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)
Credit: U.S. Army Corps, License, Wikimedia commons
24. Keene Bike Park
4.8
(4 reviews)
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)
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)
Credit: NH adventurer, Google Maps
Location: Harrisville NH
20. Silver Lake
4.9
(18 reviews)
Credit: Jimmy Clark, Google Maps
19. Beaver Brook Falls
4.4
(22 reviews)
Credit: Ali West, License, Wikimedia commons
18. Surry Mountain Lake
4.8
(27 reviews)
Credit: CorpsNewEngland, License, Flickr
17. Sunset Rock
4.5
(32 reviews)
Credit: Patti Wheeler, Google Maps
Location: Keene NH
16. Drummer Hill Conservation Area
4.7
(43 reviews)
Credit: Jacob Evangelista, Google Maps
Location: Keene NH
15. Cheshire Railroad Stone Arch Bridge
4.6
(74 reviews)
Credit: John Phelan, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Keene NH
14. Chesterfield Gorge State Wayside (park and ride)
4.6
(87 reviews)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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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