Squam Lakes Natural Science Center Tips for going?

[ZooElephantMan]

I am considering visiting the Squam Lakes Science Center sometime soon, and I wondered if anyone had an idea of how long an average visit takes. Are the nature trails and cruises worthwhile, or is it best to just go for the animal exhibits? Depending on how long a trip takes, I might also try to visit the NH Audubon Center (in Concord), Charmingfare Farm, and/or The Butterfly Place in the same day. The Science Center seems like by far the best “zoo” in New Hampshire though, so I might cut worse places from my itinerary and stay here longer if people say that the trails or other activities at Squam are worthwhile.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

 

[TinoPup]

I am considering visiting the Squam Lakes Science Center sometime soon, and I wondered if anyone had an idea of how long an average visit takes. Are the nature trails and cruises worthwhile, or is it best to just go for the animal exhibits? Depending on how long a trip takes, I might also try to visit the NH Audubon Center (in Concord), Charmingfare Farm, and/or The Butterfly Place in the same day. The Science Center seems like by far the best “zoo” in New Hampshire though, so I might cut worse places from my itinerary and stay here longer if people say that the trails or other activities at Squam are worthwhile.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

Be prepared for a lot of traffic this time of year, the area is filled with cute little towns that have lots of summer cabins and camps. There were several towns with one or two stop lights that were backed up for 10+ minutes each when I visited in July last year.

It's definitely a place where the visit is what you make of it. Someone could probably rush through in under an hour, but it's a beautiful location with lots of educational signs. I was there a little over 2 hours. I wish I had done one of the cruises!! That's probably my biggest regret from that trip, not doing one.

I combined it with the Loon Center (which also has a trail to a lake where you can see a loon nest), the Libby Museum, and Maine Wildlife Park.

 

[ZooElephantMan]

Be prepared for a lot of traffic this time of year, the area is filled with cute little towns that have lots of summer cabins and camps. There were several towns with one or two stop lights that were backed up for 10+ minutes each when I visited in July last year.

It's definitely a place where the visit is what you make of it. Someone could probably rush through in under an hour, but it's a beautiful location with lots of educational signs. I was there a little over 2 hours. I wish I had done one of the cruises!! That's probably my biggest regret from that trip, not doing one.

I combined it with the Loon Center (which also has a trail to a lake where you can see a loon nest), the Libby Museum, and Maine Wildlife Park.

Thanks for your suggestions!

When I was younger I used to go to one of those summer camps, so I know exactly what you’re talking about

I've been doing some more research and it seems like all the cruises are 90 minutes, so I am thinking I will devote 1.5 hours for a cruise plus 2.5 hours for the animal trails. Spending that much time at Squam will limit my options for combinable places, but I think it will be worth it since I’ve heard such good things about Squam.

The Maine Wildlife Park seems like the other best zoo in Northern New England (NH+ME+VT), although for now I am thinking of not including it in this trip since it is a little out of the way. Visiting it would double the amount of driving I need to do, and I wouldn’t want to be forced to rush through the place due to a time crunch. Charmingfare is smaller and is conveniently on my way back to where I live in MA, which makes it a good stop in terms of breaking up the driving. I haven’t heard much about Charmingfare, but being lower quality also means I would be more comfortable going through it faster if I end up low on time. I will probably end up waiting to check out Maine Wildlife Park until next year, maybe once the Maine State Aquarium also reopens.

 

[TinoPup]

Thanks for your suggestions!

When I was younger I used to go to one of those summer camps, so I know exactly what you’re talking about

I've been doing some more research and it seems like all the cruises are 90 minutes, so I am thinking I will devote 1.5 hours for a cruise plus 2.5 hours for the animal trails. Spending that much time at Squam will limit my options for combinable places, but I think it will be worth it since I’ve heard such good things about Squam.

The Maine Wildlife Park seems like the other best zoo in Northern New England (NH+ME+VT), although for now I am thinking of not including it in this trip since it is a little out of the way. Visiting it would double the amount of driving I need to do, and I wouldn’t want to be forced to rush through the place due to a time crunch. Charmingfare is smaller and is conveniently on my way back to where I live in MA, which makes it a good stop in terms of breaking up the driving. I haven’t heard much about Charmingfare, but being lower quality also means I would be more comfortable going through it faster if I end up low on time. I will probably end up waiting to check out Maine Wildlife Park until next year, maybe once the Maine State Aquarium also reopens.

That sounds like a good plan Squam also has lots of picnic tables and places you can stop and eat food you brought, as well. It's one of my favorite places I've been to, especially in terms of education and information provided.

MWP is open late on fridays, until 8pm, if that makes a difference! Do not skip the gift shop, it is fantastic (if set up in a weird way; all of the items are behind big windows, you write down which ones you want and give it to the attendant at the end). Their stuff is super cheap, even compared to non-zoo prices. Charmingfare was/is very, very low on my priority list so didn't get a visit lol. I was based north of Providence so the loop I did (Squam - loon center - Libby museum - Maine Wildlife) was a bit easier.