Great North Woods region is home to American history museums

Great Northwoods Interpretive Center

Route 3 Colebrook, NH Phone: 413-548-8002 ext 113

This refuge was established to conserve the abundance and diversity of native plants and animals and their habitats in the 7.2 million acre Connecticut River watershed in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont. One of the refuge’s three cooperative education centers is the Great Northwoods Interpretive Center is on U.S. Route 3 just north of Colebrook, New Hampshire. It is run by the NH Department of Transportation. At the front desk, visitors may get tourism information about the local area. The multi-purpose room contains interpretive displays informing visitors about the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; National Wildlife Refuge System; Conte Refuge, and the Nulhegan Basin Division, Pondicherry Division, and Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge. Hours: Memorial Day to Columbus Day, Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday-Sunday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. After September 1, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is free to the public. Information: http://www.fws.gov/r5soc/

Little Nature Museum

656 Gould Hill Road Contoocook, NH 03229 Phone: 603-746-6121

Open: Late June to late October, weekends and holidays

A small nature center featuring exhibits, trails, a library, and special programs. The Little Nature Museum is located in a historic 200-year-old barn at Gould Hill Orchards. The collections include, rocks, minerals, fossils, sea life, insects, Indian artifacts, mounted birds and mammals, and plants. There are also interpretive exhibits, hands-on activities, and nature trails. Open weekends for free. Guided tours offered by appointment weekdays and weekends for $1 per person. Open during late spring, summer, and early fall. Information: www.littlenaturemuseum.org/

Northern Forest Heritage Park

961 Main Street Berlin, NH 03570 Phone: 603-752-7202

Park includes a three-acre site with waterfront; an outdoor amphitheater; a full-size logging camp museum; interactive exhibits; the Brown Co. House Museum; and the Artisans Gift Shop. The park hosts forest, river and art exhibits, lectures, seminars, concerts, ethnic festivals, Summer Heritage Mill Tours, lumberjack competitions, and special blacksmith demonstrations and events. Information: http://www.northernforestheritage.org/main.htm