About Squam Lakes Natural Science Center
Locals call it “the Science Center,” a place where families, school groups and visitors of all ages make lasting memories while experiencing the awe of native New Hampshire animal ambassadors along a meandering, forested Live Animal Exhibit Trail.
experience new hampshire
Set beside the picturesque Squam Lakes and framed by surrounding mountains, the campus spans over 200 acres of fields, forests, streams, ponds, and gardens, inviting guests into a true outdoor classroom rather than a traditional zoo.
Here, non‑releasable animals find lifelong homes and serve as teachers in naturalistic habitats, while people connect with nature on accessible trails, in Kirkwood Gardens, at Blue Heron School, and through hands‑on environmental education programs.
Guided lake cruises led by naturalists offer close‑up views of Common Loons, Bald Eagles, and the lake’s ecology, rounding out an experience that is at once joyful, deeply educational, and designed to inspire empathy, well‑being, and a lasting commitment to caring for the natural world.
The mission of Squam Lakes Natural Science Center is to advance understanding of ecology by exploring New Hampshire’s natural world.
Our Vision:
Through experiencing the exhibits and programs of Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, visitors of all ages and backgrounds will gain a greater understanding of ecology and a lifelong respect and appreciation for the natural world leading to active environmental stewardship.
Mission
Our mission guides every exhibit, program, and partnership.
As a nonprofit organization, the Science Center focuses its resources on education, conservation awareness, and inspiring visitors to care for the environment in their own communities.
Visitors can learn more about how this mission shapes long-term planning in the Strategic Plan 2022–2026, and how the Science Center cares for non-releasable native wildlife through its Philosophy on Captive Animals. Together, these documents reflect a thoughtful, ethical approach to education, animal care, and stewardship.
The Science Center is Sensory Inclusive Certified by KultureCity, helping ensure that guests with sensory needs feel welcome and supported.
This commitment to accessibility is part of what makes Squam Lakes Natural Science Center a distinctive nonprofit organization and community resource.
At a Glance
- Mission: The mission of Squam Lakes Natural Science Center is to advance understanding of ecology by exploring New Hampshire’s natural world.
- Founded: 1966
- Type: 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
- Location: Holderness, New Hampshire, on the shores of Squam Lake
- Experiences: Live Animal Exhibit Trail, natural science programs, Squam Lake Cruises, Kirkwood Gardens, and Blue Heron School
- Accessibility: Sensory Inclusive Certified by KultureCity
getting here
Visiting the Science Center
Squam Lakes Natural Science Center is located on Route 113 in Holderness, New Hampshire, just off exit 24 from I-93. The Live Animal Exhibit Trail is open daily from May 1 through November 1, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with last admission at 3:30 p.m.
Visitors can stroll shaded trails, enjoy views of animal habitats, and discover interactive exhibits that highlight the connections between wildlife, water, forests, and people.
Offices are open year-round from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., supporting school programs, membership, Blue Heron School, and other initiatives that extend beyond the main trail season.
More to Explore
Whether you visit for a day, enroll a child in Blue Heron School, or support this nonprofit organization as a member or donor, you become part of the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center mission and community.