Published August 22, 2024
Loon, Waterville, & Cannon Lifestyle Attractions
Experience why the Loon, Waterville, & Cannon area 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 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
Flume Gorge
The Flume is a stunning natural gorge at the base of Mount Liberty, stretching 800 feet with walls of Conway granite towering 70 to 90 feet high and standing 12 to 20 feet apart. Visitors can explore the area via the Flume Trail, a 2-mile loop that begins at the check-in booths in front of the Flume Building. Currently, the Short Trail/Rim Path is closed, so hikers must complete the full loop. The entire journey, which takes about 1.5 hours, concludes back at the Flume Building and features uphill sections and numerous stairs. Along the way, a boardwalk offers close-up views of the vibrant flowers, ferns, and mosses that thrive in this unique environment.
Whale's Tales Waterpark
For over 30 years, Whale’s Tale Waterpark has been delighting visitors in the White Mountains. Together with our sister company, Alpine Adventures, we form New Hampshire’s top family fun destinations! As one of the most award-winning waterparks in New England, Whale’s Tale stands out as the best choice for a day of family fun. From our convenient location to exceptional value and thrilling attractions, we ensure a fantastic experience from start to finish.
Ice Castles
Experience the magic of winter at Ice Castles in New Hampshire, where fairy tales come to life. Since 2011, Ice Castles has been dedicated to creating enchanting experiences filled with joy and inspiration. Wander through icicle-adorned archways, explore dazzling ice formations, and make memories that will warm your heart long after the ice melts. Founded by Brent Christensen, who built the first "ice castle" for his children, Ice Castles continues to bring smiles to families, creating unforgettable winter adventures in the heart of New Hampshire.
Polar Caves
Discover the wonders of Polar Caves, where ancient history and natural beauty come together in an unforgettable adventure. Formed 50,000 years ago by a massive glacier, this park features a series of intriguing granite caves and passageways created by cleaved blocks from Hawk's Cliff. The park's name is inspired by the cool "polar" breeze that flows from the caves, offering a refreshing escape even on the warmest days. At Polar Caves, you can explore nine granite boulder caves, visit the Animal Exhibit featuring fallow deer and ducks, and stroll along scenic nature trails. Don't forget to stop by the Main Lodge Gift Shop for a keepsake of your visit. Whether you're taking in the sights or enjoying a picnic in the park's peaceful areas, Polar Caves invites you to embrace your inner explorer. Cool Fact: The park is home to the largest glacially deposited granite boulder in the world, an awe-inspiring giant that stretches 110 feet long, towers 50 feet high, and weighs an estimated 50 million pounds.
Outdoors
Loon Mountain
Loon Mountain offers an unbeatable blend of adventure and natural beauty in the heart of the White Mountains. Whether you're hitting the slopes in winter or exploring the mountain's scenic trails in the warmer months, Loon has something for everyone. With 61 trails, a variety of terrain parks, and stunning panoramic views, it's a top destination for skiing, snowboarding, and year-round outdoor fun. Off the mountain, enjoy the charming New England atmosphere, with plenty of dining, shopping, and activities for the whole family. At Loon Mountain, every season brings a new reason to explore.
Waterville Valley
Waterville Valley Resort, New Hampshire’s premier family destination, is a year-round haven for adventure and relaxation. Nestled in the heart of the White Mountains, this four-season resort offers a perfect blend of cozy lodging, unique dining experiences, and charming shops. Whether you're hitting the slopes on 265 acres of alpine skiing terrain, exploring 72 kilometers of Nordic ski trails, hiking 125 miles of scenic trails, or biking over 50 miles of mountain paths, Waterville Valley has something for everyone. Adventure awaits—come discover all that Waterville Valley Resort has to offer!
Cannon Mountain
Cannon Mountain, located in the heart of New Hampshire’s White Mountains, is a legendary destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Known for its challenging terrain and stunning vistas, Cannon offers 97 trails and glades across 11 lifts, making it a must-visit for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Beyond winter sports, the Aerial Tramway provides breathtaking views year-round, while miles of hiking trails lead to some of the most scenic spots in the region. With its rich history and natural beauty, Cannon Mountain is the perfect spot for adventure and exploration in any season.
Echo Lake Beach
Perched at an elevation of 1,931 feet, beautiful Echo Lake offers stunning views of Mt. Lafayette and Cannon Mountain. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including swimming, fishing, and boating, with options to rent canoes, kayaks, and pedal boats. Please note that the last rental boats go out one hour before closing. The serene waters of Echo Lake flow westward, eventually joining the Connecticut River.
Entertainment
NCCA Jean's Playhouse
The North Country Center for the Arts at Jean’s Playhouse, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in Lincoln, NH, is dedicated to enriching the community through the arts. Operating from Memorial Day Weekend through the end of the year, we offer award-winning summer plays and musicals, captivating off-season performances, and dynamic youth education programs. Nestled in the heart of the White Mountains, we provide entertainment that celebrates the human experience through artistic expression, staying true to our vision of being a premier center for the arts in the region.
Town and Area Highlights
Franconia Notch
Nestled in the heart of the White Mountain National Forest, Franconia Notch State Park is a breathtaking mountain pass offering a unique journey through the Kinsman and Franconia mountain ranges. Spanning eight miles along I-93, the parkway takes you from the Flume Gorge in the south to Echo Lake in the north. Once home to the iconic Old Man of the Mountain, Franconia Notch has been immortalized in the works of Nathaniel Hawthorne and Daniel Webster. During your visit, explore the renowned Flume Gorge, ride the thrilling Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway, and delve into the history of skiing at the New England Ski Museum. Whether you’re swimming in Echo Lake, fly fishing for trout at Profile Lake, cycling on the Recreational Trail, watching climbers on Cannon Cliffs, or hiking the Appalachian Trail, Franconia Notch State Park is the perfect destination for family fun and outdoor adventure. Stay awhile and soak in the beauty of this majestic park.
Kancamangus Highway
The Kancamagus Highway, or "The Kanc," is a 34.5-mile scenic drive along NH Rt. 112, renowned for its stunning fall foliage and natural beauty. Designated an American Scenic Byway, it winds through the White Mountain National Forest, offering breathtaking views of the White Mountains, Swift River, Sabbaday Falls, Lower Falls, and Rocky Gorge. The drive reaches nearly 3,000 feet at Kancamagus Pass and immerses visitors in the untouched wilderness with no modern conveniences along the route. Perfect for leaf peepers, hikers, and campers, the Kancamagus Highway features six campgrounds and numerous hiking trails. Experience the rich history of this region and enjoy a serene escape into nature. For accommodations, explore nearby options or visit the Connecticut River Scenic Byway along the NH-Vermont border.
Old Man of the Mountain
Following the collapse of the Old Man of the Mountain on May 3, 2003, New Hampshire has honored this iconic symbol with a lasting tribute. At Franconia Notch State Park, you’ll find the Old Man of the Mountain Profile Plaza, a monument created by the Old Man of the Mountain Legacy Fund. This private, non-profit organization, formed after the collapse, partnered with the NH Division of Parks & Recreation to design and complete the Plaza in 2015. The Plaza features seven steel "profilers" that recreate the visage of the Old Man, overlooking the picturesque Franconia Notch. Visitors can also explore the Old Man of the Mountain Museum in the Tram Lodge, filled with history, photos, and stories of this beloved state symbol. The Legacy Fund continues to preserve the Old Man's memory through exhibits, traveling displays, and educational programs, ensuring his spirit endures.
Museums
Granite State Scenic Railway
Discover the beauty of New Hampshire's White Mountains and Lakes Regions aboard scenic train rides and rail bike tours. Choose from a variety of excursions offered by Granite State Scenic Railway and Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad, or embark on a unique adventure with Granite State Rail Bikes. Enjoy picturesque journeys along the western shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, the Pemigewasset River, and Lake Winnisquam during the Spring, Summer, and Fall. Plan your unforgettable trip today and experience the stunning landscapes of New Hampshire from a whole new perspective.
New England Ski Museum
The New England Ski Museum, with locations at Franconia Notch State Park and in North Conway, is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich history of skiing. Since opening in 1982 and expanding in 2018, the museum welcomes thousands of visitors each year, both online and in person. Our permanent exhibition, *From the First Tracks to the Fall Line: Eight Thousand Years of Skiing*, traces the evolution of skiing from its prehistoric origins to the development of shaped skis in the 1990s. Highlights include local ski milestones and notable figures such as the pioneering achievements at Cannon Mountain and the career of Bode Miller. Explore our exhibits to learn about the transformative journey of skiing through history.
Golf
Hobo Hills Adventure Golf
Welcome to Lincoln, NH, where adventure meets nostalgia at Hobo Hills Adventure Golf! Experience the charm of the hobo lifestyle as you navigate a world-class mini-golf course set amidst stunning landscapes, cascading waterfalls, and meandering streams. The 18-hole course combines imaginative theming with natural beauty, offering a fun-filled challenge for both kids and adults. Perfect for family outings and group gatherings, Hobo Hills provides a unique and entertaining adventure for all. Gather your friends and family for a round of mini-golf that blends history and excitement in a picturesque setting.
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