Odiorne Point State Park + Seacoast Science Center

Odiorne Point State Park provides fun for the whole family on the New Hampshire seacoast. The park has hiking trails, a bike path, a picnic area, a boat ramp, a playground, and a science center all spread out along the rocky shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Whether you’re fishing, exploring tide pools, paddling, hiking, or cycling, you’ll be surrounded by the park’s rich history. Once a fishing and farming settlement founded in the 1600s where generations of the Odiorne family lived, Odiorne Point later became a vacation spot complete with seasonal homes and hotels. It wasn’t until 1942 that the land became Fort Dearborn and the concrete military bunkers and gun mounts seen today were built. Some of the bunkers aren’t too obvious at first glance because they’re camouflaged as hills with plants and trees growing on and around them. During the winter months, Odiorne Point’s trails become great for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

In addition to the historic military structures, natural history is abundant too. Visit the Seacoast Science Center to feel the starfish in the touch tank and watch the sea creatures swim around their aquariums. Each aquarium even has a step-stool, so toddlers can get up close to the tanks for a better look. Kids will have fun learning as they move through the indoor exhibits, and daily interpretive programs and hands-on adventures are something the whole family will enjoy.