Barnstead Travel Guide

Plan your visit to Barnstead, NH with this comprehensive travel guide featuring top places to visit, outdoor adventures, food and drink scene, where to stay, and more!


Introduction to Barnstead

Located in the heart of Lakes Region, Barnstead is a charming town in the state of New Hampshire. Known for its breathtaking natural beauty and lively cultural scene, Barnstead is a popular destination among travelers seeking a peaceful retreat in the lap of nature. The town boasts of a rich colonial history and has several historical landmarks and museums that are worth exploring.

List of Places to Visit in Barnstead

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Suncook Valley Railroad Museum: This museum is a must-visit for train enthusiasts. The museum houses an extensive collection of vintage locomotives and rolling stock that provides a glimpse into the town’s railroad history.
  • The Abenaki Heritage Weekend: Held annually in June, this event celebrates the Abenaki culture and heritage and features traditional crafts, music, and dance performances.
  • The Pittsfield Historical Society: Visitors can step back in time and explore the town’s history through its exhibits, artifacts and memorabilia.

Natural Attractions of Barnstead: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Lower Suncook Lake: A perfect destination for water sports enthusiasts, Lower Suncook Lake offers a variety of activities like boating, swimming, fishing and kayaking.
  • Beauty Hill Conservation Area: Surrounded by natural beauty, this scenic trail offers a great opportunity for hikers and nature lovers to explore the town’s tranquility at its best.
  • Lake Winnipesaukee: Located just a short drive from Barnstead, Lake Winnipesaukee boasts of picturesque views and is a popular spot among tourists for sailing, boating, fishing, and swimming.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Barnstead

  • Kearsarge Mountain: This 6.1-mile hike to the summit of Kearsarge Mountain is a popular choice for hikers with a moderate level of experience. The trail provides stunning views of Lake Winnipesaukee and its surrounding areas.
  • Pinnacle Park: A perfect destination for mountain bikers and hikers alike, this nature preserve offers over 1000 acres of low impact trail systems and scenic views of the surrounding forests.

Best Things to Do in Barnstead: Activities and Tours

  • The Rail Trail: A popular destination for walkers, joggers, and cyclists, the 34-mile trail winds through the countryside of New England and provides ample opportunity for nature enthusiasts to explore the wild beauty of the region.
  • The Rat Race Obstacle Course: With over 25 obstacles, the Rat Race Obstacle Course is a great way to test your physical abilities and push your limits. This course is open to people of all ages and skill levels.

Week-Long Itinerary for Barnstead

|Day| Activity| |—|—| |Day 1| Visit the Suncook Valley Railroad Museum and explore the town’s railway history.| |Day 2| Hike the Kearsarge Mountain and enjoy the scenic views of Lake Winnipesaukee| |Day 3| Go fishing or boating in Lower Suncook Lake| |Day 4| Visit the Pittsfield Historical Society and learn about the town’s rich colonial history.| |Day 5| Explore the Abenaki Heritage Weekend festival| |Day 6| Take a tour of the Beauty Hill Conservation Area and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.| |Day 7| End your trip with a visit to the Rat Race Obstacle Course and push your physical limits.|

Food and Drink Scene of Barnstead

Must-Try Dishes

  • Maple Syrup: A staple ingredient in New Hampshire cuisine, Barnstead’s maple syrup is known for its rich flavor and quality.
  • Farm-to-Table Produce: From fresh vegetables to locally brewed craft beer, Barnstead has a thriving farm-to-table scene that features fresh and locally sourced ingredients.
  • Lobster Rolls: A must-try seafood delicacy, lobster rolls can be found at several seafood joints in the town.

Local Beverages

  • Apple Cider: Made from locally grown apples, Barnstead’s apple cider is a perfect beverage to enjoy during the autumn months.
  • Craft Beer: The town boasts of several microbreweries that serve locally crafted beer made from the freshest ingredients.

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

  • The Wolfeboro Inn: A luxurious bed and breakfast, this inn is a perfect choice for travelers seeking a comfortable and relaxing stay in Barnstead.
  • The Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa: Combining modern amenities with old world charm, this resort is located in the heart of the White Mountains and offers a wide range of activities and amenities to make your stay memorable.

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

  • Maple Syrup: Take a bottle of Barnstead’s prized maple syrup home to relive memories of your trip.
  • Handmade Crafts and Souvenirs: The town has several artisanal shops that sell handmade crafts and souvenirs made from locally sourced materials.

Local Culture and Customs of Barnstead

Barnstead has a strong colonial history that is reflected in its culture and traditions. Visitors are encouraged to learn about the town’s history through its museums and landmarks and embrace the local way of living by exploring its scenic trails and natural beauty.

Best Time to Visit Barnstead

Barnstead can be visited throughout the year, but the best time to visit is during the autumn months when the foliage is at its peak and the weather is cool and pleasant. Winters can be especially harsh in the region, so visitors are advised to come prepared for the cold.

Do’s and Don’ts of Barnstead

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions
  • Take care of natural resources and wildlife
  • Explore the natural beauty of the town through its scenic trails and outdoor adventures

Don’t:

  • Litter or pollute the environment
  • Damage or remove historical artifacts
  • Infringe on the privacy of local residents

Safety and Health

Safety in Barnstead

Barnstead is a safe town, but visitors are advised to take necessary precautions and be aware of their surroundings, especially when exploring secluded areas or undertaking outdoor adventures.

Health in Barnstead

Barnstead has adequate medical facilities and emergency services, but visitors are advised to carry necessary medication and take precautionary measures against tick-borne illnesses.

Getting to Barnstead: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Barnstead

  • Manchester-Boston Regional Airport: Located about 34 miles from Barnstead, this airport serves both domestic and international destinations.
  • Boston Logan International Airport: Located about 87 miles from Barnstead, this airport serves several major airlines and destinations.

Bus Stations Near Barnstead

  • Concord Trailways: This bus service operates daily buses from Concord to several major cities in New England.

Other Options

Visitors can also rent a car and drive to Barnstead from neighboring towns and cities, or take a train to Concord and then hire a taxi or rental car from there.

How to Get Around in Barnstead

The best way to explore Barnstead is by car or bicycle, although there are no public transportation options within the town.

Where to Go Next from Barnstead: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • White Mountains: Located about 60 miles from Barnstead, the White Mountains offer some of the most spectacular natural beauty in New England.
  • Coastal Maine: A beautiful destination to explore the rugged coastline and scenic towns of Maine, located just a short drive from Barnstead.

Conclusion

Barnstead is a hidden gem in Lakes Region that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, scenic trails, and rich cultural heritage. A perfect destination for a peaceful retreat or a thrilling adventure, Barnstead has something to offer for every kind of traveler. So pack your bags and plan your trip to this charming town to experience the best of New England’s beauty and heritage.