ends. Hit the slopes at Gunstock, Attitash, or Loon ski areas. Snowmobilers will also find 7000+ miles of snowmobiling trails throughout the region.
WINERIES & BREWERIES
You'll find a nice selection of breweries and wineries in the area, many of which take full advantage of the beautiful setting. Don't miss Hermit Woods Winery, recently named among the '500 Best Wineries in America' by Food & Wine Magazine.
You'll find a nice selection of breweries and wineries in the area, many of which take full advantage of the beautiful setting. Don't miss Hermit Woods Winery, recently named among the '500 Best Wineries in America' by Food & Wine Magazine.
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ATTRACTIONS
THE CASTLE IN THE CLOUDS
One of the area's most popular tourist destinations is definitely worth the trip for the view alone. Set in the Ossipee Mountain Range, this historic mansion and estate has stunning grounds and over 28 miles of hiking trails.
One of the area's most popular tourist destinations is definitely worth the trip for the view alone. Set in the Ossipee Mountain Range, this historic mansion and estate has stunning grounds and over 28 miles of hiking trails.
WEIRS BEACH
Want a taste of nostalgia? Head to Weirs Beach where you'll find an old-fashioned boardwalk packed with arcades, bumper cars, mini golf, and a drive-in theater. Great place to bring the kids!
Want a taste of nostalgia? Head to Weirs Beach where you'll find an old-fashioned boardwalk packed with arcades, bumper cars, mini golf, and a drive-in theater. Great place to bring the kids!
M/S MOUNT WASHINGTON
The historic M/S Mt. Washington has been a tradition for visitors since 1872. Sunset, evening, and daytime cruises available in season.
The historic M/S Mt. Washington has been a tradition for visitors since 1872. Sunset, evening, and daytime cruises available in season.
WINNIPESAUKEE SCENIC RAILROAD
A great way to take in the beauty of Lake Winnipesaukee--amazing during fall foliage season! Choose between a one or two hour trip.
A great way to take in the beauty of Lake Winnipesaukee--amazing during fall foliage season! Choose between a one or two hour trip.
BANK OF NEW HAMPSHIRE PAVILLION
Enjoy major concerts nearly every weekend of the summer at this amphitheater and scenic venue in Gilford. Named one of USA Today's 10 Best Concert Venues Across the USA!
Enjoy major concerts nearly every weekend of the summer at this amphitheater and scenic venue in Gilford. Named one of USA Today's 10 Best Concert Venues Across the USA!
GUNSTOCK MOUNTAIN RESORT
Gunstock is not just a ski resort, but a fantastic year-round destination with mountain biking, hiking, fishing, tubing, ziplining, scenic lift rides, and much more.
Gunstock is not just a ski resort, but a fantastic year-round destination with mountain biking, hiking, fishing, tubing, ziplining, scenic lift rides, and much more.
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For the kids
FUNSPOT
Funspot in Laconia, NH has been a family fun destination for nearly 70 years. It’s the largest arcade in the world with 600+ games, bowling, indoor mini golf, and more.
Funspot in Laconia, NH has been a family fun destination for nearly 70 years. It’s the largest arcade in the world with 600+ games, bowling, indoor mini golf, and more.
SQUAM LAKES NATURAL SCIENCE CENTER
This rescue center for animals native to New Hampshire will intrigue the whole family. Enjoy seeing black bears, bobcats, raptors, mountain lions, owls, and more.
This rescue center for animals native to New Hampshire will intrigue the whole family. Enjoy seeing black bears, bobcats, raptors, mountain lions, owls, and more.
SANTA'S VILLAGE
Make memories at this Christmas-themed park in Jefferson, New Hampshire. It offers family fun year-round with rides, a water park, and other attractions.
Make memories at this Christmas-themed park in Jefferson, New Hampshire. It offers family fun year-round with rides, a water park, and other attractions.
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