Published August 22, 2024
Lake Winnipesaukee & More Lifestyle Attractions
Experience why Lake Winnipesaukee is an exceptional place to settle down with The Dow Group’s showcase of lifestyle attractions. This enchanting region blends a variety of engaging activities and amenities for every interest. Enjoy family-friendly adventures, explore the great outdoors, or dive into a rich array of entertainment options. With its unique town highlights, fascinating museums, and golf courses, the Lake Winnipesaukee area offers a dynamic and fulfilling living experience. Discover the perfect balance of natural beauty and vibrant community life that makes this area a standout choice for your next home.
Family Fun
Mount Washington Cruises
Mount Washington Cruises offers scenic boat tours on Lake Winnipesaukee in NH. Departing from Alton Bay, Wolfeboro, and Weirs Beach, the cruises provide stunning views of surrounding mountains and shoreline. They offer various options, including sightseeing tours, dinner cruises, and special event cruises. The MS Mount Washington is the flagship vessel, known for its classic design and comfortable amenities. It’s a popular way to experience the beauty of the lake and region’s natural scenery.
Castle in the Clouds
Located in the Ossipee Mountains of Moultonborough, NH, Castle in the Clouds is a historic property built between 1913 and 1914. The estate, known as Lucknow, offers breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Winnipesaukee and the surrounding countryside. Visitors can explore the mansion through guided tours, stroll through the beautifully landscaped gardens, and hike extensive trails that lead to the scenic 40- foot Falls of Song waterfall. The Carriage House Restaurant provides dining with stunning mountain and lake views. The estate also hosts various events throughout the year, such as weddings and special tours, making Castle in the Clouds a significant cultural and historical site in the Lakes Region of NH.
Funspot
Funspot was founded in 1952, located in Laconia, NH. It is now recognized as the largest arcade in America. Funspot offers a wide range of activities and attractions including, classic arcade games, pinball machines, bowling, mini-golf, bumper cars, and outdoor activities. Funspot is a nostalgic destination for many and a popular spot for families looking for a variety of entertainment options in one place.
Club Motorsports
Club Motorsports is a premier motorsports country club and private race track located in the scenic White Mountains region of Tamworth, NH. This exclusive facility holds a world class 2.5 mile road course. Members of the club enjoy access to state of the art amenities, including a clubhouse, garages, 0.4 mile karting track, and luxurious facilities that enhance the overall experience. The club hosts an array of events such as driving schools, track days, and private gatherings, along with coaching and training for drivers of all skill levels. Club Motorsports offers a unique and exhilarating driving experience in a beautiful setting.
Outdoors
Mt. Major Trail
Mount Major, located near Alton Bay, NH, is a well loved hiking destination. The main trailhead is conveniently situated off NH Route 11, providing access to several trails that lead to the summit. The summit of Mount Major rewards hikers with expansive and breathtaking views of Lake Winnipesaukee and the surrounding landscape, making the effort well worth it. The different trails offer a round trip distance of about 3.8 miles and an elevation gain of approximately 1,100 feet, making the hike moderate in difficulty and suitable for a wide range of hikers, including families with children. Overall, Mount Major offers a rewarding and accessible hiking experience with stunning views, making it a cherished spot for both locals and visitors.
Gunstock Mountain
Gunstock Mountain is a renowned ski resort located in Gilford, NH, within the picturesque Belknap Mountain Range. The resort is a favorite among winter sports enthusiasts, boasting 55 trails and 8 lifts that cater to all skill levels. In addition to its winter offering, Gunstock transforms into a hub of outdoor activities during the summer months, featuring hiking, mountain biking, zip-lining, and camping. The resort's Adventure Park is a notable attraction, with an aerial treetop course and scenic lift rides that provide breathtaking views of Lake Winnipesaukee and surrounding mountains. With its rich history and stunning scenery, Gunstock Mountain Resort continues to be a cherished location for recreation and relaxation in NH.
Bald Knob
Bald Knob is a ledge on the side of Turtleback Mountain, in the Ossipee Mountain Range, located in Moultonborough, NH. The hike offers sweeping views of Lake Winnipesaukee from its rocky outcrop, which is part of the LRCT conservation lands. It's a popular destination accessible from the Castle in the Clouds estate grounds. You can also find a trailhead driving along Route 171 in Moultonborough. The large parking area is situated on the south side of Route 171, approximately 2.3 miles east of its intersection with Route 109. The hike is worth it for the breathtaking views at the top.
Cotton Valley Rail Trail
The Cotton Valley Rail Trail is a scenic 12-mile recreational trail running between the towns of Wolfeboro and Wakefield, NH. Following the route of a former railway line, this “rail trail” offers a picturesque experience with views of the lakes and forests. It is designed for multiple uses, welcoming walkers, joggers, cyclists, and in some sections, snowmobilers and cross-country skiers during the winter months. Local communities and organizations actively support the trail’s maintenance and development as it is a cherished resource in the area.
Entertainment
Bank of NH Pavilion
The Bank of NH Pavilion is an outdoor amphitheater located in Gilford, NH. It is a popular venue for concerts and events, known for hosting a variety of musical performances and other entertainment throughout the summer session. The venue has a capacity of about 9,000 people and offers both reserved seating and lawn seating. Its scenic location near Lake Winnipesaukee adds to the overall experience for concertgoers!
Great Waters Music Festival
Great Waters Music Festival, founded in 1995, celebrates the performing arts with a diverse lineup including Broadway, comedy, rock, and folk music under the beautiful New Hampshire summer sky. Based in downtown Wolfeboro, the festival hosts concerts at the picturesque Castle in the Clouds and Brewster Academy, providing unique and memorable performances against stunning natural backdrops.
Lakeport Opera House
Located in Laconia, NH, between two beautiful lakes and surrounded by spectacular mountains, the Lakeport Opera House is the heart of the Lakes Region, connecting the community and inspiring engagement with the arts. The venue blends high-end style with historic charm, offering live musical performances, theater productions, comedy, and community- focused events. This 140-year-old building, beautifully renovated, is also available for private gatherings, providing a stunning backdrop for any occasion.
Winnipesaukee Playhouse
The Winnipesaukee Playhouse, located in Meredith, NH, is a distinguished theater offering a diverse array of productions including dramas, comedies, musicals, and original works. Established in 2004, the playhouse provides high quality, professional theater in an intimate setting. The state of the art facility includes comfortable seating, excellent acoustics, rehearsal spaces, classrooms, and scenic outdoor areas, ensuring a memorable experience for all visitors.
Town and Area Highlights
Weirs Beach
Weirs Beach, nestled in Laconia, NH, along the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, stands as a cherished must see spot for its sandy beach, picturesque vistas, and lively ambiance. This scenic destination offers attractions and activities suited for visitors of all ages. The expansive sandy shore invites sunbathers and water enthusiasts alike to indulge in swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Along the busy boardwalk, lined with an array of shops, restaurants, arcades, and amusement attractions, visitors can savor local cuisine, shop for souvenirs, and partake in classic arcade games and carnival rides. Throughout the summer season, the Weirs hosts an assortment of events and festivals including live music concerts, craft fairs, car shows, and vibrant fireworks displays, further enhancing its festive atmosphere.
Downtown Wolfeboro
Downtown Wolfeboro, located along the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire, is a dream destination brimming with historic charm and scenic beauty. With its well-preserved 18th and 19th-century buildings, the area showcases the town's rich history as The Oldest Summer Resort in America. Visitors can stroll along Main Street, exploring a diverse array of shops, boutiques, and galleries offering everything from locally-made crafts to upscale clothing. The waterfront area, filled with docks, marinas, and boat rentals, serves as a hub for recreational boating and water activities, providing stunning views of the lake. Throughout the year, the town hosts various events and festivals, including art fairs, music concerts, and holiday celebrations, adding to its lively atmosphere. Surrounded by natural beauty and offering an abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities, downtown Wolfeboro invites visitors to immerse themselves in its unique blend of history, culture, and scenic splendor.
Alton Bay
Alton Bay is a picturesque destination offering a lakeside experience, With its sandy beach, and crystal clear waters, it provides a great setting for swimming, fishing, and kayaking. During the winter months, Alton Bay transforms into a hub for ice fishing and winter sports, with the frozen lake serving as a runway for seaplanes at the unique Alton Bay Seaplane Base. Visitors can explore local dining establishments and shops too! Alton Bay offers a delightful retreat for all visitors any time of the year.
Museums
Wright Museum
The Wright Museum of World War II is situated in Wolfeboro, NH. Its primary mission is to educate and inspire visitors by preserving the history and artifacts. Through a comprehensive collection of memorabilia, exhibits, and interactive experiences, the museum offers a profound insight into the experiences of soldiers and civilians during the war. The museum's educational programs, including guided tours and outreach initiatives, aim to engage visitors of all ages in a deeper understanding of World War II’s impact. In addition to serving as a cultural and educational resource, the museum actively engages with the local community and collaborates with other organizations to host events, fundraisers, and community outreach programs.
Libby Museum
The Libby Museum, in Wolfeboro, NH, has been a cornerstone of natural history education since its establishment in 1912 by Dr. Henry Forrest Libby, a local physician and passionate naturalist. Dedicated to fostering an appreciation for the wonders of the natural world, the museum boasts an extensive collection of specimens and artifacts showcasing New Hampshire's rich flora, fauna, geology, and Native American heritage. Visitors are treated to a captivating array of exhibits, featuring taxidermy mounts of local wildlife, geological treasures, Native American artifacts, and interactive displays illuminating the region's ecological diversity. Beyond its exhibits, the museum offers a wealth of educational programs and activities for all ages, including guided tours, nature walks, workshops, and hands-on learning experiences. With its historic significance as one of the oldest natural history museums in New Hampshire, the Libby Museum continues to stand as a cherished institution in the Lakes Region, inviting all to explore and appreciate the wonders of nature.
NH Boat Museum
The New Hampshire Boat Museum (NHBM), founded in 1992 by antique boating enthusiasts, is an interactive hub dedicated to preserving New Hampshire’s freshwater boating heritage. In 2024, NHBM will move to a new 24,000-square-foot facility in Moultonborough, expanding its operations to offer year-round, climate-controlled programming. The museum’s collection includes over 2,500 objects, featuring wooden and wood-fiberglass motorboats from brands like Chris-Craft and Lyman. NHBM also offers boat-building classes, community sailing, and annual events like the Alton Bay Boat Show. Visitors can enjoy boat rides on Lake Winnipesaukee and engage in educational experiences that celebrate the region’s boating history.
Golf
Bald Peak Colony. Club
Bald Peak, New Hampshire's only lakeside private country club, spans 1,000 acres of natural beauty with stunning views. Members enjoy a Donald Ross golf course, tennis, pickleball, water sports, and a wide range of social and dining events. The club fosters lifelong friendships and offers activities for all ages, from traditional golf tournaments to arts and crafts. Membership is flexible, with many members commuting from nearby towns, and accommodations are available for overnight stays. Bald Peak provides a serene escape where families create lasting memories amidst the peaceful surroundings.
Laconia Country Club
Founded in 1922, Laconia Country Club is a private, member-owned club located in New Hampshire's scenic Lakes Region. It offers a welcoming environment where individuals and families can enjoy social activities, refined yet casual dining, and exceptional golf experiences.
Lake Winnipesaukee Golf Club
Lake Winnipesaukee Golf Club, located in New Durham, New Hampshire, is a private, 18-hole Clive Clark championship course set on 700 stunning mountain acres. Offering nearly 7,000 yards of top-tier golf, it features bent grass tees, fairways, and elegant greens, all maintained with state-of-the-art technology. Renowned for its playability and design, the club has been listed by Golf Digest among the top courses in New Hampshire for 14 consecutive years and was named one of "America’s Best New Private Courses" in 2004. Lake Winnipesaukee Golf Club was also the first in New Hampshire to host the New England Open.
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