Your Visit

Open meadows, mature forests, and marsh boardwalks connect interactive natural exhibits where native animals reside: black bears, mountain lions, raptors, river otters, bobcats, and more. Spend a day - take a self-guided tour of the animal exhibit trail and hiking trails, take a Squam Lake Cruise, enjoy the beauty of Kirkwood Gardens, and shop naturally in the Howling Coyote Gift Shop.

View Science Center Hours and Admissions. Plan at least two hours to walk the exhibit trail or bring a picnic and spend the day with a visit to Kirkwood Gardens and a Squam Lake Cruise (cruises are 90 minutes).

DIRECTIONS

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 areas at the Science Center are for Science Center visitors ONLY. No overnight parking. No boat trailers. Parking rules are clearly displayed in the parking lots. Parking gates close at 5:30 p.m.

PETS

• Many of Squam Lakes Natural Science Center's staff members have pets of our own, and we all understand that our visitors often travel with their four-legged friends. However, because dogs and cats – or pet birds or rabbits or lizards – are not a good fit with the animals on exhibit at the Science Center, we find it necessary to have a policy for our furry, feathered, scaled visitors and their people. Only certified service animals are allowed on the property of Squam Lakes Natural Science Center. Please announce any service animals at Admissions when you arrive. Service animals must be leashed while on the property.
• It's best if you can leave your pet at home. However, if you must travel with your animal friends please be sure to park in a shady spot, crack the windows for ventilation, and check on them often to ensure they are comfortable. There are many hazards to leaving pets in cars so please be careful!

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.
• There is limited cellular phone service in Holderness. Please plan accordingly.
• 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, Squam Lakes Natural Science Center has a no idling policy.