The best museums in New Hampshire in September 2025

These are the top 50 best museums in New Hampshire, ranked by their rating and popularity in 2025. Click a museum for more information about the museum, including visitor information, exhibitions and reviews.

For a complete overview of museums in New Hampshire, their exhibitions and discount cards & passes, see our overview page with all museums in New Hampshire.

Looking for the best museums in New Hampshire? These are the best ones:

  1. Strawbery Banke Museum1

    Strawbery Banke Museum

     Portsmouth, NH
    Strawbery Banke is an outdoor history museum situated in the South End historic district of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. This location is not only significant for its historical value but also for its picturesque setting. The museum offers a unique opportunity to explore the history of the oldest neighborhood in New Hampshire settled by Europeans.
  2. 2

    Wild Animal Safari

     Strafford, NH
  3. New Hampshire State House Visitor Center3

    New Hampshire State House Visitor Center

     Concord, NH
    The New Hampshire State House, located in Concord, serves as the seat of the state's government, court, and governor. This historic building is part of the Concord Civic District and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. It's a significant site for those interested in the history and governance of New Hampshire.
  4. Currier Museum4

    Currier Museum

     Manchester, NH
    The Currier Museum of Art, located in Manchester, New Hampshire, is a renowned art museum that showcases a diverse range of art forms. The museum's collection includes European and American paintings, decorative arts, photographs, and sculptures. This wide array of art forms provides a comprehensive and enriching experience for visitors.
  5. Albacore Park5

    Albacore Park

     Portsmouth, NH
    The USS Albacore (AGSS-569) is an experimental submarine of the United States Navy. It was named after the English term for the white tuna, Thunnus alalunga. This submarine was a significant part of the US Navy's history and played a crucial role in the development of modern submarine design.
  6. Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park6

    Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park

     Cornish, NH
    Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park in Cornish, New Hampshire, is a preserved site that was once the home, gardens, and studios of Augustus Saint-Gaudens, a renowned American sculptor. The park offers a unique opportunity to explore the life and work of this artist in the very environment where he created his masterpieces.
  7. Zimmerman House7

    Zimmerman House

     Manchester, NH
    The Zimmerman House, located in the North End neighborhood of Manchester, New Hampshire, is a unique house museum designed by the renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright in 1951. It is one of only two houses in New Hampshire designed by Wright, making it a significant piece of architectural history. The house was built for Dr. Isadore Zimmerman and his wife Lucille, and is now owned by the Currier Museum of Art.
  8. The Fort at No.48

    The Fort at No.4

     Charlestown, NH
    The Fort at No.4 holds a significant place in history as it was the northernmost British fort along the Connecticut River during the Seven Years' War. Located in what is now the town of Charlestown, New Hampshire, the fort was more than 50 km north of another British fort, Fort Dummer. The fort's strategic location made it a crucial point of defense and rallying for the American colonial militias.
  9. Pierce Manse9

    Pierce Manse

     Concord, NH
    The Pierce Manse is a historic house museum situated in Concord, New Hampshire. This house was once the residence of the 14th president of the United States, Franklin Pierce. It offers a unique opportunity to explore the life and times of Franklin Pierce, providing a glimpse into the past.
  10. Wentworth–Coolidge Mansion10

    Wentworth–Coolidge Mansion

     Portsmouth, NH
    The Wentworth Coolidge Mansion, located on the water at 375 Little Harbor Road, is a significant historical site in New Hampshire. This 40-room clapboard house was originally built as the home offices and working farm of colonial Governor Benning Wentworth. The mansion's historical significance and its unique architecture make it a fascinating destination for tourists interested in history and architecture.
  11. Franklin Pierce Homestead Historic Site11

    Franklin Pierce Homestead Historic Site

     Hillsborough, NH
    The Franklin Pierce Homestead is a historic house museum and state park situated in Hillsborough, New Hampshire. This house served as the childhood home of the 14th president of the United States, Franklin Pierce. It offers a unique opportunity to explore the early life and upbringing of this significant historical figure.
  12. Robert Frost Farm Historic Site12

    Robert Frost Farm Historic Site

     Derry, NH
    Today, the Robert Frost Farm is recognized as a New Hampshire state park and operates as a historic house museum. The property is also listed in the National Register of Historic Places under the name 'Robert Frost Homestead'. This recognition underscores the cultural and historical significance of the site.
  13. 13

    Seacoast Science Center

     Rye, NH
    Odiorne Point State Park, located on the Atlantic seacoast in the town of Rye near Portsmouth, New Hampshire, is a public recreation area that offers a variety of attractions. Among the park's features are the Seacoast Science Center and the remains of the World War II Fort Dearborn. The Seacoast Science Center is the primary facility in the park, offering exhibits that include aquariums, touch tanks, and whale skeletons. There is also a marine mammal rescue center. The remains of Fort Dearborn, a World War II fort, are also located within the park.
  14. Remick Country Doctor Museum & Farm14

    Remick Country Doctor Museum & Farm

     Tamworth, NH
    The Captain Enoch Remick House, located in Tamworth, New Hampshire, is a significant part of a historic homestead. In 1996, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, along with five surrounding outbuildings and approximately 69 acres of field, pasture, and woodland. The listing recognizes the house's importance in art, architecture, and local agriculture.
  15. Bedrock Gardens15

    Bedrock Gardens

     Lee, NH
    Bedrock Gardens, situated in Lee, New Hampshire, spans across 20 acres within a 35-acre property. The garden is recognized for its unique landscape design, rich horticulture, and captivating sculptures. It offers a unique blend of natural beauty and artistic expression, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in both nature and art.
  16. Bear Brook State Park16

    Bear Brook State Park

     Allenstown, NH
    Bear Brook State Park, located in Allenstown, New Hampshire, and neighboring towns, is a vast 10,000-acre preserve. It is recognized as one of the largest state parks in New Hampshire, offering a wide range of outdoor activities and natural beauty for visitors to enjoy.
  17. Aviation Museum of N.H.17

    Aviation Museum of N.H.

     Londonderry, NH
    The Aviation Museum of New Hampshire is a historical institution dedicated to preserving the history of flight in the state. It is operated by the New Hampshire Aviation Historical Society, a non-profit organization. The museum's mission is to educate the public about the state's rich aviation history through a variety of exhibits and programs.
  18. Wentworth-Gardner Historic House Association18

    Wentworth-Gardner Historic House Association

     Portsmouth, NH
    The Wentworth-Gardner House is a historic mid-Georgian house situated at 50 Mechanic Street in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, United States. This location is easily accessible and provides a glimpse into the architectural style of the mid-Georgian era.
  19. Eastman Lord House Museum19

    Eastman Lord House Museum

     Conway, NH
    The Eastman Lord House Museum, also known as the William K. Eastman House, is a historic site located at 100 Main Street in Conway, New Hampshire. This Federal and Exotic Renaissance style house serves as a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the past. The house was built in 1818 and has been preserved to maintain its original architectural style.
  20. Castle in the Clouds20

    Castle in the Clouds

     Moultonborough, NH
    Castle in the Clouds, also known as Lucknow, is a 16-room mansion situated on a 5,294-acre mountaintop estate in Moultonborough, New Hampshire. The mansion is opened seasonally to the public by the Castle Preservation Society. This grand estate offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore a historic mansion while enjoying the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
  21. Daniel Webster Birthplace21

    Daniel Webster Birthplace

     Franklin, NH
    The Daniel Webster Birthplace State Historic Site is located in Franklin, New Hampshire. It serves as both a state park and a historic house museum, offering visitors a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance. This site is where Daniel Webster, a renowned orator and statesman, was born and spent his early childhood years.
  22. Gilman Garrison House22

    Gilman Garrison House

     Exeter, NH
    The Gilman Garrison House, located at 12 Water Street in Exeter, New Hampshire, is a historic house museum. This location offers a unique opportunity to explore the history of the area and the architectural features of the house itself.
  23. Sandown Historical Society & Museum23

    Sandown Historical Society & Museum

     Sandown, NH
    The Sandown Depot, a former railroad station of the Boston and Maine Railroad, is a significant historical site in Sandown, New Hampshire. Constructed between 1873 and 1874, it is the best-preserved station built by the Nashua and Rochester Railroad. The depot has remained relatively unaltered since its construction and is still situated at its original location, offering visitors a glimpse into the past.
  24. Governor John Langdon House24

    Governor John Langdon House

     Portsmouth, NH
    The Governor John Langdon House, also known as the Governor John Langdon Mansion, is a historic mansion located at 143 Pleasant Street in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. This house is a significant part of American history, having been built in 1784 by John Langdon, a Founding Father, merchant, shipbuilder, American Revolutionary War general, and three-term President of New Hampshire. The mansion is a testament to Langdon's status as a leading citizen of Portsmouth and has been recognized as a National Historic Landmark since 1974.
  25. Woodman Institute Museum25

    Woodman Institute Museum

     Dover, NH
    The Woodman Institute Museum is situated at 182 Central Avenue in Dover, New Hampshire, United States. This location is easily accessible and provides a convenient starting point for your exploration of the museum's rich history, science, and arts exhibits.
  26. Barrett House26

    Barrett House

     New Ipswich, NH
    The Barrett House, also known as Forest Hall, is a significant historical site located in New Ipswich, New Hampshire. This Federal style American mansion is part of the New Ipswich Center Village Historic District, offering visitors a glimpse into the architectural style and history of the period.
  27. John Paul Jones Historic House Museum27

    John Paul Jones Historic House Museum

     Portsmouth, NH
    The John Paul Jones House, located at 43 Middle Street in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, is a historic house museum and a National Historic Landmark. This house is where the American Revolutionary War naval hero, John Paul Jones, resided from 1781 to 1782 when it was operated as a boarding house. The house was built in 1758 and has been a part of the Portsmouth Historical Society since 1919. It is open to the public and offers a glimpse into the life and times of one of America's naval heroes.
  28. Abbot-Spalding House Museum28

    Abbot-Spalding House Museum

     Nashua, NH
    The Abbot House, also known as the Abbot-Spalding House, is a historic house museum located at One Abbot Square in Nashua, New Hampshire. This museum is a significant representation of the area's Federal period architecture, with a blend of early 20th-century Colonial Revival alterations. It is a notable destination for those interested in history and architecture.
  29. Mcauliffe-shepard Discovery Center29

    Mcauliffe-shepard Discovery Center

     Concord, NH
    The McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center is a science museum situated in Concord, New Hampshire, United States. It is conveniently located next to the NHTI campus, making it easily accessible for visitors. The museum is dedicated to the exploration of space and the promotion of astronomy, aviation, and Earth and space science.
  30. Rochester Museum of Fine Arts30

    Rochester Museum of Fine Arts

     Rochester, NH
    The Rochester Museum of Fine Arts (RMFA) is a community art initiative that is run entirely by volunteers. It is dedicated to making contemporary works by artists recognized at the regional, national, and international levels accessible to the public.
  31. Wentworth Lear Historic House31

    Wentworth Lear Historic House

     Portsmouth, NH
    The Wentworth Lear Historic Houses are located in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. These two adjacent historic houses are situated on the south waterfront, offering a unique glimpse into the past. The houses, built around 1750-60, showcase a contrast between high-style and vernacular Georgian styling. This location offers a unique opportunity to explore the history and architecture of the region.
  32. Andres Institute of Art32

    Andres Institute of Art

     Brookline, NH
    The Andres Institute of Art, located in Brookline, New Hampshire, is a public sculpture park that was established in 1996. The founders of this unique art institute are local benefactor Paul Andres and renowned sculptor John Weidman. This park is open to the public and offers a unique opportunity to explore a variety of sculptures in a natural setting.
  33. Old Webster Meeting House33

    Old Webster Meeting House

     Webster, NH
    The Old Webster Meeting House, located at 1220 Battle Street in Webster, New Hampshire, is a historic site with a rich history. Constructed in 1791, the meeting house underwent significant alterations in the 1840s. This building is a testament to the architectural and historical evolution of the region.
  34. Belknap Mill Museum34

    Belknap Mill Museum

     Laconia, NH
    The Belknap Mill Museum, originally known as the Belknap-Sulloway Mill, is a historic mill located at 25 Beacon Street East in Laconia, New Hampshire. This city is situated in Belknap County. The mill is a significant part of the city's history and offers a glimpse into the past.
  35. The James House35

    The James House

     Hampton, NH
    The Benjamin James House, located at 186 Towle Farm Road in Hampton, New Hampshire, is a historic house museum. This location offers a unique opportunity to explore the history and architecture of the region. The house is a significant example of Georgian Colonial architecture, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in historical buildings.
  36. Wyman Tavern Museum36

    Wyman Tavern Museum

     Keene, NH
    The Wyman Tavern, located at 339 Main Street in Keene, New Hampshire, is a historic house that once served as a tavern and is now a local history museum. This establishment offers a unique glimpse into the past, showcasing the rich history of the area.
  37. Whipple House Museum37

    Whipple House Museum

     Ashland, NH
    The Whipple House, located at 4 Pleasant Street in Ashland, New Hampshire, is a historic house museum. This location is significant as it was the birthplace of George Hoyt Whipple, a Nobel Prize-winning doctor and pathologist. The house was built around 1837 and is a well-preserved example of a mid-19th century Cape-style house. It is now operated by the Ashland Historical Society and is open to the public during the warmer months.
  38. Raymond Historical Society38

    Raymond Historical Society

     Raymond, NH
    The Raymond Railroad Depot, located at 1 Depot Street in the heart of Raymond, New Hampshire, is a historic former Boston and Maine railroad station. This location offers a glimpse into the past, showcasing the rich history of the railroad industry in the region. It's an ideal spot for history enthusiasts and those interested in the evolution of transportation.
  39. Hills House39

    Hills House

     Hudson, NH
    The Hills House is a historic house museum situated at 211 Derry Road in Hudson, New Hampshire. This house was built in 1890 as a summer country house by a local philanthropist and is now used by the local historical society as a museum and meeting space. It is an excellent local example of Shingle style architecture and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
  40. 40

    Rhododendron State Park

     Fitzwilliam, NH
    Rhododendron State Park is a botanical park nestled in the Little Monadnock Mountain in New Hampshire. The park spans an impressive 1,102 hectares (2,723 acres), making it a vast natural space for visitors to explore.
  41. Jackson House41

    Jackson House

     Portsmouth, NH
    The Richard Jackson House, located in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, holds the distinction of being the oldest wood-frame house in the state. It was built in 1664 by Richard Jackson, a woodworker, farmer, and mariner. This historic house is a testament to the early American architecture and the rich history of the region.
  42. American Independence Museum42

    American Independence Museum

     Exeter, NH
  43. Moffatt-ladd House Museum43

    Moffatt-ladd House Museum

     Portsmouth, NH
    The Moffatt-Ladd House, also known as the William Whipple House, is a historic house museum and National Historic Landmark located in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, United States. This 1763 Georgian house was once the home of William Whipple, a Founding Father, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and a Revolutionary War general. Today, the house is owned by the National Society of Colonial Dames in New Hampshire and is open to the public.
  44. Warner House Museum44

    Warner House Museum

     Portsmouth, NH
    The Warner House, previously known as the MacPheadris–Warner House, is a historic house museum located at 150 Daniel Street in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, United States. This museum is a significant part of the city's history and offers a unique insight into the architectural and cultural heritage of the region.
  45. Rundlet-may House Museum45

    Rundlet-may House Museum

     Portsmouth, NH
    The Rundlet-May House, located at 364 Middle Street in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, United States, serves as a historic house museum. This location offers visitors a chance to step back in time and explore a well-preserved example of a high-end Federal style mansion.
  46. 46

    Fuller Gardens

     North Hampton, NH
    Fuller Gardens is a public botanical garden situated in the historic area of 'Little Boars Head' in North Hampton, New Hampshire, United States. The garden is located at 10 Willow Avenue and offers a unique seaside experience for visitors.
  47. Hood Museum47

    Hood Museum

     Hanover, NH
    The Hood Museum of Art, located in Hanover, New Hampshire, is a prestigious art museum owned and operated by Dartmouth College. This institution is not just a museum, but a part of the academic community, contributing to the educational mission of the college.
  48. Folsom Tavern48

    Folsom Tavern

     Exeter, NH
  49. Besaw Iron Furnace Interpretive Center49

    Besaw Iron Furnace Interpretive Center

     Franconia, NH
  50. Robert Frost Museum50

    Robert Frost Museum

     Franconia, NH
    The Frost Place, located on Ridge Road in Franconia, New Hampshire, is a museum and nonprofit educational center for poetry. It is situated in the former home of renowned poet Robert Frost. This unique location offers visitors a chance to explore the life and works of Frost in the very environment where he once lived.

All museums in New Hampshire