Unforgettable Adventures Await: Top Things to Do in Keene, NH.
Keene is a charming city in southwestern New Hampshire, United States. It is the county seat of Cheshire County and is situated in the beautiful Monadnock Region.
The city is known for its picturesque landscape, historic architecture, and vibrant arts scene. In addition, Keene is home to a thriving downtown area with numerous shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
One of the main draws of Keene is its natural beauty. The city is surrounded by stunning mountains, including Mount Monadnock, one of the most climbed mountains in the state.
As a result, visitors can enjoy various outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, skiing, snowmobiling, and more. Keene also boasts several parks and nature preserves, including the Cheshire Rail Trail, a 42-mile trail for biking, hiking, and snowmobiling.
Keene is steeped in history and culture, with many historic sites and museums to explore. The Wyman Tavern, a former tavern and local history museum was built in 1762 and served as a muster ground for the militia during the American Revolution.
Another notable historic site is the Horatio Colony House Museum and Nature Preserve, which features a stunning collection of 18th and 19th-century furnishings and artwork.
The Thorne-Sagendorph Art Gallery, located on the campus of Keene State College, showcases a diverse range of contemporary and historical art.
Keene offers visitors a unique natural beauty, history, and culture blend. So whether you’re looking to hike a mountain, explore a museum, or enjoy a meal in a charming downtown restaurant, Keene is the perfect destination for anyone seeking a quintessential New England experience.
Robin Hood Park
Nestled near the Keene, New Hampshire residential neighborhood, Robin Hood Park and Forest offer a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
The park spans over 100 acres and is characterized by its wooded acreage, extensive trails, and scenic pond. So whether you’re in the mood for a leisurely walk or a game of tennis, the park has something for everyone.
As you enter the park, you’ll be greeted by many recreational facilities. The park has a large swimming pool, playground equipment, tennis courts, and sports fields.
The pond is groomed for skating in the winter, while the bathrooms are open for public use in the summer. The park’s extensive trail system offers a beautiful opportunity to explore the surrounding forest and admire the stunning glacier boulders and ledges.
Beyond the recreational facilities, Robin Hood Park and Forest is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. The park’s dense forest is home to various bird species, including woodpeckers and owls.
Keep your eyes peeled for deer and other woodland creatures that call the park home. Robin Hood Park and Forest is the perfect destination to enjoy a peaceful afternoon in nature or engage in outdoor activities.
What to do
- Enjoy a day of swimming at the large pool or stroll around the scenic pond.
- Take advantage of the multiple sports facilities, including tennis courts and a sports field.
- Explore the extensive forest and hiking trails, perfect for walking, snowshoeing, or picnicking.
What to see
- The scenic pond: Stroll around the pond and enjoy the tranquil scenery.
- The forested areas: Explore the maze of trails and discover the park’s lush forested areas, complete with glacier boulders and ledges.
- The amphitheater: Check out the amphitheater and catch a performance or event.
Chesterfield Gorge Natural Area
Chesterfield Gorge Natural Area is a hidden gem in Chesterfield, New Hampshire. This 13-acre state park allows visitors to explore the beauty of the wilderness while enjoying a picnic, hiking the trails, or simply basking in the natural surroundings.
The park features a stunning rocky gorge with cascading waterfalls on Wilde Brook that will leave nature lovers in awe.
The park’s visitor center, which is only open seasonally, provides information about the gorge’s history and features. In addition, there are picnic tables scattered throughout the park where visitors can relax and enjoy a meal while enjoying the picturesque scenery.
The 0.7-mile trail on either side of the brook is an easy walk and provides excellent views of the gorge, the waterfalls, and the surrounding forest.
Chesterfield Gorge Natural Area is a haven for hikers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts. The park offers an opportunity to immerse oneself in the natural beauty of the New Hampshire wilderness.
The sound of rushing water and the smell of the forest create a calming and rejuvenating atmosphere that will surely leave visitors feeling refreshed and energized.
What to do
- Hike along the 0.7-mile trail on either side of Wilde Brook to see the rocky gorge and waterfalls.
- Enjoy a picnic in the designated picnic area.
- Bring your pet with you to the designated area.
What to see
- Observe the scenic views of the natural area while walking on the footpaths along the gorge.
- The scenic views of the cascading waterfalls on Wilde Brook are a must-see attraction.
- Wildlife enthusiasts may spot various bird species, fish, and other animals that call the park home.
Ashuelot River Park
Nestled in the heart of Keene, New Hampshire, the Ashuelot River Park is a stunning 157-acre oasis that offers a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The park features an idyllic river and wetlands, numerous walking and biking trails, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. Visitors can stroll along the paved bike path, enjoy the breathtaking scenery, and enjoy a picnic with friends and family.
As you enter the park, you’ll be greeted by an arch that leads to a world of natural beauty and tranquility. The park is a trailhead for a pedestrian and bike path that follows the river. There’s even a suspension bridge that offers access to an environmental education area sponsored by Antioch College.
The park features plenty of seating options, including a covered gazebo, and the city does an excellent job of maintaining the lawns and local garden beds. Once inside the park, you’ll feel a sense of calm as you take in the natural surroundings.
The Ashuelot River Park is a hub of activity and a destination for many. Visitors come to the park to enjoy various activities, from weddings, art shows, and dance performances to picnics, canoe races, and prom pictures.
The park also has engraved granite cobblestones that serve as garden edging and a fundraiser for the park. People enjoy doing the “park walk” and reading the names on the stones. The park is beloved by locals and visitors alike, and it’s the perfect spot for couples, families, and groups of friends to gather and enjoy the beauty of nature.
What to do
- Participate in outdoor activities: The park offers a paved bike path, pedestrian suspension bridge, and trails for walking, running, and road biking. Visitors can also engage in canoe races, picnicking, and dance performances.
- Attend events: Ashuelot River Park is a popular location for events such as weddings, art shows, concerts, and prom pictures.
- Socialize with friends and family: It’s a great place to spend quality time with loved ones and enjoy the great outdoors.
What to see
- The scenic Ashuelot River and its cascading falls over an old dam.
- The impressive plant material and gardens throughout the park.
- The suspension bridge, one of only two pedestrian suspension bridges in the area, offers a unique way to cross the river.
- Engraved granite cobblestones along pathways and as garden edging, with names to read while taking a walk.
- Wildlife and wetlands provide opportunities for birdwatching and enjoying the natural scenery.
Wyman Tavern
The Wyman Tavern in Keene, New Hampshire, is a must-see destination for those interested in the area’s history. Built in 1762, the building has served many purposes, from a public house to a private residence to a historic house museum.
Visitors to the museum can step back in time as they explore Georgian-style architecture and learn about the events that took place there during the American Revolutionary War.
As visitors approach the Wyman Tavern, they are immediately struck by the building’s impressive façade. Black shutters and a welcoming front porch accent the white clapboard exterior. Inside, the museum is filled with period furnishings and artifacts that help bring the history of the building to life.
From the wide-plank wooden floors to the decorative wallpaper, every inch of the Wyman Tavern is a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of its builders.
Visitors can learn about the many important events at the Wyman Tavern over the years as they explore the museum.
From the first meeting of the Trustees of Dartmouth College to the mustering of militia during the Revolutionary War, the building has played a significant role in the region’s history.
What to do
- Take a guided tour: Visitors can take a guided tour of the historic Wyman Tavern and learn about its history, including its role during the American Revolutionary War and as a meeting place for the Trustees of Dartmouth College.
- Attend special events: The Wyman Tavern hosts special events throughout the summer, such as live music performances and historical reenactments.
- Learn about the local historical society: The Wyman Tavern is leased to the Cheshire County Historical Society. Visitors can learn about the society’s efforts to preserve and promote local history.
What to see
- Explore the museum exhibits: The building now serves as a local history museum, with exhibits showcasing the history of Keene and the surrounding area.
- Visit the adjacent Bruder House: Visitors can also explore the adjacent Bruder House, a brick dwelling built in 1839 that is part of the Wyman Tavern property.
- Enjoy the surroundings: The Wyman Tavern is located in a picturesque setting in downtown Keene, with nearby parks, shops, and restaurants, making it an ideal destination for a leisurely afternoon stroll or a day trip.
Sawyers Crossing Covered Bridge
The Sawyers Crossing Covered Bridge, also known as the Cresson Bridge, is a beautiful and historic wooden covered bridge in Swanzey, New Hampshire. Spanning over the Ashuelot River, this two-span Town truss construction is an impressive sight, with a length of 117 feet and a width of 17 feet.
Its exterior is finished with vertical board siding, and a metal gabled roof covers it. The portals are rectangular with rounded corners at the top, giving the bridge an elegant and charming appearance.
Built in 1859 to replace an older bridge, the Sawyers Crossing Covered Bridge has withstood the test of time and remains an essential part of Swanzey’s transportation network.
Split granite abutments and the central pier are still sturdy and strong, and it has been regularly maintained to keep them in excellent condition. Despite its age, the bridge remains a vital link between communities on either side of the river.
The Sawyers Crossing Covered Bridge has a fascinating history, having been celebrated with a big dance on the bridge to commemorate its reconstruction in 1859. In 1953, the bridge gained national attention when it was featured in a cigarette advertising campaign as the “kissing bridge.”
The bridge has been repaired several times, with the most recent renovation in 1983 at over $60,000. Today, the bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a beloved landmark in Swanzey, New Hampshire.
What to do
- Take photos of the bridge’s unique Town truss construction and picturesque surroundings.
- Appreciate the bridge’s history and significance as one of the few surviving 19th-century covered bridges in New Hampshire.
- Enjoy a peaceful stroll or drive across the bridge, taking in the scenic views of the Ashuelot River and the surrounding area.
What to see
- The historic architecture: Sawyers Crossing Covered Bridge is one of the few remaining 19th-century covered bridges in New Hampshire, and visitors can marvel at the construction and craftsmanship of this wooden bridge.
- Scenic views of the Ashuelot River: The bridge spans the Ashuelot River, providing beautiful views of the river and surrounding countryside.
Beaver Brook Falls
Beaver Brook Falls is a beautiful waterfall located in Keene, New Hampshire. The falls are a great place to enjoy a picnic or exercise. Walking along the river, you will see large rock formations lining both sides of the path.
The best way to view the falls is to stroll along the brook or stop at one of the many picnic areas. There are also many activities in the area for people of all ages. This is a popular spot for fishing as well.
If you are interested in doing more than simply looking at the falls, you may wish to consider taking a hike on the trails. However, some of the trails will require a little trepidation.
What to do
- Take the 1.6-mile out-and-back Beaver Brook Falls Trail to visit the waterfall, which has a height of 12 feet and is fed by Beaver Brook. The trail is rated as “beginner” and has an elevation gain of 120 feet.
- Follow the water-eroded path at the granite marker with a plaque titled “Beaver Brook Canyon” to reach the lower plunge of the waterfall, which is 6 feet wide and visible from the brook’s edge.
- Enjoy the rich atmosphere of the location, which is surrounded by mossy green surroundings, thick tree cover, and a dark gorge that the falls pass through. Please note that the falls themselves are not visible from the trail above.
What to see
- The double plunge of Beaver Brook Falls is a 12-foot drop and can be viewed by taking a short bushwhack downstream from the trail.
- The mossy green surroundings, thick tree cover, and the dark gorge the falls pass through create a scenic atmosphere.
- The rock formation known as “The Old Man of Keene” is on the right side of the trail on the way back from the falls.
Stonewall Farm
Stonewall Farm is a working dairy farm, education center, and non-profit organization. It is located in Keene, New Hampshire.
The farm is open to the public, and visitors can watch the animals, hike the trails, and visit the farm stand. There are also several special events held at the farm throughout the year.
The farm has been in operation since the mid-1700s. It was owned by Samuel Daniels, who sold it to John Daniels in 1759. In the early 1800s, the farm was owned by the Robbins family. In 1989, Mike Kidder purchased the farm.
Two full-time staff members currently run the farm, a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization. This means that the farm is dependent on grants to absorb costs.
What to do
- Explore the farm and nature trails, including hiking, biking, and snowshoeing.
- Visit with the farm animals, such as horses, cows, sheep, and goats.
- Enjoy a hay or sleigh ride, or book a private farm tour or education program.
- Purchase and indulge in the farm’s organic ice cream made fresh on-site.
- Participate in one of Stonewall Farm’s programs or tours, such as horse-drawn wagon rides, the Monadnock Farm Tour, or pasture walks.
What to see
- The dairy barn is where you can learn about sustainable dairy farming practices and even watch the cows being milked.
- In the greenhouse, you can see how the farm grows fresh produce year-round using regenerative agriculture techniques.
- The learning center hosts educational workshops and events on composting, beekeeping, and permaculture.
- The timber frame event venue features beautiful views of the surrounding fields and forests and is available for weddings, retreats, and other special occasions.
- The farm store, where you can buy locally grown produce, grass-fed beef, and other farm-fresh products.
- Animals: Visitors can see horses, cows, sheep, and goats up close and learn about their care and role in the farm’s operations.
Best Things to Do in Keene, New Hampshire
Places to visit in Keene, NH.
- Robin Hood Park
- Chesterfield Gorge Natural Area
- Ashuelot River Park
- Wyman Tavern
- Sawyers Crossing Covered Bridge
- Beaver Brook Falls
- Stonewall Farm