Merrimack Valley is home to wildlife refuge, nature center, and more science fun

America's Stonehenge

105 Haverhill Road Salem, NH 03079 Phone: 603-893-8300

Exploring new things

It has been determined that America's Stonehenge is an accurate astronomically aligned calendar. It was and still can be, used to determine specific solar and lunar events of the year. Archaeoastronomy is the study of the role of astronomy in ancient cultures. This includes knowing who was responsible for building astronomical observatories and how they were used to effect or influence their lives At America's Stonehenge. We have uncovered a wide range of artifacts including stone tools, pottery, stone and bone pendants, Native American and colonial artifacts. There are many other ancient observatories throughout the world including Easter Island, Stonehenge in England, The Temple of Karnak and Pyramid of Giza in Egypt, Machu Picchu in Peru, Chichen Itza in Mexico, Calendar I and II in Vermont, The Gungywamp in Connecticut and America's Stonehenge to name just a few.Come spend a day in our beautiful wooded area, get to know the alpaca’s and be a part of America’s Stonehenge!

Canterbury Shaker Village

288 Shaker Road Canterbury, NH 03224 Phone: 603-783-9511

Take a step back in time...

Founded in 1792, Canterbury Shaker Village is located twenty minutes north of Concord, New Hampshire. The village, which once was home to over 300 Shakers, has been an outdoor history museum since 1992, when the last Shaker resident passed away. The National Historic Landmark features 25 original Shaker buildings on 694 acres of gardens, fields, ponds and forests. Come experience two hundred years of Shaker life through guided tours with engaging interpreters, craft demonstrations, restored organic vegetables and botanical gardens and special events. Highlights include a Shaker school and hospital, as well as a number of nature trails. Situated on a beautiful site, the Village is ideal for learning, reflection and renewal of spirit. Rich in authenticity, Canterbury Shaker Village is a non-profit, educational institution that features an award-winning restaurant and houses New Hampshire’s premier store for Shaker reproductions and New Hampshire handcrafted products. Open: May 10-October 31, daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; November open Fri., Sat. & Sun. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Christa McAuliffe Planetarium

3 Institute Drive Concord, NH 03301 Phone: 603-271-7827 Fax: 603-271-7832

Programs and exhibits focus on astronomy for school groups and the general public. Open year-round. There is an admission fee.

See Science Center

200 Bedford Street Manchester, NH 03101 Phone: 603-669-0400

Open: Monday – Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

This hands-on science center has nearly 100 exhibits where children and adults can do actual science experiments. The museum’s Millyard Project is a scale model of the Amoskeag Millyard of Manchester circa 1900, built entirely of Lego blocks – 2 million in all. Other activities include the Science of Ice Hockey; Reptile Mountain, and Moonwalk. Check for seasonal changes in hours and programs. Cost: $5 per person over age 1.