Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, Science museum and wildlife center in Holderness, New Hampshire.
Squam Lakes Natural Science Center is a science museum and wildlife facility near Holderness. The grounds display black bears, mountain lions, raptors, river otters, and bobcats in forest habitats and along marsh boardwalks that wind through the property.
This facility opened in 1969 as an educational project focused on sharing knowledge about local wildlife. It grew from this initial mission into a larger operation that offers interactive learning experiences for visitors of all ages.
The center serves as a gathering place where visitors connect with the region's wildlife through hands-on learning experiences. Local families and students visit regularly to deepen their understanding of the animals and ecosystems that shape life in New Hampshire.
The trail through the exhibits typically takes two to three hours to walk, allowing time to observe all the animal areas. Plan your visit between May and November when the full facility operates and most animals are most active.
The facility offers boat cruises on Squam Lake where visitors can spot wildlife from the water. These tours begin in mid-May and reveal the local ecosystem from a perspective not available on the land-based trails.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.