Location: Henniker
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10 Things to Do in Henniker That You Shouldn't Miss
Henniker is a town in Merrimack County, New Hampshire, United States. As of the 2010 census, the town had a total population of 4,836. Henniker is home to New England College and Pats Peak Ski Area. Henniker is a college town and resort area, featuring both skiing and white-water kayaking.
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1. Pats Peak
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 124 reviews
Pats Peak is a great family friendly mountain with day and night skiing, snowboarding and snowtubing. It is one of the state's most accessible learn-to-ski-and snowboard mountains and is one of the largest night-skiing facilities in all of Northern New England. With trails for all ability levels, terrain parks and snowtubing there is something for everyone. Pats Peak has everything you need with rentals, ski/snowboard lessons, kids programs, childcare and more. 100% snowmaking coverage guarantees great conditions all season long. Kids 5 and under ski free anytime when accompanied by a ticketed adult.
Reviewed By Paul W - Tucson, Arizona
It was a wonderful wedding at Pats Peak and the event staff helped make it a wedding we (guests) will never forget. We had beautiful weather and the mountain scenery just popped, stood out in all its grandeur. The ceremony was held outside with the bridal party on the steps of the gazebo and inside it. The guests were seated on the deck. It is a perfect spot to see the ceremony although I would highly recommend a retractable awning or sail be erected that would provide shade for the guests sitting in the hot sun. The reception inside was prefect. Of special note was the quality of the food. While the selection was limited all of the food was cooked perfectly and tasted great, even down to the perfectly roasted round of beef and the poached chicken. Of particular note was the bar. I have seldom seen an events center bar with as many choices especially with beer and wine. Also, the bar tenders, Nicole and Matt, her assistant, were top notch. Very professional and friendly. Their mixed cocktails were superb. Great job, you two, you helped make the evening special for us. Lastly, I personally want to Tony, the event coordinator/manager. Fine job, thanks. While we were the guests, everything appeared to go great and as I said above, the food and bar exceeded expectations. Thanks!
2. Franklin Pierce Homestead
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 50 reviews
Franklin Pierce Homestead was the home of the fourteenth president of the United States from his infancy until his marriage in 1834. The Pierce Homestead is a spacious and beautiful, federal style country home. Built by Pierce's father in 1804, it reflects the gracious and affluent living of the nineteenth century. A ballroom, which extends the entire length of the second floor, was used for entertaining neighbors and distinguished families of the state and nation. Franklin Pierce shared Daniel Webster's dedication to national unity and led our country during the most trying of times, the time of slavery. Private tours & large group tours can be arranged. The Pierce Homestead is available, at a fee, for small private functions & meetings.
Reviewed By Parabola - Los Angeles, California
I did not anticipate spending a whole lot of time at this beautiful NPS historic home, but my tour guide Pia gave an amazing and informative tour that was well worth every minute! The house is beautifully kept and restored with many original items from the 14th President. Pia did such a great job explaining the various items and how they were connected to Pierce or representative of the historical times he and his family lived in. One of my favorite items on display was the beautiful kimono Emperor Meiji gave to Pierce after Commodore Perry fatefully opened up Japan's ties to the U.S. I also developed a better appreciation for Pierce's father who served in the American Revolution and even hosted Marquis de Lafayette at the house!
I learned so much during this tour and hope others will make their way to New Hampshire to also benefit from this lovely bit of history that is beautifully kept alive by the NPS staff.
3. New Hampshire Telephone Museum
Overall Ratings
5 based on 56 reviews
The New Hampshire Telephone Museum houses a tangible history of telecommunications which can be viewed via guided or self-guided tours. Our knowledgeable staff provides engaging commentary highlighting important moments in telephone history, such as the race to the patent office, the undertaker who invented the dial system, and much more. Our enthusiastic staff and our collection of over 1000 artifacts, have made the New Hampshire Telephone Museum one of the must-see attractions in the state, as well as an important educational resource. Stop by and see why people say “WOW!” when they walk through the door!
Reviewed By mimibev - North Haven, CT
If at all possible, take the guided tour. It was fantastic. Our guide was knowledgeable and enthusiastic. After the short video, she gave us a great tour and then we poked around for another hour or so. Don't miss it.We are so glad you enjoyed your visit! We agree that the guided tour is the best way to enjoy the museum, but for those who would rather look around we have a great downloadable tour app as well!
4. Gould Hill Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 32 reviews
Reviewed By Jrd P
When you pull up to the farm I wasn't sure what to expect. It seemed like a small parking lot and a store. This was very misleading as the farm is on the opposite side with another parking lot. Even though the place was packed, it is so large that it felt you had the place to yourself. I believe they have 12 varieties of apples, 6 were being picked when we went. Trees vary in size, but young ones can easily reach the lowest branches. The views are awesome. It was so clear we were able to watch a car climb the auto road of Mount Washington( the sun must have been hitting the windshield just right) Bring a camera for sure! Once we finished we returned to the store to buy the homemade apple doughnuts. They also had a small gift store, other baked goods, and tables if you'd like to eat inside. Very happy I found this farm, I'll be back!
5. Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 42 reviews
Reviewed By R C - Nashua, New Hampshire
I accompanied third graders from Nashua on a field trip to the Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum. Our tour guide, Jo-Ann, gave an excellent tour. She was very knowledgeable and worked well with the third graders in explaining NH native history. I had never heard about this museum and I have lived in NH since 1977. I was surprised that NH had such a native history and I was amazed at the extent of exhibits. I was impressed at how well the exhibits were displayed.
6. Henniker Brewery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By John L - Rochester, United States
When passing through New Hampshire near US Route 202, one easily navigates to the end of narrow Centervale Rd before coming to Henniker Brewery. There, you will realize that you have found a treasure trove of good, quality craft beer brewed with passion.
The building itself is a utilitarian structure, but well suited for its purpose. Seating can be a challenge, if there is a crowd. The employees were friendly, conversational, and informative. Pretzels and mustard were freely available to accompany the quaffing of beer.
As this was my first visit I was hesitant in my selection, but Dave Currier, a managing co-founder, suggested a flight of samples. Much to my surprise I was presented with a generous lineup of SIX 4oz tumblers. The four year round brews are: Miles & Miles Dry Hopped Ale, Hop Slinger IPA, Amber Apparition, and Working Man's Porter; along with a seasonal: Sour Flower; and an Off the Grid Series: Gentleman Farmer Saison.
Each of the selections was a first rate brew and there is sure to be a style pleasing to everyone. My personal favorite was Amber Apparition.
But, the biggest surprise came when I tried to pay for the flight...it was on the house, gratis! Which leaves one with more to spend on beer. Happily, Henniker Brewing sells their brews on premises. The year round beers are available in six packs, while the seasonal and specialties come in 22oz bottles. Growlers are also filled, but NH state law requires a Henniker Brewing label on the growler.
Henniker Brewing Company was well worth the visit, so be sure to stop if you happen to be in the neighborhood.
7. Contoocook Railroad Museum and Covered Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Located in Contoocook Village, the park includes the Contoocook railroad depot, the world's oldest surviving covered railroad bridge, a 1907 vintage Pullman coach, and the Lewellen Bandstand.
Reviewed By Patricia S
This is an interesting place in the very charming town of Contoocook, New Hampshire. The Contoocook Railway Association says this is the world's oldest surviving covered railroad bridge. The bridge is long, and walking through the bridge, peeking between the boards on the sides of...MoreThank you for the review Patricia! We have now opened our brand new Visitor Center! Hours of operation are Friday-Monday 10-4 with self-guided tours daily and expanded museum guided tours on Saturdays.
8. Morse Sporting Goods
Overall Ratings
5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By Monadocks - New Hampshire
I haven't been here in a while but I fondly remember them as extremely friendly and very knowledgable about hunting, etc.
9. 3 on Main Mercantile
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
3 on Main home decor gift boutique brings an artisanal touch to Contoocook New Hampshire's traditional downtown. The boutique owner gathers together products made in New Hampshire and carefully chosen items from around the world, rounded out with products that are tried and true brands. There is always something new to discover at 3 on Main.
Reviewed By priceisright114 - Concord, New Hampshire
3 on Main in Contoocook is located on Main Street, a located amongst other area businesses in a small town with a lot to offer, from small shops, to restaurants, a covered bridge, the Contoocook River, in the summer a farmer's market and much more...entering the store is like walking into a friendly home with lots to see. There were soaps, candles, antiques, gifts, jewelry, then I was surprised to find a second floor with even more to offer! The small town and the beautiful store are worth turning into a destination for the afternoon!
10. Old Number 6 Book Depot
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By Newtonian2 - Newton, MA
Since I’m an academic, it’s probably not surprising that my trips include a fair number of visits to bookstores — especially used bookstores. My list includes the usual suspects: Shakespeare and Company in Paris, the Strand in New York, City Lights in San Francisco, etc.. But it also includes various odd and out of the way places, from the peculiar little place near the docks in Moss Landing, CA (where I picked up a copy of Erich Maria Remarque’s émigré novel Arch of Triumph) to the New England Traveler Restaurant and Bookstore in Connecticut, just south of the Massachusetts Border (where my wife got a copy of Lampedusa’s *The Leopard* as part of an "eat dinner, get a book" promotion). The “Old Number Six” goes to near top of my list of the odd, the out of the way, and the memorable.
Located up a hill from the campus of New England College in Henniker, New Hampshire, its two floors are a warren of bookshelves, towering floor to ceiling. Started in the 1970s by two faculty members from the college, it houses a massive collection on a staggering variety of topics. One of its more impressive features is the care that has gone into its organization. The general categories (e.g., “History” — which occupies much of the second floor) are broken down into subcategories (e.g., books on European history are divided by country or by period, depending on the focus and there is a separate section for “Historians and Historiography”). Just as impressive is the quality of the collection: out of print titles from university presses abound and any annotations in them tend to be discrete (and, at least for the ones I saw, in pencil).
With the rise of behemoths like Amazon, independent booksellers like this are becoming an endangered species and the experience of browsing through stacks and finding books that you weren’t looking for but, upon finding them, are obviously what you need to have is becoming ever rarer. Searching in the Literary Criticism section to see what they had on Thomas Mann, I came across Paul Fussell’s Abroad, a study on interwar tourism that was the unlikely sequel to Fussell’s path-breaking The Great War and Modern Memory. What better book to find, while wandering in a bookstore that I came across by accident, than a book about the peculiarities of tourism. It wasn't what I was looking for, but it was just what I needed!
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