From Outdoor Adventures to Cultural Experiences: Things to Do in Lebanon, NH.
In the picturesque Upper Valley region of New Hampshire, Lebanon is a charming city known for its vibrant community, stunning natural beauty, and rich history.
The city is located along the Connecticut River, a natural boundary between New Hampshire and Vermont. Lebanon is a hub of activity, boasting a bustling downtown filled with restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions.
Lebanon has several outdoor recreational opportunities, with miles of hiking and biking trails and numerous parks and green spaces.
One of the most popular destinations is Storrs Hill Ski Area, a family-friendly ski hill with several beginner and intermediate runs. Lebanon is also home to Mascoma Lake, a scenic body of water where residents and visitors can enjoy swimming, boating, and fishing.
The city is steeped in history, with numerous landmarks and historical sites to explore. The Lebanon Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and features a variety of well-preserved buildings dating back to the early 19th century.
The Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital, located in the city’s heart, is also essential to Lebanon’s history. It has provided healthcare services to the community since 1932.
In addition to its natural beauty and rich history, Lebanon is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene. The Lebanon Opera House is a historic performing arts venue that hosts a variety of concerts, plays, and other events throughout the year.
The AVA Gallery and Art Center is another cultural hotspot, showcasing local artists’ work and offering various classes and workshops for aspiring artists.
Colburn Park
Nestled in the heart of Lebanon, New Hampshire, lies Colburn Park, a beautiful and spacious park brimming with life and activity. With its wide open green spaces, lush trees, and ample seating, Colburn Park offers visitors a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
From the moment you enter the park, you are greeted by the gentle sound of the fountain and the welcoming sight of the bandstand, which beckons you to come and sit awhile.
One of the most striking features of Colburn Park is the way it seamlessly blends into the surrounding historic district.
As you wander through the park, you are surrounded by an array of beautifully preserved 19th-century buildings, including the Lebanon City Hall and Opera House, the Soldiers Memorial Building, and the Carter House. These buildings lend a sense of old-world charm to the park and serve as a reminder of Lebanon’s rich history and heritage.
Colburn Park hosts a diverse range of events and activities throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy live music, concerts, and outdoor movies during the summer, while the winter season sees the park decked out in festive lights and a holiday tree.
Storrs Hill Ski Area
Storrs Hill Ski Area is a hidden gem in Lebanon, New Hampshire. The ski resort covers 20 acres of land and features three ski trails, two ski jumps, and a surface lift.
The slopes provide skiers of all skill levels with a thrilling experience, with a 300-foot vertical drop and trails ranging from beginner-friendly green to challenging double black diamond. In addition, the terrain park allows adventurous skiers and snowboarders to test their skills on features like rails, boxes, and jumps.
Its unique history and commitment to nordic ski jumping set Storrs Hill Ski Area apart from other ski resorts. It is the only year-round nordic ski jumping training facility in New England, and several Olympic jumpers have trained on the 10, 25, and 50-meter jumps over the years.
The Lebanon Outing Club, which operates the ski resort, offers lessons for all ages and levels, including a Saturday morning program for children between three and six years old. The club has been operating continuously for 86 years, serving generations of Upper Valley ski enthusiasts.
Storrs Hill Ski Area also offers night skiing, making it a popular after-work and evening skiing destination. The ski resort has been offering night skiing since 1939, with Upper and Lower Founders Way slopes spanning over 10 acres lit up for skiers and snowboarders to enjoy.
The snowmaking capabilities at Storrs Hill are state-of-the-art, with three Demaclenko fan guns ensuring excellent conditions all winter long. In addition, the resort’s low acreage and excellent snow management produce consistently superb surfaces, making it a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts from near and far.
Montshire Museum of Science
The Montshire Museum of Science is a must-visit destination for those interested in exploring the wonders of science and nature.
Located on 110 acres of pristine land in Norwich, Vermont, just 7 miles from Lebanon, New Hampshire, the museum boasts over 150 interactive exhibits that explore a wide range of topics in natural and physical sciences, technology, and ecology.
Visitors of all ages can engage with hands-on displays encouraging exploration and experimentation, making the museum an excellent destination for families, schools, and curious individuals.
Beyond the exhibits, the Montshire Museum of Science is also home to various live animal displays, including a working beehive, a colony of leafcutter ants, and aquariums featuring local aquatic life.
The museum’s outdoor Science Park is a highlight for many visitors, offering 3 acres of interactive exhibits on water, light, sound, and motion.
Visitors can explore a scale model of the Solar System, play with musical instruments made from recycled materials, and even experiment with parabolic dishes that transmit whispers over 40 feet apart.
The museum’s commitment to community engagement and education is evident in its extensive programming, which includes events, workshops, and educational opportunities for visitors of all ages.
The Montshire Museum of Science is a beautiful destination for those looking to spark their curiosity and engage with the natural world in a fun, interactive, and educational way.
Hood Museum of Art
Nestled within the picturesque landscape of Hanover, New Hampshire, the Hood Museum of Art stands as a beacon of artistic expression and cultural preservation.
Owned and operated by Dartmouth College, the museum is a testament to its commitment to providing its students and the broader community with access to some of the most significant works of art worldwide.
With its imposing stone facade and sprawling galleries, the museum is a sight to behold and a testament to the enduring power of art to inspire, educate, and entertain.
Visitors enter the museum’s doors and are transported into a world of boundless creativity and imagination. From the high Assyrian stone reliefs that date back to 900 BCE to the Indigenous Australian art that captures the spirit of the country’s rich cultural heritage, the Hood Museum’s collection is a veritable treasure trove of artistic expression.
The fresco by José Clemente Orozco, “The Epic of American Civilization,” is a particular highlight, and visitors are often left in awe of its breathtaking scale and emotional resonance.
Beyond its impressive collection, the Hood Museum is a testament to the power of thoughtful design and careful curation.
The building’s welcoming atrium provides visitors with a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life. At the same time, the Bernstein Center for Object Study offers students and faculty a unique opportunity to engage with the museum’s collections in a more intimate setting.
With its commitment to education, accessibility, and inclusivity, the Hood Museum of Art is a true gem in the heart of New England.
Shrine of Our Lady-La Salette
Nestled in the serene beauty of Enfield, New Hampshire, the Shrine of Our Lady-La Salette stands as a testament to faith and devotion. Founded in 1951, this Catholic church is a tranquil haven for those seeking peace and solace in a natural setting.
The replica of the Marian apparition site at La Salette in France is a focal point for pilgrims and visitors who come to pray and meditate amidst the rustic charm of the surroundings. The chapel’s wagon wheel lighting and old wooden pews reflect life’s slow and steady journey, reminding all who enter that God is calling them forward.
The gift shop at the Shrine of Our Lady-La Salette offers a range of religious articles, including statues, crucifixes, rosaries, and religious jewelry, to honor life’s special occasions with the depth of the sacred. The shop also features a wide selection of books and music, making it a one-stop destination for spiritual seekers.
The cafeteria and program center, equipped with a fully functional kitchen, serve food during the Christmas Light season and other programs. The center is also used for day retreats and civic groups, which must contact the shrine in advance to secure its use.
The Shrine of Our Lady-La Salette grounds is breathtakingly beautiful, reflecting the Shakers’ description of the area as “Chosen Vale.” The blue waters of Lake Mascoma mirror the birch, pine, and maple trees that populate the surrounding hills and mountains, creating a unique and serene landscape.
Visitors to the shrine cannot help but feel a sense of peace and tranquility as they wander through the grounds, immersing themselves in the natural beauty surrounding them. As a people of God committed to Jesus’s mission of reconciliation, the Shrine of Our Lady-La Salette serves as a beacon of hope and love, inviting all to come and experience the grace and beauty of God’s presence.