Squam Lakes Natural Science Center

Nature Center In Holderness With A Trail Of Live Exhibits Of Native New England Animals Such As Black Bears, A Mountain Lion, River Otters And Raptors (Residents Change) And Guided Pontoon Cruises On Squam Lake, Including Tours Of On Golden Pond Filming Locations. · Holderness, New Hampshire

A nature center in Holderness, near the shore of Squam Lake, founded in 1966, that shows the wild animals of northern New England in large outdoor enclosures along a wooded walking trail. The live animal trail runs for roughly three-quarters of a mile through forest and meadow, past animals that are mostly non-releasable - injured, orphaned or raised by people - and so cannot return to the wild. Residents have included black bears, a mountain lion, bobcats, river otters, red foxes, coyotes, white-tailed deer and a raptor exhibit with bald eagles, hawks and owls; the list changes as animals age and arrive. Naturalists give short animal talks at set times through the day. The center also runs guided pontoon cruises on Squam Lake, the lake where the 1981 film On Golden Pond was shot, looking for loons and bald eagles and passing filming locations. Kirkwood Gardens by the entrance and a short trail up Mount Fayal round out a visit. The trail is seasonal, open roughly from May to early November, and a half day here suits families with young children.

23 Science Center Road, Holderness, New Hampshire, 03245, United States

The live animal trail has been open daily from about May 1 to about November 1, during daytime hours - roughly mid-morning to late afternoon - with the last admission well before closing, commonly about an hour earlier; confirm current hours. From early November to late April the trail is closed to general visitors, though the center has run occasional winter programmes and school visits. Lake cruises run from about late May or June to about mid-October on a set schedule of departures, and are cancelled for thunderstorms and high wind. Kirkwood Gardens by the entrance have been open free in daylight through the growing season. Animal talk times are posted daily at the entrance.

Squam Lakes Natural Science Center on Spottos · Explore more places on Spottos