Squam Lakes Camp Resort, Holderness, NH

Squam Lakes Natural Science Center: Bringing New Hampshire Locals “Nearer to Nature”

The location provided, 1002 NH-25, is a well-known address in Holderness, New Hampshire, that is home to the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center (SLNSC). While the title provided in the prompt suggests a "camp resort," the primary and public-facing business at this address is this highly respected environmental education center. Established in 1966, the SLNSC is not a traditional overnight campground but an essential New Hampshire institution dedicated to connecting people to the natural world around them, making it a fantastic and accessible "adventure destination" for local residents and visitors alike, as attested by enthusiastic customer reviews.

The center’s mission is to advance understanding of ecology by exploring New Hampshire's natural environment. It operates a combination of outdoor live animal exhibits, extensive trail systems, and educational programs, ensuring a clear, engaging, and informative experience for all ages. The welcoming atmosphere and knowledgeable staff ensure that a trip here is more than just a walk; it’s an opportunity to create lasting memories and learn about the wildlife and heritage of the Granite State. The facility is the only institution in northern New England accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), a fact that highlights its commitment to animal care and conservation education.

Location and Accessibility

The Squam Lakes Natural Science Center is perfectly situated in the heart of the Lakes Region, offering easy access from across New Hampshire and providing a serene yet convenient base for exploration.

Address: 1002 NH-25 Suite A, Holderness, NH 03245, USA

Prime Lakes Region Spot: Located in Holderness, the center is conveniently positioned between New Hampshire’s popular Lakes Region (near Meredith and Laconia) and the stunning White Mountains National Forest, making it an ideal day trip destination from most parts of the state.
Easy Road Access: The address is situated directly on New Hampshire Route 25 (NH-25), a main thoroughfare, ensuring smooth and straightforward travel. Its proximity to major highways connects it easily to communities in southern and central New Hampshire.
Welcoming Grounds: The grounds themselves, which include paved pathways and nature trails through mature forests, open meadows, and marsh boardwalks, are well-maintained and designed to be explored via self-guided tours.
Facilities and Parking: The center offers ample free on-site parking, including bus parking, making it convenient for large family groups or organized school field trips. The facility is also noted for being accessible, with features like family restrooms, changing stations, and available wheelchairs to accommodate guests.

Services Offered

The center provides a comprehensive range of educational and recreational services designed to immerse visitors in the natural world.

Live Animal Exhibit Trail: A dedicated, self-guided trail featuring native New Hampshire animals in naturalistic habitats, including black bears, mountain lions, bobcats, river otters, coyotes, and various raptors like hawks and owls.
Squam Lake Cruises: Guided boat cruises on pristine Squam Lake, providing an interpretive look at the lake’s ecology, history, and the surrounding natural beauty. Advance reservations are recommended for these popular excursions.
Kirkwood Gardens: A beautifully maintained botanical area featuring a variety of flowering plants and shrubs specifically chosen to attract native birds and butterflies, serving as both an aesthetic pleasure and a lesson in natural landscaping.
Educational Programs and Blue Heron School: A wide array of natural science education programs, summer guided discoveries, and field trips for both children and adults. The center is also home to the Blue Heron School, New Hampshire's first nature-based Montessori early learning center.
Visitor Amenities: The facility includes a gift shop, a snack bar, and picnic areas, allowing visitors to comfortably spend a full day exploring the exhibits and trails.
Accessibility Features: The center is certified Sensory Inclusive by KultureCity and provides various resources, including wheelchairs and accessible pathways, to ensure a comfortable experience for guests with different needs.

Features and Highlights

The unique aspects of the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center set it apart as a premier New Hampshire destination for nature enthusiasts and families.

Focus on Native NH Wildlife: Unlike many traditional zoos, the exhibits focus exclusively on animals native to New Hampshire, offering a localized and highly relevant educational experience. This connection to local ecology enhances the understanding of the state’s wild spaces.
Highly Engaging Environment: The overall design, featuring winding gravel paths and natural settings, gives visitors the feeling of a serene walk in the woods with guaranteed animal sightings. Visitors consistently praise the excellent condition of the exhibits and pathways.
Interactive Learning and Play Areas: Beyond static exhibits, the center includes engaging elements for children, such as interactive play areas, which allow younger visitors to connect with nature through hands-on fun.
Commitment to Service: Customer reviews frequently highlight the friendliness, knowledge, and helpfulness of the staff, noting specific instances of exceptional accommodation, such as aiding a customer in recovering a lost wallet—demonstrating a deep commitment to guest satisfaction and community trust.
AZA Accreditation: As the only AZA-accredited facility in northern New England, the center assures visitors of the highest standards in animal welfare, conservation, and education.

Contact Information

The center operates seasonally, typically from May 1 through November 1, and it is always best to verify hours and cruise schedules via their official channels.

Squam Lakes Natural Science Center

Address: 1002 NH-25 Suite A, Holderness, NH 03245, USA

Phone: (603) 968-7227

Conclusion: Why the Science Center is Suitable for New Hampshire Locals

For people living in New Hampshire, the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center is far more than just a tourist stop; it’s an essential community and educational resource that fosters a vital connection to the state’s unique natural heritage. Its suitability for locals is found in its year-after-year relevance and its convenient location.

New Hampshire residents value the chance to explore the state’s environment, and the SLNSC offers the most accessible and concentrated way to see native wildlife that would be difficult or impossible to spot in the wild. From a family perspective, the combination of engaging exhibits, outdoor activity, fair pricing, and professional, friendly staff makes it a perfect destination for creating "wonderful memories," as one customer noted. Furthermore, the commitment to education, evidenced by the Blue Heron School and various adult programs, ensures that the center serves as a continuous source of learning for a local community deeply connected to its landscapes. It is a clean, friendly, and foundational piece of the Lakes Region's educational and recreational landscape, encouraging all locals to get “Nearer to Nature” right in their own backyard.