The Holderness Inn

The present Holderness Inn was built in 1895 after the original (built in 1874) burned down. It provided food and lodging for hundreds of summer visitors until it was purchased by a citizen’s group in 1967 to become part of what is now Squam Lakes Natural Science Center. For the next 14 years, the Inn provided the Science Center’s first classrooms, offices, workshop, and animal care facility. When a new education facility was built, in 1982, the Inn was closed.

Today the Holderness Inn is home to Samyn D'Elia Architects.

Clean Up Day 1973 in front of the Holderness Inn

Spookymumma Baker, 08/06/19
Favorite place to go with the kids! We get a membership every year and it’s extremely worth it!!! Love all the animals and play areas for kids, let’s them be independent enough that moms and dads still feel good about it. I remember going here as a child and I am so thankful my kids get to as well! The trail takes about an hour ish or more depending on how long you spend at each exhibit. The dinosaurs that they have short term are some of the coolest things I’ve ever seen. Over all: go here, is amazing!
Mike Shank, 09/17/23
This is an amazing place for all ages. It's beautifully laid out and has a wide variety of NH animals. The natural setting of the enclosures are so well designed. The walk through is a great day out in and of itself. We were all fascinated by the educational pieces here. The variety of ways they provide such fascinating information while entertaining all ages, the animal meet and greets, daily special programs, hands on learning are almost a PhD edutainment. So incredibly well done. The people were fabulous, the grounds peaceful and the day glorious. Highly recommended! Thanks for such an excellent day out for all ages and interests in our big, diverse family group.
Patricia Johnston (Patti), 09/21/21
We went on their pontoon boat Squam Lake tour. It is a 90 minute tour, and is quite enjoyable. This lake has lots of water fowl, including lions, cormorants and eagles. It was also used for the filming of "On Golden Pond". The guide was very knowledgeable. The only downside was that the nature center was hard for us to find. Their are signs, but they are small, hard to see from a moving car. Google maps took us to the wrong place using the street address. But, I would definitely go again.
Ashley Arnone, 08/03/19
Lots to see, nice trails easy enough for a toddler to walk and explore. There is even a playground for kids. There is a picnic area just inside with plenty of tables and a place to buy snacks if you didn't pack your own.
Bryan Doyon, 10/11/21
Fun experience with wild animals and interactive exhibits. The animals are local wild species and fun to see up close and the information on them is presented in an engaging way for children. The walk around the loop can take a few hours depending on how long you spend at each stop but it's an enjoyable time and a great place for families.

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