Squam Lakes Natural Science Center

The heart of the center is a walking trail through the forest that leads past a series of natural-looking habitats, each home to native New Hampshire wildlife. Visitors can watch black bears, bobcats, a mountain lion, river otters, white-tailed deer, red and gray foxes, and birds of prey such as owls, hawks, bald eagles, and a turkey vulture, animals most people never see in the wild.

Every animal on the trail is there because it cannot be returned to the wild, whether orphaned, injured, or habituated to people. The center cares for them and uses them to teach, so a walk along the trail doubles as a lesson in the state's ecology and in why these particular animals ended up needing a home.

Squam Lake is the second-largest lake in New Hampshire, ringed by low mountains and studded with wooded islands, and it is famously undeveloped and calm compared with its busy neighbor, Lake Winnipesaukee. Its serene beauty made it the filming location for On Golden Pond, and the lake has guarded its quiet character ever since.

The science center runs naturalist-led cruises onto the lake, where guides point out common loons, bald eagles, and the natural and human history of the shoreline and islands. The loons in particular are a draw, their haunting calls a signature sound of the northern lakes, and the cruises are a peaceful counterpart to the walking trail.

Holderness sits at the northern edge of New Hampshire's Lakes Region, the belt of water and hills where the lowlands give way to the White Mountains. Squam Lake and its smaller sibling, Little Squam, anchor the town, and the Squam Range and other low peaks provide hiking with wide views over the water.

The whole area rewards a slower pace, with quiet coves, small villages, and classic New England scenery. The science center makes a natural base for exploring it, connecting the wildlife on its trails to the lakes, forests, and mountains that wildlife actually lives in.

The closest Boutel™ stays, so you can turn this stop into an overnight. Each is a place we chose through independent editorial review, never a paid placement.

The Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, in Holderness in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire, is a wonderful nature center and wildlife sanctuary showcasing the native animals and ecosystems of New Hampshire along the shores of beautiful Squam Lake. The center features a live animal exhibit trail where visitors can see native New Hampshire wildlife such as black bears, bobcats, mountain lions, otters, birds of prey, and more in natural habitat enclosures, along with nature trails, gardens, and, in season, scenic lake cruises on Squam Lake, famous as a filming location. A delightful blend of wildlife, nature, and the lake, it engages families and nature lovers. With its native wildlife and lake, the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center offers a delightful destination in New Hampshire.

You can walk the live animal exhibit trail to see native New Hampshire wildlife including black bears, bobcats, mountain lions, otters, and birds of prey in natural enclosures, explore the nature trails and gardens, enjoy educational programs, and, in season, take a scenic naturalist-guided cruise on beautiful Squam Lake. The native wildlife trail, the nature exhibits, and the Squam Lake cruises are the highlights, offering a rich blend of animals, nature, and the lake that especially delights families. It is both fun and educational. With its wildlife and lake cruises, the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center offers a rewarding experience in New Hampshire.

Yes, the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center is an excellent family destination, with a live animal trail where children can see native New Hampshire wildlife like bears, bobcats, and otters up close in natural settings, nature trails to explore, hands-on educational programs, and scenic lake cruises. Kids especially love seeing the animals, while the whole family enjoys the trails and the lake. Checking current hours and cruise schedules before you go is wise, as it is seasonal. With its wildlife, trails, and cruises, the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center makes a wonderful family destination in New Hampshire.

The center is typically open seasonally from spring through fall, with summer offering warm weather ideal for the animal trail, nature trails, and lake cruises, and fall beautiful when the Lakes Region foliage colors the landscape and the lake, a lovely time for a cruise. Because it is seasonal, checking current hours and cruise schedules before you go is wise. Mornings can be pleasant for active animals. For the fullest experience with the trails and lake cruises, aim for summer through early fall at the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center in New Hampshire.

The Squam Lakes Natural Science Center is in Holderness in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire, on Squam Lake, within reach of Castle in the Clouds in Moultonborough, Weirs Beach and the Mount Washington lake cruise on Lake Winnipesaukee, and the White Mountains to the north. That makes the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center a delightful stop to combine with Castle in the Clouds, the Lake Winnipesaukee attractions, and the other sights of the Lakes Region on a visit to New Hampshire.