Science and Nature
Merrimack Valley is home to wildlife refuge, nature center, and more science fun
3 listings
Salem, NH
America's Stonehenge
105 Haverhill Road 603-893-8300Stroll among the pines and ancient megaliths
A hike through America's Stonehenge in Salem, New Hampshire, is a nature trip like no other. Not only will you find yourself wandering in a beautiful pine forest, you'll also explore an archeological site of the type rarely found in North America. The woods are full of ancient megaliths and stone chambers, which many scholars believe were erected by Bronze Age voyagers who lost their way in the Atlantic and wound up on New Hampshire's shores. Others believe the monuments were erected by Native Americans or colonial farmers. You can decide for yourself. The site includes a small museum where a video presentation gives you some of the history. And be sure to pet the gentle alpacas who share the property.
Manchester, NH
See Science Center
200 Bedford Street 603-669-0400This hands-on science center has nearly 100 exhibits where children and adults can do actual science experiments. The museum’s Millyard Project is a scale model of the Amoskeag Millyard of Manchester circa 1900, built entirely of Lego blocks – 2 million in all. Other activities include the Science of Ice Hockey; Reptile Mountain, and Moonwalk.
Hours: Monday – Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Check for seasonal changes in hours and programs.
Admission: $8 per person over age 3
Concord, NH
McAuliffe–Shepard Discovery Center
2 Institute Drive 603-271-7827This institution honors New Hampshire’s native son and daughter, astronaut Alan B. Shepard and teacher Sharon Christa McAuliffe. This memorial provides engaging activities and a vast collection of interactive exhibits about space travel inside an entertaining learning environment that includes a planetarium , an observatory, and workshops for young and old.
Hours: Open Weds-Sun 10:30am - 4pm. Closed Mondays & Tuesdays.