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25 Best and Fun Things To Do In Keene, New Hampshire


TouristWire Editors

This quintessential New England town boasts tons of charm and fun activities for visitors.

It also has a youthful, lively atmosphere thanks to the college students that call it home, while still managing to retain its old-world character.

It boasts a delightful downtown area filled with cute shops and unique eateries, as well as the occasional live music performance.

If you’re the outdoorsy type who enjoys walking, biking, or jogging, Keene is home to some amazing rail trails that combine picturesque scenery with fascinating history.

There are also plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in nature at the Otter Brook Lake Beach, which offers swimming, hiking, kayaking, and picnic facilities.

Of course, there are also lots of ways to experience Keene’s college culture, starting with a performing arts show at the Redfern Arts Center.

If the sound of spending some time here appeals to you, check out our list of additional attractions and activities below to make the most out of your trip

The 25 Most Popular Things To Do In Keene, New Hampshire

25. Otter Brook

4.0 ★★★★☆ (1 review)

749px-usace otter brook lake and dam

Credit: U.S. Army Corps, License, Wikimedia commons

24. Keene Bike Park

4.8 ★★★★★ (4 reviews)

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Credit: Chad Cassin, License, Flickr

Location: Keene NH

Web Address:   https://keenebikepark.org/

23. Lily Pond

4.6 ★★★★★ (7 reviews)

Location: Lily Pond Surry NH

22. Wyman Tavern

4.7 ★★★★★ (10 reviews)

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Credit: Keene Public Library, License, Wikimedia commons

Location: 339 Main Street Keene NH

Web Address:   https://hsccnh.org/plan-a-visit/historical-society-of-cheshire-county-group-visits/our-buildings/wyman-tavern/

21. Eliza Adams Gorge

4.5 ★★★★★ (15 reviews)

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Credit: NH adventurer, Google Maps

Location: Harrisville NH

20. Silver Lake

4.9 ★★★★★ (18 reviews)

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Credit: Jimmy Clark, Google Maps

19. Beaver Brook Falls

4.4 ★★★★☆ (22 reviews)

800px-beaver brook falls

Credit: Ali West, License, Wikimedia commons

18. Surry Mountain Lake

4.8 ★★★★★ (27 reviews)

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Credit: CorpsNewEngland, License, Flickr

17. Sunset Rock

4.5 ★★★★★ (32 reviews)

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Credit: Patti Wheeler, Google Maps

Location: Keene NH

16. Drummer Hill Conservation Area

4.7 ★★★★★ (43 reviews)

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Credit: Jacob Evangelista, Google Maps

Location: Keene NH

15. Cheshire Railroad Stone Arch Bridge

4.6 ★★★★★ (74 reviews)

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Credit: John Phelan, License, Wikimedia commons

Location: Keene NH

14. Chesterfield Gorge State Wayside (park and ride)

4.6 ★★★★★ (87 reviews)

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Credit: Erik Michaels, Google Maps

Location: 1807 1817 Franklin Pierce Hwy Spofford NH

Web Address:   https://nhstateparks.org/visit/state-parks/chesterfield-gorge-natural-area.aspx

13. Wares Grove Beach

4.6 ★★★★★ (101 reviews)

Web Address:   http://nhchesterfieldrec.com/wares-grove-beach/

12. Otter Brook Lake

4.5 ★★★★★ (188 reviews)

749px-usace otter brook lake and dam

Credit: U.S. Army Corps, License, Wikimedia commons

Location: NH 9 Keene NH

Tel:  603 352 4130

Web Address:   https://nae.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/Otter-Brook-Lake/

11. Wheelock Park

4.5 ★★★★★ (249 reviews)

Location: Park Ave Keene NH

Tel:  603 357 9829

Web Address:   http://ci.keene.nh.us/departments/parks-recreation/parks/wheelock-campground

10. Robin Hood Park

4.5 ★★★★★ (361 reviews)

800px-robin hood park in keene new hampshire %285140012109%29

Credit: Keene Cheshire County, License, Wikimedia commons

Location: Keene NH

Tel:  603 357 9829

Web Address:   https://ci.keene.nh.us/parks-trails-recreation/parks

Our Top picks

9. Historical Society of Cheshire County

4.8 ★★★★★ (5 reviews)

Location: 246 Main Street Keene NH

Tel:  603 352 1895

Web Address:   https://hsccnh.org/

8. Horatio Colony Museum

4.6 ★★★★★ (10 reviews)

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Credit: woodcharli, Google Maps

Location: 199 Main Street Keene NH

Tel:  603 352 0460

Web Address:   http://horatiocolonymuseum.org/

7. Thorne Sagendorph Art Gallery

4.5 ★★★★★ (10 reviews)

Location: 229 Main Street Keene NH

Tel:  603 358 2770

Web Address:   http://keene.edu/tsag/

6. Summit Winery

4.6 ★★★★★ (41 reviews)

Af1qipnwhwtslqvc0jucnwu0yriajkectyyxpt-jieas=w592-h404-n-k-no

Credit: Summit Winery, Google Maps

Location: 719 Hwy 12 Westmoreland NH

Tel:  603 852 8025

Web Address:   http://thesummitwinery.com/

5. Spofford Lake

4.7 ★★★★★ (51 reviews)

4. Horatio Colony Nature Preserve

4.8 ★★★★★ (100 reviews)

Af1qippgoo5vo3sl-swwj-pldwlp25ugnnqvsb9impe=w592-h404-n-k-no

Credit: Jeremy Poges, Google Maps

Location: 199 Main St & Daniels Hill Road Keene NH

Tel:  603 352 0460

Web Address:   https://horatiocolonymuseum.org/index.php/horatio-colony-nature-preserve/

3. Cheshire Children’s Museum

4.5 ★★★★★ (235 reviews)

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Credit: Cheshire Children’s Museum, Google Maps

Location: 149 Emerald Street Keene NH

Tel:  603 903 1800

Web Address:   http://cheshirechildrensmuseum.org/

2. Chesterfield Gorge Natural Area

4.7 ★★★★★ (253 reviews)

Af1qipm0wrf0hsfmf08woqxxxsqtemfxxbybsivgrfxv=w592-h404-n-k-no

Credit: Michael Lynch, Google Maps

Location: 1823 NH 9 Chesterfield NH

Tel:  603 363 8373

Web Address:   https://nhstateparks.org/visit/state-parks/chesterfield-gorge-natural-area.aspx

1. Ashuelot River Park

4.4 ★★★★☆ (329 reviews)

Location: Keene NH

Web Address:   http://keenepaths.com/ashuelot-river-park/

Final Words:

Thank you for reading our list of the best things to do in Keene, New Hampshire! We hope it helped you plan the perfect itinerary for your next trip to this fantastic destination. Happy travels!

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