GROUP TOUR INFORMATION

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At Squam Lakes Natural Science Center we are happy to create a group tour package tailored to your group’s tastes and needs. Packages may include any combination of the activities listed below.

Science Center Lake Cruises on Squam Lake
Experience the magic of “Golden Pond” and hear the stories of the natural forces that created these lakes, the wildlife that makes these lakes so special, and the people who have enjoyed these lakes for over 5,000 years. Binoculars are available for wildlife viewing.

• From natives to moviemakers, discover Squam Lake’s history
• Loons and Bald Eagles — observe their beauty and unravel their secrets
• Explore Squam Lake’s unique qualities and majestic features
• Experience the dazzling array of colors during the autumn season
• Five canopied pontoon boats with 30, 25, 20, 20, and 16-person capacity

Cruises depart from the dock on Route 3 at the bridge, next to Walter’s Basin Restaurant in Holderness.
Available:  Mid May through October
Cost: $14/person - Allow 90 minutes- Driver and one tour operator complimentary

Exhibit Trail Tour
Observe live, native New Hampshire wildlife — black bears, bobcats, mountain lions, river otters, red foxes, bald eagles, hawks, owls, and more — housed in woodland enclosures as you walk along our ¾-mile self-guided exhibit trail. The trail winds through forest and field, past streams and ponds, while your group enjoys interactive and educational exhibits.
Available:  May 1 through November 1
Cost: $8/person - Allow 90 minutes- Driver and one tour operator complimentary

Hike to the summit of Mt. Fayal
For the adventuresome group, a hike to the summit of Mt. Fayal provides an excellent opportunity to see magnificent views of Squam Lake. The hike will take a minimum of one hour and the elevation is 1,067 feet. Hikers will also be able to find signs of past human activity, such as stone walls and cellar holes, on this mountainside.
Admission fee is included in Exhibit Trail pass.

Natural Encounters
45-minute Live Animal Programs presented by a Science Center Naturalist
Capacity 80 persons - Select from the following programs:

• Marvelous Mammals - Join us in discovering this diverse group of creatures called mammals. Discuss the characteristics they have in common as well as what sets them apart from each other and other animals.
• Animals with Bad Reputations - The public image of some wild animals is often inaccurate and responsible for many negative attitudes. Consider with us the good side of these creatures.
• Owls of New Hampshire - Who calls in the night? Who glides through the dark on silent wings? Meet some of New Hampshire’s mysterious owls and learn myths and facts about these nocturnal birds.
• New Hampshire Wildlife - Curious about the critters that inhabit the Granite State? Meet some of the wildlife you might see on a hike and learn about what makes them suited them for life in New England.

Available:  Year Round
Cost: $8/person - Allow 90 minutes- Driver and one tour operator complimentary

Stroll through Kirkwood Gardens
Take a relaxing stroll and view over 75 plant species exhibited to attract birds and butterflies. Visit the Squam Lakes Artisans featuring local arts and crafts and the Kirkwood Café offering sandwiches and snacks at the historic Holderness Inn in Kirkwood Gardens (open seasonally). 
No admission is charged to enjoy Kirkwood Gardens.

COMBINATION TOURS

• LAKE CRUISE and EXHIBIT TRAIL TOUR
  Cost: $20/person - Driver and one tour operator complimentary - Allow 4 hours
  
• LAKE CRUISE and NATURAL ENCOUNTERS
  Cost: $20/person - Driver and one tour operator complimentary s Allow 2.5 hours
• EXHIBIT TRAIL TOUR and NATURAL ENCOUNTERS
  Cost: $14/person - Driver and one tour operator complimentary -Allow 2.5 hours
• LAKE CRUISE and EXHIBIT TRAIL TOUR and NATURAL ENCOUNTERS
  Cost: $25/person - Driver and one tour operator complimentary - Allow 5 hours
• Visit beautiful KIRKWOOD GARDENS and hike MT. FAYAL for no additional charge

GENERAL INFORMATION

• The Science Center is 4 miles from exit 24 off Interstate 93 and 8 miles north of Meredith
  Open daily, May 1 – November 1, 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
• Northern New England’s only Association of Zoos & Aquariums-accredited institution
• Howling Coyote Gift Shop featuring a variety of carefully selected nature-themed gifts
• On-site parking for motor coaches is available
  
• Water, soda, and juices are available from vending machines
• Covered picnic area
  

  Area Restaurants:
  Walter’s Basin Restaurant (within walking distance) (603-968-4412)
  Common Man Restaurant (located in Ashland) (603-968-7030)
  Mame’s Restaurant (located in Meredith)(603-279-4631)
  Hart’s Turkey Farm Restaurant (located in Meredith) (603-279-6212)

Contact Ida Gould, Office Manager at 603- 968-7194 x 10 or email info@nhnature.org for more information or to reserve boats.

For information about Explore Squam cruises, >>>
For information about Nature of the Lakes, >>>
For information about Private Boat Charters, >>>

All other groups, please call 603-968-7194 or email info@nhnature.org for information about group rates.