Your Visit
Open meadows, mature forests, and marsh boardwalks connect interactive natural exhibits where native animals reside. Spend a day among black bears, mountain lions, river otters, bobcats, and more.
DIRECTIONS
View Squam Lakes Natural Science Center in a larger map
Squam Lakes Natural Science Center is located in Holderness, New Hampshire.
- From Interstate 93 (North and South)
- Take exit 24 (Ashland/Holderness exit)
- Follow Route 3 South (approximately 4 miles)
- Turn left onto Route 113; our driveway is 200 yards on the left.
- Our physical address is: 23 Science Center Road
- GPS coordinates 43° 43' 58"N, 71° 35' 21"W or 43.7328°N, 71.5893°W
- Approximate travel times by car from: Boston, MA: 2 hours; Manchester, NH: 1 hour
ACCESSIBILITY
The exhibit trail is accessible with an ADA Recreational standard grade of 1 in 12 with difficult spots due to loose gravel.
- The majority of the exhibit trail is packed gravel.
- Contact us to reserve a four-wheeled motorized scooter (Rascal) or non-motorized wheelchair.
- We try to make any and all accommodations for accessibility on Squam Lake Cruises. Please contact us to discuss your specific needs.
PARKING
- Parking is free to Science Center visitors during operating hours.
- Parking areas are for Science Center visitors ONLY. No overnight parking. No boat trailers. Gates close at 5:00 p.m.
PETS AND SERVICE ANIMALS
- Many of our staff members have pets of our own. We understand our visitors often travel with their four-legged friends. However, because dogs and cats – or birds or rabbits or lizards – are not a good fit with the live animals on exhibit, we find it necessary to have a policy for our furry, feathered, scaled visitors and their people. Pets, emotional support, and therapy animals are prohibited from entering. Please leave your pets at home. Only Service Animals may enter, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
- If your animal does not meet the ADA requirements for entry, here is a list of Local Dog Kennels where your dog may be able to stay during your visit.
PHOTOGRAPHY
We sometimes take photos and videos for educational and promotional purposes. Entry to the Science Center grants permission for our use of these images.
OTHER
- The use or possession of firearms, fireworks, explosives, or any type of weapon is prohibited at the Science Center.
- The Science Center campus is a smoke-free and tobacco-free property. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, e-cigarettes, and unregulated products will not be permitted at Squam Lakes Natural Science Center.
- The use of alcohol is prohibited except for private events.
- The animal exhibit trail is an unpaved gravel path through forests and meadows. Please wear appropriate footwear.
- Two EV charging stations are free for use by Science Center visitors only during regular operating hours. Gates close at 5:00 p.m.
- Motor vehicles, both diesel and gasoline, are the leading source of air pollution in New Hampshire. Air pollution from vehicle exhaust has been linked to asthma and lung cancer and children are more susceptible than adults. To protect the health and well-being of our visitors, the Science Center has a no idling policy.