Get Nearer
to Nature
Spend a day among Black Bear, Mountain Lions, River Otters, Bobcats, and more. Take a self-guided tour of the Live Animal Exhibit Trail or discover our hiking trails. Connect with nature and loved ones while exploring in the heart of New Hampshire’s scenic Lakes Region.
Live Animal Trail
Step onto our Live Animal Exhibit Trail for an up‑close look at New Hampshire wildlife in naturalistic habitats woven through open meadows, mature forests, and marsh boardwalks.
Make a Difference
Squam Lakes Natural Science Center thrives because of people and organizations like you, who care about wildlife, environmental education, conservation in the Lakes Region and Granite State and preserving the unique character and memories formed here.
Experience Wild New Hampshire
Upcoming Events
- Special Events
Loon Day
All Squam Lakes Cruises will be Loon Cruises, offering guests the chance to learn about Loon behavior, habitat, and conservation while exploring the beauty of Squam Lake. At the Science […]
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Events
List of events in Photo View
- Butterfly Series
Monarch Monitoring Mondays
Join the caterpillar count! As part of the Monarch Larva Monitoring Project, this national citizen science initiative, will meet every Monday morning through the end of August to count all […]Learn More
- Special Events
Loon Day
• -All Squam Lakes Cruises will be Loon Cruises, offering guests the chance to learn about Loon behavior, habitat, and conservation while exploring the beauty of Squam Lake. At the Science […]
Learn More
- Guided Discoveries Camps
Turtle Time!
- • 9:30am - 12:30pmAges 5-6Do you love turtles? Well, we do! Come to this week of camp and discover what makes turtles (and other reptiles) such amazing animals! During this week of camp, campers […]Learn More
- Guided Discoveries Camps
Earth Camp
- • 9:30am - 3:30pmAges 10-13Take action to help the planet! Join us this summer as we explore the natural world at the Science Center, on the lake, and in the community. Through investigations and […]Learn More
- On the Trail
Up Close to Animals – 11am
Live Animal Exhibit Trail open daily May 1 – Nov. 1 from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm, last admission at 3:30 pm. Parking lot gates close at 5:30 pm.Learn More
- On the Trail
River Otter Feeding
Live Animal Exhibit Trail open daily May 1 – Nov. 1 from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm, last admission at 3:30 pm. Parking lot gates close at 5:30 pm.Learn More
Experience Wild New Hampshire
Experience Squam Lakes Natural Science Center
Spend the day walking through our Live Animal Exhibit Trail, admiring the natural beauty of Kirkwood Gardens, enjoying the splendor of Squam Lakes on one of our Cruises, or selecting a program to learn about New Hampshire nature and wildlife.
Make a Difference
Get Involved
Want to know more?
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to purchase tickets before arriving?
Tickets for the Live Animal Exhibit Trail do not need to be purchased in advance, except on special event days (such as New Hampshire Day). Tickets for Squam Lake Cruises should be purchased in advance, as space is limited.
Is the Live Animal Exhibit Trail wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The trail is wheelchair accessible and is designed to meet an ADA Recreati>Accessibility page.
What Animals do you have?
On the Live Animal Exhibit Trail, you can see native New Hampshire wildlife including Coyote, Fisher, Foxes, Bobcats, Mountain Lions, White‑tailed Deer, River Otters, Black Bear, a variety of raptors and other birds as well as lake fish, frogs and turtles. Up Close to Animals presentations vary and can include Porcupine, Turtles, Skunk, Woodchuck, Crayfish and a variety of raptors.