Squam Lakes Natural Science Center

About Squam Lakes Natural Science Center

Squam Lakes Natural Science Center is an environmental education center and zoo in Holderness, New Hampshire, on the shores of Squam Lake in the state's Lakes Region. The address given on its website is 23 Science Center Road. It is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and its campus covers more than 200 acres of fields, forests, streams, ponds and gardens, according to its About page.

The center states its mission as advancing understanding of ecology by exploring New Hampshire's natural world. Its stated vision is for visitors to gain ecological understanding and a lifelong respect and appreciation for the natural world, leading to active environmental stewardship. Wikipedia says the center teaches through live animal exhibits, educational programs and lake cruises that emphasize adaptations, populations, interrelationships and habitats. Wikipedia reports about 53,000 visitors each year.

The center's own website lists it as an institutional member of the Association of Nature Center Administrators and as Sensory Inclusive Certified by KultureCity. Wikipedia reports that the center received accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums in 2006, but the center does not appear on the AZA's current list of accredited institutions as of September 2026, and its own About page does not mention AZA accreditation.

History

The About page gives 1966 as the year the organization was founded. Wikipedia fills in more detail: planning began in 1965, 180 acres were bought in 1966 using funds raised by the community, and the center opened to the public on July 1, 1969. The center has since grown to more than 200 acres, as its website describes.

Wikipedia also says the center owns the Holderness Inn, which features Kirkwood Gardens. The center's website lists Kirkwood Gardens among its core experiences.

The website describes the Live Animal Exhibit Trail as home to non-releasable native animals. The About page also points to a documented Philosophy on Captive Animals that describes the center's approach to wildlife care and education.

Exhibits and habitats

The Live Animal Exhibit Trail is the center's main attraction. The center describes it as a self-guided trail through naturalistic habitats woven through open meadows, mature forests and marsh boardwalks, and it suggests planning at least two and a half hours for a visit. The center's accessibility page says the trail is designed to be accessible, with an ADA recreational standard grade of 1 in 12, though some areas may be more challenging because of loose gravel. The center's FAQ describes the trail as about three-quarters of a mile long.

The center's animal list focuses on species native to New Hampshire. The center's exhibit trail page names black bears, bobcats, mountain lions, river otters, raptors, coyotes, a fisher, red fox, white-tailed deer, turtles, frogs, fish, chipmunks and ants. Wikipedia's list of native species at the center also names bald eagles, American minks, barred owls and red-tailed hawks. The collection changes, and the center's website lists the animals currently on the trail.

Up Close to Animals presentations are listed on the exhibit trail page at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. The center's FAQ says seasonal presentations may feature animals such as porcupines, skunks, woodchucks and crayfish.

Separate from the trail, the center offers hiking trails and Kirkwood Gardens. It also runs Squam Lake cruises, which it describes as 90-minute guided tours led by experienced naturalists. The website recommends buying cruise tickets in advance because space is limited.

Conservation and programs

The center's website lists school and homeschool programs, outreach programs, guided Discovery Camps, Nature Travel Tours and the Blue Heron School, an early learning program.

Planning your visit

As listed on the center's website, the Live Animal Exhibit Trail and hiking trails are open daily from May 1 through November 1, with hours of 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and last trail admission at 3:30 p.m. The center's FAQ says trail tickets do not need to be bought in advance except on special event days, while cruise tickets should be bought in advance because space is limited. Ticket details are on the website, and members receive complimentary trail admission.

According to the center's FAQ, parking is free during operating hours, with gates closing at 5:30 p.m., and two EV charging stations are available at no charge. Pets, emotional support animals and therapy animals are not permitted on the grounds; only service animals as defined by the ADA may enter. The gift shop sells snacks and beverages but no hot meals, and visitors may bring food to designated picnic areas, though only water is allowed on the trail. The center's phone number is 603-968-7194, and its email address is info@nhnature.org.