
One of the best things about New Hampshire? The many New Hampshire landmarks that are just waiting for you to explore them. Whether you’re looking to scale a mountain, learn about history, or take in beautiful sights, there is a spot for you in this incredible state.
Not sure which New Hampshire landmarks you should check out? We recommend the following.
Top Landmarks in New Hampshire
New Hampshire Landmarks
Mount Washington
Originally called Agiocochook by the Native Amercans who called this place home, the peak we now know as Mount Washington has had a special place in human hearts since time immemorial.
The tallest peak not only in New Hampshire, but in the entire northeastern quadrant of the United States, the mountain stands a full 6,288.2 above sea level at its summit. Fortunately, you can get there even if you’re not an advanced mountaineer. Follow the 7.6 miles of Mount Washington Auto Road to arrive at the scenic destination sweat-free.
Of course, if you do want to hike, that’s always an option if you’re prepared for it; the route via Tuckerman Ravine and Lion Head Trail is quite challenging with an elevation gain of more than 4,000 feet in less than four miles. Because of this, it should only be attempted by very experienced hikers, especially since this mountain is known for its dramatic and sudden shifts in weather.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Located about an hour and a half north of the town of Conway in the heart of White Mountain National Forest, Mount Washington is fairly remote — but a camper’s paradise. Along with Mount Washington State Park, of course, there are other nearby wildernesses to stop at like Crawford Notch State Park, Moose Brook State Park, and dozens more.
Camping can be found in many of these state parks, so take your pick and set up camp!
Mount Washington Hotel
Known today as the Omni Mount Washington Resort, this stately and historic hotel has drawn visitors for over a hundred years — and for good reason. Given its luxurious interior and vast footprint, the structure cost an estimated $1.7 million to construct back at the turn of the 20th century. That’s equivalent to more than $52 million in today’s dollars.
The hotel is both a National Historic Landmark and on the National Register of Historic Places. It has also been featured on Ghost Hunters, so if you’re easily spooked, be forewarned. Room prices shift throughout the season and depending on how fancy you go, but make no mistake about it — this place is pretty fancy.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Obviously, if you’re visiting the Mount Washington Hotel, you’re in the shadow of none other than Mount Washington itself (and the state park that preserves it), so we highly recommend giving that a visit.
Flume Gorge
Easily one of the most incredible natural landmarks not just in the state of New Hampshire but along the entire east coast, Flume Gorge is a unique and picturesque rock pathway covered over with foliage and run through with waterfalls. Thanks to the elevated wooden walkway that runs along its rim, these beautiful views can be seen by even those who are hiking beginners!
The two-mile loop trail takes most people about an hour and a half to finish, especially when you take time to stop and enjoy the scenery (which you certainly should). Picnic areas and restroom facilities are also available.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Located just off I-93 amidst peaks like Mount Liberty and Mount Flume, Flume Gorge is situated in the heart of an outdoor lover’s paradise. Here, you’ll find the Loon Mountain Resort ski area waiting just south and Franconia Notch State Park to the north.
RV camping can be found at Lost River Valley Campground.
Joy Farm
Leave it to a poet to have a home with a name like Joy Farm. A poet is exactly what E. E. Cummings was, after all, and quite a famous one at that.
Tucked into the Silver Lake section of the small New Hampshire town of Madison, Joy Farm was originally purchased by Cummings’s parents in 1899 — from a man named Ephraim Joy, which is where the estate got its name. Cummings took over the deed to the farm in 1929 and spent summers there throughout his life. He was actually on the property when he suffered the stroke whose after-effects would kill him a day later in the hospital in North Conway.
The property was named a National Historic Monument in 1971.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Madison and the surrounding small villages in the area offer basic amenities, but the main draw to this part of the state is its beautiful natural landscapes. White Lake State Park and Echo Lake State Park are beautiful year round, and there are also numerous ski areas along this corridor in the winter.
For RV camping, head to the aforementioned Echo Lake State Park.
Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park
Follow I-91 south from Hanover, the home of Dartmouth College, and you’ll find yourself at Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park. This is the historic home of, and monument to, the well-known sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens.
Originally made into a memorial in 1919, the property was donated to the National Park Service in 1964. Today, it is open to the public for tours as well as the events and programs that are held here, including concerts, fellowships, exhibitions and more.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
This park is situated amongst several cute New Hampshire towns worth exploring, such as Hanover (named above), Lebanon, and Cornish. It’s also right on the border between Vermont and New Hampshire, opening up many more destinations in its sister state.
As far as lodging goes, we recommend Crow’s Nest Campground.
Franklin Pierce Homestead
Visit the childhood home of the fourteenth president, Franklin Pierce in the New Hampshire town of Hillsboro. Officially christened the Franklin Pierce Homestead State Historic Site, the historic home has today been transformed into a museum and is open for public visitation.
It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 196 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1966.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Like so many places in New Hampshire, the city of Hillsboro is tucked between a variety of beautiful wild areas, such as Fox State Forest to the north, Hedgehog Mountain Forest to the south, and Vincent State Forest to the east.
As you might imagine, this means there are plenty of opportunities for camping nearby, including Rocky Valley RV Resort.
Harrisville Historic District
If you could turn back time a couple hundred years, you’d find New Hampshire dotted with adorable mill villages that grew up around the timber industry that kept the state going. Today, thanks to the preservation efforts of the people who call it home, you can still see what life was like during that time when you visit the Harrisville Historic District in the south central New Hampshire town of Harrisville.
This spot is so awash in important landmarks and historic sites that an entire neighborhood has been set aside as a National Historic Landmark District. It is filled with original homes, cottages, churches, a general store, and a cemetary.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
The perfect marriage of cultural and natural landmarks, Harrisville is within an easy drive of scenic spots like Greenfield State Park, Monadnock State Park and the aptly named Miller State Park.
For camping, head to Spacious Skies Campground – Seven Maples.
New Hampshire State House
A shining jewel in the skyline of Concord, New Hampshire, the New Hampshire State House has served as the capitol building since 1819. Although its most iconic feature might be its beautiful gold dome, there is plenty of architectural wonder to captivate visitors to this site, as well as the cultural importance of all that has been discussed and brought to pass here.
Along with private tours for the public, larger group tours, especially for school groups, are also available.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
While you’re in the area, check out the rest of what the city of Concord has to offer. We recommend the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center and Carter Orchard. Alternatively, you could head a bit further south to towns like Manchester and Nashua.
Some of the best RV camping in the area can be found at Great Meadow Campground.
Robert Frost Farm
If there’s one thing they’re good at churning out in New Hampshire, it’s great writers, and you can visit another incredible literary landmark within its borders. The Robert Frost Farm State Historic Site preserves an 1880s New England farmhouse and accompanying orchard that poet Robert Frost called home between 1900 and 1911.
Along with giving visitors the opportunity to see what life was like for the famed writer, the property also serves as a literary gathering place, hosting various events and readings throughout the year.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
The city of Derry is nearby and is full of other worthy attractions, such as the Derry Museum of History and the East Derry Historic District. Many of the best state parks in New Hampshire are only a short drive away, too.
Looking for camping? We recommend Hidden Valley RV and Golf Park.
USS Albacore
An important and oft-overlooked part of American history, the USS Albacore is a research submarine that exhibited a cutting-edge design at the time it was designed and created in the 1950s. It boasts a hull strong enough to withstand pressures of up to 80,000 PSI. For comparison, much of the deep ocean exhibits a pressure of about 9,000 PSI, and the human body can only take up to 50 PSI in an instant or 400 PSI if weight is added over time without catastrophic effects.
Today, you and your family have the opportunity to climb aboard the Albacore and learn more about what life would be like aboard this unique ship. Explore the control room, peer through the periscope, and more!
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Because the submarine is located near Portsmouth, you’ll find plenty of great attractions nearby. These include the Moffatt-Ladd House & Garden and Prescott Park.
Find camping nearby at Sea Coast Camping and RV Resort.
Planning an RV Trip to New Hampshire
An RV trip is the perfect way to explore all of these New Hampshire landmarks. While you’re there, make sure to check out the best RV campgrounds in the state. You’ll also want to see New Hampshire’s many incredible state parks, as well as cities like Manchester and Nashua.