Hanover Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Hanover with this comprehensive travel guide, covering everything from top attractions to where to stay and what to eat.


Introduction to Hanover

Nestled in the heart of the lush Dartmouth Lake Sunapee Region, Hanover is a charming town that offers a perfect balance of urban amenities and natural beauty. Located in New Hampshire’s Upper Valley, Hanover is the home of Dartmouth College, one of the most prestigious Ivy League universities. It’s also a vibrant cultural hub that hosts a variety of arts festivals, concerts, and theatre performances throughout the year.

In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to plan your trip to Hanover, including a comprehensive list of top attractions, hiking and biking routes, best things to do, where to stay, and what to eat.

List of Places to Visit in Hanover

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Hood Museum of Art: Located on the Dartmouth College campus, this museum features over 65,000 works of art from diverse cultures and time periods.

  • The Baker-Berry Library: With its striking tower and colonial architecture, this library is one of the most iconic landmarks of Dartmouth College.

  • The Montshire Museum of Science: This family-friendly museum features interactive exhibits that showcase the wonders of science and nature.

  • The Etna Historical Society Museum: Located just a few miles from downtown Hanover, this museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the town’s rich history.

Natural Attractions of Hanover: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • The Appalachian Trail: Offering challenging hikes with breathtaking views, the Appalachian Trail is a must-visit spot for outdoor enthusiasts.

  • The Connecticut River: One of the longest rivers in the United States, the Connecticut River flows through Hanover, offering plenty of opportunities for boating, fishing, and kayaking.

  • The Pine Park: Located just a few blocks from downtown Hanover, this park offers peaceful walking trails, picnic areas, and stunning panoramic views of the town.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Hanover

  • The Hanover-to-Norwich Trail: This 4.4-mile trail is perfect for moderate-level hikers and offers stunning views of the Connecticut River.

  • The Gile Mountain Trail: Located just a few miles from Hanover, this 1.4-mile trail offers a challenging hike through dense forests and rocky terrain.

  • The Boston Lot Lake Trail: This 5.4-mile trail offers a great opportunity to explore the scenic beauty of New Hampshire’s Upper Valley.

Best Things to Do in Hanover: Activities and Tours

  • Dartmouth Outing Club: This student-led club offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, rock climbing, and skiing.

  • Downtown Hanover: With its quaint shops, cafes, and restaurants, downtown Hanover is the perfect place to stroll and soak up the town’s vibrant atmosphere.

  • The Norwich Farmer’s Market: Located just across the Connecticut River in Vermont, this weekly market offers a wide range of fresh, locally sourced produce, baked goods, and artisanal crafts.

Week-Long Itinerary for Hanover

Day Activity
1 Explore Downtown Hanover and Ivy League Campus Tour
2 Hike the Hanover-to-Norwich Trail and bike along the Connecticut River
3 Visit Montshire Museum of Science and Baker-Berry Library
4 Take a Dartmouth Outing Club rock climbing excursion
5 Kayak on the Connecticut River and picnic in Pine Park
6 Explore the Appalachian Trail and enjoy a scenic drive to nearby Quechee Gorge
7 Visit Etna Historical Society Museum and shop at Norwich Farmer’s Market

Food and Drink Scene of Hanover

Must-Try Dishes

  • Poutine: A Canadian classic that consists of French fries, gravy, and cheese curds, the poutine at Murphy’s on the Green is a must-try.

  • Maple Syrup: New Hampshire is famous for its maple syrup, and Lou’s Restaurant and Bakery serves up some of the best pancakes drenched in this sweet goodness.

  • Apple Cider Donuts: Made fresh daily at King Arthur Baking Company, these donuts are the perfect fall treat.

Local Beverages

  • Long Trail Ale: This Vermont brewed beer is a popular choice among locals, and can be found on tap at most bars and restaurants.

  • Cold River Vodka: Made from Maine potatoes, this award-winning vodka is served at Murphy’s on the Green.

  • Squamscot Old Fashioned Soda: A family-owned New Hampshire company, Squamscot offers a variety of delicious sodas, including Birch Beer and Cream Soda.

Where to Stay in Hanover: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • The Hanover Inn: Located in the heart of Dartmouth College, this historic inn offers luxurious accommodations and fine dining.

  • Six South St. Hotel: This boutique hotel offers stylish rooms and convenient access to downtown Hanover’s shops and restaurants.

  • The Trumbull House Bed and Breakfast: This charming B&B offers cozy rooms and home-cooked breakfasts in a peaceful, pastoral setting.

What to Buy in Hanover: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Dartmouth College Apparel: Show your school spirit and pick up some Dartmouth gear at the campus bookstore.

  • Vermont Cheese: Just across the river in Vermont, the Cabot Creamery offers a wide selection of delicious cheeses.

  • Handcrafted Pottery: The League of New Hampshire Craftsmen Gallery showcases the work of local artisans and offers a wide range of unique pottery pieces to take home.

Local Culture and Customs of Hanover

  • Respect for Nature: Hanover residents are known for their love of the outdoors, and visitors should respect the town’s natural beauty by following Leave No Trace principles.

  • Academic Excellence: As the home of Dartmouth College, Hanover values education and intellectualism.

  • Community Spirit: Hanover is a friendly, welcoming town that values community involvement and volunteerism.

Best Time to Visit Hanover

Hanover is a year-round destination, but each season offers a unique experience. Fall is the most popular time to visit, as the foliage is spectacular. Winter is perfect for skiing and snowmobiling. Spring offers warmer weather and opportunities for hiking and kayaking, while summer is ideal for outdoor concerts and festivals.

Do’s and Don’ts of Hanover

Do:

  • Do explore the outdoors: Hanover is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, so take some time to explore the town’s hiking trails, rivers, and parks.

  • Do visit Dartmouth College: The campus is beautiful and offers a wide range of cultural events and activities.

  • Do try the local cuisine: From maple syrup to poutine, Hanover offers a unique culinary experience.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter: Keeping Hanover clean and beautiful is a priority, so please dispose of your waste properly.

  • Don’t be disrespectful: Hanover values diversity, inclusion, and community involvement, so behave respectfully towards the people and culture of the town.

  • Don’t trespass on private property: Hanover is home to many private residences and estates. Please respect the privacy of individuals and their property.

Safety and Health

Safety in Hanover

Hanover is generally a safe town, but visitors should take precautions such as locking their cars and avoiding walking alone at night. In case of an emergency, call 911.

Health in Hanover

Visitors to Hanover should take precautions against Lyme disease, which is prevalent in the area. Wear long sleeves and pants and use insect repellent when hiking or spending time outdoors.

Getting to Hanover: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Hanover

  • Lebanon Municipal Airport: Located just five miles from downtown Hanover, this airport offers daily commercial flights to Boston and New York.

  • Burlington International Airport: Located about an hour and a half from Hanover, this airport offers a wider range of commercial flights to major U.S. cities.

Bus Stations Near Hanover

  • Dartmouth Coach: This luxury bus service offers daily trips between Hanover and Boston, New York, and other major Northeastern cities.

  • Greyhound: Greyhound offers daily bus service to Lebanon, NH, which is just a few miles from Hanover.

Other Options

  • Amtrak: The closest Amtrak station is in White River Junction, VT, about 20 minutes from Hanover.

  • Rental Cars: Several car rental companies, including Enterprise and Hertz, have locations near Hanover.

How to Get Around in Hanover

Hanover is a small town that is easy to navigate on foot, but visitors can also use local taxi services or bike rentals to get around. The Advance Transit bus system offers free transportation throughout the Upper Valley, including stops in Hanover, Lebanon, and other nearby towns.

Where to Go Next from Hanover: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Quechee Gorge: Located just a short drive from Hanover, the Quechee Gorge is a stunning natural wonder that offers hiking trails and scenic views.

  • Stowe, Vermont: Just over an hour’s drive from Hanover, Stowe is a picturesque ski town that offers a wide range of winter sports and activities.

  • Woodstock, Vermont: Less than an hour’s drive from Hanover, Woodstock is a charming New England town with historic landmarks and quaint shops.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a foodie, a history buff, or an outdoor enthusiast, Hanover offers something for everyone. With this comprehensive tour guide, you’ll be able to plan the perfect trip to this charming New Hampshire town and experience all that it has to offer.