Celebrating 60 Years

Celebrating 60 Years

Plan Your Visit

Experience Nature in New Hampshire

Open meadows, mature forests, and marsh boardwalks connect interactive natural exhibits where native New Hampshire animals live in naturalistic habitats.

Spend a day on the Live Animal Exhibit Trail among Black Bear, Mountain Lions, River Otters, Bobcats, and more, and plan at least two-and-a-half hours for your self-guided visit. 

From there, you can explore our hiking trails, relax and learn on a Squam Lake Cruise, enjoy the beauty of Kirkwood Gardens, and shop our nature-inspired collection in the Howling Coyote Gift Shop—all in one welcoming place where families and visitors of all ages get nearer to nature.

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Visitors walking on the trail at the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center

Helpful Tools to Plan Your Visit

Tickets & Hours

Find current hours, seasonal dates, and admission options for the Live Animal Exhibit Trail and hiking trails, including member benefits and discounted programs that help more people get nearer to nature.

Tickets & Hours

Campus Map & Directions

Get directions to our campus in Holderness, New Hampshire, and preview the layout of trails, exhibits, Kirkwood Gardens, Squam Lake Cruises, and facilities so you can plan your day with confidence.

Campus Map & Directions

Accessibility

Learn about accessible parking, paths, services, and supports designed to help visitors of all ages and abilities enjoy time outdoors on our trails, in exhibits, and aboard Squam Lake Cruises.

Accessibility

Visitor Guidelines & FAQs

Review simple guidelines to help keep you, other guests, and our animal ambassadors safe and comfortable during your visit, including what to bring, what to leave at home, and how to share the trails.

Find answers to common questions about tickets, weather, what to wear, food and picnicking, strollers, groups, and more—so you can arrive prepared and focus on enjoying your time outside.

Visitor Guidelines & FAQs

Private Events

Discover options for hosting a birthday, family gathering, small celebration, or special program at the Science Center, with unique settings surrounded by native wildlife, Squam Lake, and Kirkwood Gardens.

Private Events

Howling Coyote Gift Shop

The Howling Coyote Gift Shop is your place to pause, browse, and bring a bit of Squam Lakes Natural Science Center home with you.

Howling Coyote Gift Shop

Calendar

Browse our calendar of programs and events to see what’s happening during your visit—from daily Squam Lake Cruises to special family programs, guided walks, and seasonal celebrations.

Calendar

Contact Us

Have a question about planning your visit, bringing a group, or choosing the right program? Reach out to our team and we’ll be happy to help you make the most of your time at the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center.

Contact Us

Experience Squam Lakes Natural Science Center

Live Animal Exhibit Trail

Step onto the Live Animal Exhibit Trail for an up‑close look at New Hampshire wildlife in naturalistic habitats woven through open meadows, mature forests, and marsh boardwalks.

Meet Our Animals

Squam Lake Cruises

If you are looking for a memorable lake boat ride, choose from one of our 90‑minute guided tours led by experienced naturalists on beautiful Squam Lake.

Book a Cruise

Hiking Trails

Enjoy getting nearer to nature on easy, family‑friendly hiking trails that wander through fields, forests, and wetlands at Squam Lakes Natural Science Center.

Hike Our Trails

Kirkwood Gardens

Take a break on the trail or stop by for a stroll through our welcoming, informal public garden in the heart of New Hampshire.

Hike Our Trails

Group Visits

Squam Lakes Natural Science Center welcomes many kinds of groups each year, from motor coach tours and commercial operators to nonprofit organizations and family gatherings.

Visit Us

Explore and Stay

Our Community

Lakes Region Lodging

Squam Lakes Natural Science Center
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