3 Things to do in Durham, New Hampshire

Durham, New Hampshire, is hardly a large city, but its status as home to the University of New Hampshire, and proximity to popular tourist destinations like Maine and Boston, make it so that you might just find yourself there one day. But whether you're just passing through or if you're visiting this area of New Hampshire, specifically, for its abundance of history and natural scenery, or even on business, consider stopping and staying a while in Durham. You'll find plenty to do, and here are just a few ideas to get you started.

1. See what’s growing at one of the area farms.

Agritourism is growing in popularity. If you’ve yet to take advantage of this travel trend that introduces you to a destination’s farms and farmers, now’s the perfect time. Durham boasts several farms that welcome tourists, including Emery Farm, which can trace its roots all the way back to 1660 and now offers a garden center, shop, cafe and petting farm, and Wagon Hill Farm, which is overseen by the town and, in addition to the community garden plots, offers lots of recreational opportunities, including walking trails and cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Photo courtesy of https://emeryfarm.com/

2. Get out in nature.

While you can enjoy the great outdoors at area farms, especially at a farm that's more park than farm, like Wagon Hill Farm, if you want something a little more remote, or with more wildlife than barnyard animals, try one of Durham’s nature preserves.

Lamprey River Preserve encompasses more than 200 acres, including the Lamprey River, which is one of the state’s two designated National Wild and Scenic Rivers. The waterways offer lots of water sports opportunities, including paddling and fishing. Wildlife watching is also popular, as the tract is home to foxes, waterfowl, amphibians and more.

Longmarsh Preserve similarly provides a home to area wildlife, from osprey to blue herons to beaver, and also features a historical farm where you can still see the farm’s old stone walls and foundations. Hiking and mountain biking are popular options here, as is fishing.

If you want a hike with some elevation, drive just a short distance away to Pawtuckaway State Park, where you can hike to the top of South Mountain and take in the views from the fire tower.

3. See what the University of New Hampshire has on offer.

The University of New Hampshire doesn't just offer great programming for students.

If you’re more likely to look to the stars for your natural inspiration, pay a visit to the University of New Hampshire Observatory. The college hosts the public for observing sessions every first and third Saturday.

Photo courtesy of https://ceps.unh.edu/physics/observatory

If you're more of an arts-focused traveler, see what's on at the Paul Creative Arts Center during your stay. The center's events calendar features musical performances and theatrical shows, and the center also boasts its own art museum.

Need More?

Need more ideas for what to do during your trip to Durham, New Hampshire? For more fun in this region of New England, check out the Discovery Map Durham and Dover, New Hampshire, guide, which features a range of suggestions for not just activities in the area, but also for where to stay, dine, shop and more.