Must-See Museums in New Hampshire
June 18, 2025
Top Picks Within One Hour of Wakefield, NH
New Hampshire is best known for its natural beauty — lakes, mountains, forests — but it’s also home to some surprisingly rich and unique cultural attractions. If you’re staying in or near Wakefield, there’s a lot to explore beyond the trailhead or boat launch.
Whether you’re looking for a rainy day activity, a kid-friendly outing, or a quiet afternoon of learning, these must-see museums are all within an easy drive from Wakefield and offer memorable experiences for visitors of all ages.
1. Wright Museum of World War II
Location: Wolfeboro, NH
Drive Time: ~30 minutes
This award-winning museum tells the story of World War II not just from the battlefield, but from the home front. The Wright Museum is filled with immersive exhibits, including life-sized streetscapes, restored vehicles, and hands-on displays that connect visitors to the real lives of Americans during the 1940s.
Highlights:
- A full-size 1940s-era street you can walk through
- Operational WWII vehicles and tanks
- Kids’ scavenger hunts and interactive exhibits
Why visit: It’s engaging, educational, and one of the top museums in the state for families and history lovers alike.
2. New Hampshire Boat Museum
Location: Wolfeboro Falls, NH
Drive Time: ~30 minutes
Lake life is a central part of New Hampshire’s identity — and this museum celebrates the craftsmanship, heritage, and stories of the region’s boating history. The NH Boat Museum features antique wooden boats, hands-on exhibits, and even boat-building classes for kids and adults.
Highlights:
- Take a ride on a replica antique boat (the Millie B)
- Watch traditional boat building in action
- Seasonal events and kid-friendly programming
Why visit: It’s a great way to understand the culture and economy built around New Hampshire’s lakes — especially if you’re staying near Belleau Lake or Lake Winnipesaukee.
3. Libby Museum of Natural History
Location: Wolfeboro, NH
Drive Time: ~30 minutes
Founded in 1912, the Libby Museum is the oldest natural history museum in New Hampshire and still one of the most charming. Tucked along the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, it houses everything from taxidermy moose to early medicine kits and Native American tools.
Highlights:
- Family-friendly and walkable in under an hour
- Eclectic displays covering science, history, and regional wildlife
- Fun for younger kids curious about animals and artifacts
Why visit: It’s low-key, local, and one-of-a-kind — the perfect short stop during a Wolfeboro day trip.
4. New Hampshire Farm Museum
Location: Milton, NH
Drive Time: ~20 minutes
Set on a historic working farm, the NH Farm Museum offers a hands-on look at 19th-century rural life. You can tour barns, gardens, and blacksmith shops, pet farm animals, and learn about traditional farming practices through live demonstrations and seasonal events.
Highlights:
- Historic farmhouse tours
- Farm animals and heritage breeds
- Maple syrup and cider-making events (seasonal)
Why visit: It’s educational, outdoorsy, and especially fun for kids. Bring your boots!
5. Children’s Museum of New Hampshire
Location: Dover, NH
Drive Time: ~45 minutes
Perfect for younger kids, the Children’s Museum of NH is designed for play-based learning, with interactive exhibits ranging from a kid-sized grocery store to a river water table and a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, math) lab.
Highlights:
- Ideal for toddlers to tweens
- Indoor climbing structures and sensory exhibits
- Rotating special exhibits and programs
Why visit: Great for rainy days, birthday outings, or an educational morning adventure.
6. Rochester Museum of Fine Arts
Location: Rochester, NH
Drive Time: ~30 minutes
For something a little more modern, the Rochester Museum of Fine Arts curates rotating exhibits from regional and national artists — all in a unique, community-supported space inside the Rochester Community Center. It’s low-pressure, free to visit, and often includes contemporary pieces you won’t see anywhere else in the state.
Highlights:
- Gallery-quality art in a casual setting
- Free admission
- Nearby shops and restaurants for a full afternoon outing
Why visit: A quiet and inspiring alternative to more traditional museums, ideal for teens and adults.
Bonus Option: The Remick Country Doctor Museum & Farm
Location: Tamworth, NH
Drive Time: ~55 minutes
This working farm and living history museum explores rural medicine, traditional New England farming, and homesteading. A bit further out, but a fantastic place to learn, explore, and enjoy the outdoors.
Highlights:
- Historic homestead with guided tours
- Animals, gardens, and farm tools
- Family programs and seasonal events
Plan Ahead for Seasonal Hours
Many of these museums operate seasonally — typically May through October — so it’s always smart to check hours before you go. Summer and early fall offer the most consistent access and special events.
Final Thoughts: Make History Part of Your Lakes Region Trip
While the Lakes Region is known for outdoor adventure, its cultural side offers just as much to explore. Within an hour of Wakefield, you can dive into wartime stories, cruise through boating history, visit a living farm, or keep curious kids engaged with hands-on exhibits.
Whether you’re dodging a rainy afternoon or simply want to break up a week of lake life with something meaningful, these museums make for a fun and enriching addition to your New Hampshire getaway.
Need a peaceful and convenient home base? Book your stay at Belleau Lake Escape — just minutes from many of these must-see museums and nestled in the heart of the region’s natural beauty.
