Lakes and Mountains Nearer to Nature Tour
Group Itinerary ~ Two Days
Click here to download a timed, printable pdf version of the Lakes and Mountains Nearer to Nature Two Day Group Itinerary.
Day One
The Loon Center and Markus Wildlife Sanctuary
The Loon Center, located on the north shore of Lake Winnipesaukee on the Markus Wildlife Sanctuary in Moultonborough, was built as the new headquarters of the Loon Preservation Committee in 1993. In addition to staff offices, public meeting rooms and a research laboratory, the Loon Center houses exhibits, displays and the Loon’s Feather Gift Shop, with all proceeds from the store benefitting LPC’s Loon Recovery Program. Interpretive exhibits, presentations, and nature trails on the 200-acre wildlife sanctuary (including over 5,000 feet of pristine shoreline on Lake Winnipesaukee) give visitors an introduction to the natural environment of New Hampshire and promote a greater understanding of loons and the natural world.
Weather and time permitting, experience the Forest Trail. This ¼-mile flat, easy loop walk meanders through mixed woods with access to the edge and interior forest habitats.
Enjoy lunch and shopping on your own in the lakeside town of Meredith
The resort town of Meredith is well known for its proximity to Lake Winnipesaukee, where boaters can enjoy dockside restaurants and shoppers will love to explore Mills Falls Marketplace, a complex of shops and eateries in a converted 1800s cotton mill. Bring home some homemade candy, NH-made products, and unique clothing and jewelry. The Meredith Sculpture Walk is a self-guided outdoor art exhibit featuring more than 30 sculptures placed throughout downtown Meredith.
Discover Squam Lake’s Natural History
Enjoy a Squam Lakes Natural Science Center Lake Cruise to experience the beauty of Big Squam Lake and learn about the natural forces that created this lake, the wildlife that makes it so special, and the people who have enjoyed it for over 5,000 years. Observe the beauty of loons and bald eagles from a canopied pontoon boat. Binoculars are available for wildlife viewing. Be sure to take a stroll through Kirkwood Gardens, a one-acre garden on the grounds of the historic Holderness Inn offering 75 plant species that attract birds and butterflies.
Pemi Valley Moose Tours
Take a 3-to-3.5-hour journey through the majestic White Mountains in a comfortable bus in search of the gentle giant of the North Country with Pemi Valley Moose Tours. Nightly excursions feature a guided tour of the local area, a video about Moose, and interesting historical sites along the way. Sit back and let experienced guides do the driving and searching (95% sighting success rate). Did you know that moose racks can weigh up to 40 pounds? How about that the largest bull rack measured in New Hampshire was 5.7 feet across?
Other Options
- Perhaps the oldest in the United States, the Old Country Store and Museum in Moultonborough has been in operation since 1781. Peruse local goods, vintage items, and a small museum full of history, antique goods, and local treasures.
- Actively farmed since the 1890s, Moulton Farm is well known for the delicious food and baked goods prepared in its farm kitchen & bakery as well as for the high-quality selection of cheeses, meats, seafood, and other items from northern New England producers. Don’t miss the freshly made cider doughnuts that are available several days a week during summer and fall.
- Castle in the Clouds offers a 135-acre estate that provides one of the most stunning views of New Hampshire’s largest lake, surrounding mountains, and over 5,500 acres of conserved land. Enjoy self-guided tours of the mansion and guided tours of its basement, learning about the mansion’s unique construction, ultra-modern appliances and technology for its era, ownership, and more about its century-long history.
Day Two
Moose and Bear, Oh My! at The Rocks
No matter what the season, Senior Outreach Manager at The Rocks, Nigel Manley (an uber outdoor enthusiast), can always be counted on to share stories from his many hours observing moose and bears in the wild. This natural-history program offers valuable insights about New Hampshire’s most iconic animals and their habitat. Don’t forget to ask Nigel about the wild turkeys that roam the estate. After the program, enjoy a horse-drawn wagon ride through the Christmas tree fields.
Take a scenic gondola ride on the Bretton Woods Skyway
Enjoy a scenic ride on the Bretton Woods Skyway Gondola for panoramic views of Mt. Washington and the Presidential Range. The 5-minute ride up takes visitors to the new Rosebrook Lodge, located at the summit of Mt. Rosebrook, where visitors will enjoy an elegant buffet lunch while taking in the breathtaking scenery.
Drive the Kancamagus Highway
The “Kanc” stretches 34.5 miles across the White Mountains from Lincoln to Conway. This scenic road climbs to nearly 3,000 feet as it traverses the flank of Mt. Kancamagus at the height of land in Lincoln, and offers outstanding opportunities for distant mountain views, and native flora and fauna. The Kancamagus Highway was dedicated as the first of the National Scenic Byways in the northeastern United States in 1996– for its recreational opportunities and aesthetic, cultural and historic values. The road is open year-round.
Motorcoach-friendly suggested stops include Pemigewasset Overlook, CL Graham Wangan Overlook, Rocky Gorge Scenic Area, and/or Albany Covered Bridge.
Other Options
- Ride the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway in Franconia Notch State Park. Enjoy beautiful walking trails and amazing views of four states and Canada.
- Journey to the summit of the Northeast’s highest peak on the 8-mile Mt. Washington Auto Road. Guided group tours offer a comfortable and informative way to learn about the weather, geology, and the unique flora and fauna on and around the mountain.
- Living Shores Aquarium includes over 32,000 sq. ft. of interactive tide pools, exhibits, and immersive activities. See otters, touch sting rays, interact with tropical birds and so much more. Guests can learn about the widespread oceans and native New England Lakes in a fun, interactive environment. Optional educational programming is available.
