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Concord, New Hampshire, is a city that wears its history with pride while embracing modern life along the banks of the Merrimack River. As the state capital, Concord serves as the political heart of New Hampshire, but it is also a city of unexpected cultural depth, scenic beauty, and small-city warmth that rewards visitors who take the time to explore its tree-lined streets and historic downtown. With a population of around 44,000 residents, Concord strikes a balance between being small enough to feel approachable and large enough to offer genuine amenities, museums, and outdoor activities.
The city was founded in 1734 as a settlement called “Penacook” by the Pennacook tribe, and it later became known as Concord in 1765 after a period of settlement disputes. Today, the city is best known as the site of the New Hampshire State House, one of the oldest active legislative buildings in the United States, but its appeal extends well beyond politics. Visitors will find a vibrant downtown district, access to excellent hiking and kayaking, and a surprising wealth of museums and cultural institutions relative to its size.
Concord’s earliest chapters were written by the Penacook people, who lived along the Merrimack River for thousands of years before European settlers arrived. The tribe used the river for fishing and transportation, and the area’s fertile banks supported their agricultural communities. European settlement began in the early 18th century, and by the mid-1700s, colonists were establishing farms in what would become Concord.
The city earned its name in 1765, chosen to reflect the peaceful resolution of a long-running land dispute among the settlers. When New Hampshire’s capital was moved to Concord in 1808 after being displaced from Exeter, the city’s trajectory as a center of government and commerce began. The Merrimack River remained central to Concord’s identity, powering mills and facilitating trade that brought economic growth throughout the 19th century.
Concord’s cultural institutions reflect its long commitment to the arts and education. The New Hampshire Historical Society operates a museum and research library in the city, preserving artifacts and documents that tell the story of the region from pre-colonial times through the modern era. The Capitol Center for the Arts, a beautifully restored 1920s movie palace, hosts Broadway shows, concerts, and community events that draw audiences from across the state.
The city is also home to the McDowell Dental Museum, one of the few remaining dental museums in the country, housed in the historic office of Dr. John McDowell, a pioneer in the field of dentistry in New Hampshire. This quirky little museum offers a window into the history of dental care in rural America.
Concord’s compact downtown is one of its greatest assets, with historic brick buildings housing independent shops, cafes, and galleries that make walking the city streets genuinely pleasant. Main Street serves as the primary commercial artery, lined with architecturally significant buildings that reflect the city’s prosperity during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The New Hampshire State House is the centerpiece of any visit, a gleaming white granite structure completed in 1819 that remains the oldest state house in the country where the legislature still meets in its original chambers. Free tours are available when the legislature is not in session, offering visitors a chance to see the House and Senate chambers, the public galleries, and the building’s rotunda, which features a striking mural by artist Barry Faulkner.
Just a short walk from the State House, the Susan N. McLane Linear Park provides a pleasant paved trail along the Merrimack River, perfect for a stroll or a casual bike ride. The park connects several of the city’s neighborhoods and offers views of the water, benches for resting, and access points for paddlers and anglers.
For those interested in architecture, the historic Railroad Square area near the former Concord Railroad station showcases a collection of Victorian-era commercial buildings that reflect the city’s importance as a rail hub in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The old railroad depot building has been repurposed as an events venue.
Concord’s location along the Merrimack River provides the foundation for much of its outdoor recreation. Kayaking and canoeing are popular activities, with the river offering a mix of calm stretches and light rapids suitable for paddlers of moderate experience. Several local outfitters provide rentals and shuttle services for day trips on the water.
Miller Park, a 30-acre park in the heart of the city, offers hiking trails that wind through forested areas and along the riverbank. The park is particularly beautiful in autumn when the New England foliage turns the surrounding trees into a vivid palette of reds, oranges, and yellows. The park also features a playground, sports fields, and picnic areas, making it a favorite among local families.
Just north of the city, Mount Duston provides a more demanding hiking challenge, with steep trails leading to panoramic views of the surrounding hills and the Merrimack Valley. The hike is approximately 3 miles round trip and involves some rocky sections, but the reward is one of the best viewpoints in the central part of the state.
For a gentler outdoor experience, the Bear Creek Park offers paved walking paths, community gardens, and a small pond that is popular with birdwatchers. The park is particularly lovely in spring when the surrounding trees are in bloom.
The New Hampshire State House stands as Concord’s premier attraction, drawing visitors interested in American history and government. The building’s Greek Revival architecture, with its distinctive golden dome, is visible from much of the city and serves as a visual anchor for the downtown area. Inside, the building is rich with historical artwork, including portraits of every New Hampshire governor.
The New Hampshire Historical Society Museum houses exhibits covering the full span of New Hampshire’s history, from indigenous cultures through the industrial age and into the 20th century. Notable artifacts include a Revolutionary War flag, a collection of early photography documenting the state’s development, and rotating exhibits that highlight specific periods or themes in New Hampshire’s past.
The Capitol Center for the Arts is both an architectural gem and a cultural hub. Its interior features ornate plasterwork, a grand lobby, and a performance hall with excellent acoustics. The venue hosts everything from touring Broadway productions to local school performances, and its calendar offers something for nearly every taste throughout the year.
For those traveling with children or anyone curious about the history of dental medicine, the McDowell Dental Museum offers a unique and somewhat quirky experience. The small museum is housed in a restored 19th-century dental office and includes original equipment, antique dental chairs, and displays on the evolution of dental practices over the past two centuries.
The Merrimack River itself is a natural attraction that draws paddlers, anglers, and wildlife enthusiasts. The river is home to a variety of fish species, and bald eagles are regularly spotted along its wooded stretches, particularly in the early morning hours.
The best time to visit Concord depends on what you want from your trip. Spring and fall tend to offer the most comfortable weather, with temperatures ranging from the 40s to the 60s Fahrenheit and the landscape either coming into bloom or displaying New England’s famous autumn foliage. Spring often brings the Merrimack River to life with increased flow from snowmelt, making it an ideal season for paddling.
Summer brings warmer temperatures in the 70s and 80s and is the peak season for outdoor activities along the river and in the city’s parks. Weekend festivals, outdoor concerts at the Capitol Center, and farmers markets fill the downtown area with energy. Summer is also when Concord’s parks are at their most lush and green, perfect for hiking and picnicking.
Winter transforms Concord into a quiet, atmospheric destination. Snow blankets the historic streets and the surrounding countryside, creating a classic New England winter scene. The New Hampshire State House and downtown area take on a special beauty after snowfall, and the city’s proximity to the state’s ski regions makes it a practical base for winter sports enthusiasts. Lodging rates are typically lower than in peak season, and the city’s restaurants and museums offer a cozy retreat from the cold.
Fall is arguably Concord’s most spectacular season, when the surrounding forests erupt in the brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows that New England is famous for worldwide. Hiking trails in the area offer exceptional leaf-peeping opportunities, and the cooler temperatures are ideal for exploring the city on foot. Fall weekends can be busy, so visiting on a weekday if possible is advisable.
Here are some of our favorite things to do in Concord. Take your pick!
The McDowell Dental Museum occupies a unique corner of New Hampshire’s cultural landscape, housed in the beautifully preserved 19th-century office and home of Dr. John McDowell , a pioneering dentist who practiced in Concord from 1881 to 1930. This…