GROUP TOUR INFORMATION

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
Take a Science Center Lake Cruise to experience the beauty of Squam Lake and learn about the natural history of the lake, the wildlife that makes it so special, and the people who have enjoyed it for over 5,000 years. Binoculars are available for wildlife viewing.

• Discover Squam Lake's natural and cultural history
• Loons and Bald Eagles — observe their beauty and see them in their natural habitat
• Explore Squam Lake’s unique qualities and majestic features
• Experience the dazzling array of colors during autumn
• Four canopied pontoon boats with capacities ranging from 20 to 30 people depart from the dock on Route 3 at the bridge, next to Walter's Basin Restaurant in Holderness.

Available:  Mid May through October
Cost: $18/person - Allow 2 hours - 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 also winds through forest and field, past streams and ponds. Enjoy interactive and educational exhibits as well.
Available:  May 1 through November 1
Cost: $10/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 (elevation 1,067 feet) provides an excellent opportunity to see magnificent views of Squam Lake. The hike takes a minimum of one hour. Hikers will also 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
These Live Animal Programs, presented by a Science Center Naturalist, showcase native New Hampshire animals up close. Capacity 80 persons - Select from the following programs:

• Marvelous Mammals - Learn about this diverse group of creatures called mammals. Learn 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 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 what is myth and what is fact about these beautiful nocturnal birds.
• New Hampshire Wildlife - Curious about the critters that inhabit the Granite State? Meet some of the wild animals you might see on a hike and learn what makes them suited them for life in New England.

Available:  Year Round
Cost: $12/person - Allow 90 minutes- Driver and one tour operator complimentary

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

COMBINATION TOURS

• LAKE CRUISE and EXHIBIT TRAIL TOUR
  Cost: $23/person - Driver and one tour operator complimentary - Allow 4 hours
  
• LAKE CRUISE and NATURAL ENCOUNTERS
  Cost: $25/person - Driver and one tour operator complimentary Allow 3.5 hours
• EXHIBIT TRAIL TOUR and NATURAL ENCOUNTERS
  Cost: $17/person - Driver and one tour operator complimentary -Allow 3.5 hours
• LAKE CRUISE and EXHIBIT TRAIL TOUR and NATURAL ENCOUNTERS
  Cost: $35/person - Driver and one tour operator complimentary - Allow 5 hours
• Visit beautiful KIRKWOOD GARDENS and hike MT. FAYAL for no additional charge. Open daily, May 1 through November 1, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

GENERAL INFORMATION

• The Science Center is 4 miles from exit 24 off Interstate 93 and 8 miles north of Meredith
• Open daily, May 1 through November 1, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Northern New England’s only Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA)-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 Tom Klein, Operations 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 Eagle Cruises, >>>
For information about Loon Cruises, >>>
For information about Private Boat Charters, >>>

Download Group Tour Information PDF

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