You can expect to find several great museums in New Hampshire, partly down to its heritage.
From the European settlers to being a manufacturing hub for paper, shoes, and textiles with the history of those industries preserved in several places.
There are also children’s museums, museums of art, and cultural centers to enjoy.
In this guide, we will look at the best museums that New Hampshire has to offer.
The Children’s Museum Of New Hampshire
Location: Dover
Babies, children, and even those adults who are young at heart should enjoy The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire.
This is the museum to dedicate an entire day to as there are so many activities including space tours, cave explorations, and a simulated dig for the bones of a dinosaur.
With a vast array of exhibits and educationally stimulating programs, you may find yourself going back for more.
The museum also hosts children’s birthday parties if their schedule permits with food, cake, and access to a private classroom and to the exhibits.
New Hampshire Telephone Museum
Location: Warner
Many of us take for granted the piece of technology that is the smartphone. If you want to find out more about the origin of the telephone then the New Hampshire Telephone Museum is the place to go.
There are over 1,000 switchboard collections with a variety of phones including the flip phones from the 1990s and those dated phones you would see in a home’s hallway.
See how a telephone has changed form, size, and function over time in a nonprofit museum that puts something back into the local community.
Enfield Shaker Museum
Location: Enfield
To learn more about the Shakers, visit the Enfield Shaker Museum. The Christian religious sect has been in Enfield for over a century and the museum is located on the site of the Great Stone Dwelling of the Shakers.
Their vibrant culture is worth exploring, as are the exhibits, artifacts, gardens, and restored buildings. You could even stay in the museum overnight for the full experience if you want to.
USS Albacore Submarine And Museum
Location: Portsmouth
If you have ever wanted to board a submarine then you can do just that at the USS Albacore Submarine and Museum in Portsmouth.
The United States Navy once used USS Albacore as a research submarine, primarily to test maritime technology.
Since 1989, the submarine has been a National Historic Landmark, as well as a Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark and Historic Welded Structure since 2000.
For an educational and family-friendly experience, take a self-guided tour of the submarine itself.
Currier Museum Of Art
Location: Manchester
For all those art-buffs, there really is no finer museum in New Hampshire than the Currier Museum of Art in Manchester.
The museum was established in 1929 and currently houses artworks by the likes of Pablo Picasso alongside works by other European, as well as American artists.
There are also sculptures, photos, and art decors to enjoy with many showcasing styles you may struggle to see anywhere else.
At various times of the year, you can also catch classical performances and amazing live musicals.
Wright Museum Of World War II
Location: Wolfeboro
America’s involvement in World War II is well-known yet if you wanted to find out the detail of the event then visit the Wright Museum of World War II.
The museum includes plenty of war memorabilia from posters, ammunition, photos, and furniture pieces. Time your visit well as you can also enjoy special exhibitions throughout the year.
Wright Museum of World War II is also a non-profit institution, dedicated to honoring and recognizing the efforts of Americans during World War II.
Strawbery Banke Museum
Location: Portsmouth
With over 110,000 visitors every year, Strawbery Banke Museum is rightfully one of the most popular museums in New Hampshire.
The museum is home to the earliest known European settlement in New Hampshire with houses built from the 17th up to the 19th century.
These have been restored and used as an outdoor museum where visitors can marvel at the architectural styles. During winter, there is also Puddle Dock Pond where visitors can skate which is well worth experiencing.
Final Thoughts
The state of New Hampshire is known as a great place to visit to see nature and enjoy a lake vacation. However, if you want some educational stimulation then there are some fascinating museums to discover.
Some will take you back in time like Strawbery Banke Museum, Wright Museum of World War II, and Enfield Shaker Museum.
Then there are more contemporary offerings from Currier Museum of Art and USS Albacore Submarine and Museum.
For a family holiday, you may want to split your time between lazy days on the lake to learning something new in a museum.
A lot of the museums have something for everybody so if the weather turns, you can head indoors to see some interesting exhibitions.
After all, while vacations should be relaxing, it certainly does not hurt to learn something new along the way too.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Top Tourist Attraction In The State Of New Hampshire?
The state of New Hampshire is a great spot for seeing nature, lake vacations as well as ocean beaches. Perhaps for that reason, the top tourist attraction is White Mountain National Forest.
The attraction has some of the most stunning scenery in the entire New England region.
New Hampshire is a great place for a vacation due to its outdoor activities, the beaches, mountains, and some excellent attractions for the entire family.
What Is The State Of New Hampshire Primarily Known For?
With its vast granite formations as well as its quarries, the state of New Hampshire is well-known as the Granite State.
The rocks help the state with its identity but New Hampshire also has three more nicknames. These include the White Mountain State, Mother of River, and the Switzerland of America.
