Top 24 Things To Do In Keene, New Hampshire

Nicole
Posted Oct 29, 2021
| 11 min read

Located in Cheshire County, Keene is a gorgeous city in New Hampshire that is known for its excellent universities. Some of the most notable universities in Keene are Antioch University New England and Keene State College. Though small in terms of population, Keene has lots of fascinating tourist attractions and landmarks scattered throughout the city. It also features plenty of hotels and Airbnb vacation rentals for every traveler’s accommodation needs. If you like skiing and other winter sports, you might like to check out Granite Gorge and spend a day playing on the snow. Also, you should visit the Stonewall Farm and enjoy the peaceful and quiet side of Keene. If you are traveling to this beautiful city with your kids, you might like to bring them to the fascinating Cheshire Children’s Museum. For a more in-depth guide, here is a list of fantastic things to do in Keene, New Hampshire. Feel free to browse below.

1. Treat your kids to a fun day at the Cheshire Children's Museum


Visiting the beautiful city of Keene with your family? Thinking of a place in the city where you can bring the kids that they will surely enjoy? If so, take them to the fascinating Cheshire Children’s Museum in Emerald Street. It houses lots of toys and games that the children can play to their hearts’ content. Not to mention, some tools are excellent for toddler’s learning development in the Cheshire Children’s Museum. Watch as your kids play and learn while having so much fun.

Cheshire Children's Museum

Address: 149 Emerald St, Keene, NH 03431, USA

Website: Cheshire Children’s Museum

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 12pm - 4am (closed on Mon)

Price: 7 USD

2. Get your nails done at Devine Back & Body Care


Is your body starting to take its toll on you after days of museum visits, sightseeing, trying out excellent restaurants, and immersing in the nightlife of the vibrant city of Keene? If you agree with this, it’s about time you give yourself a treat of relaxing body care at the Devine Back & Body Care. This charming spa features a modern interior design with a relaxing ambiance. Aside from different specialty massages, they also offer chiropractic care, spa services, nail care, facials, and lots of pampering services. You will surely feel rejuvenated after a day at the Devine Back & Care Body Care.

Devine Back & Body Care

Address: 109 Washington St # 1, Keene, NH 03431, USA

Website: Devine Back & Body Care

Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 10am - 6pm; Sat: 10am - 3pm (closed on Sun & Mon)

3. Learn about Keene at the Historical Society of Cheshire County


The Historical Society of Cheshire County is a fascinating heritage site that you should visit during your Keene adventure. It has lots of exhibits, galleries, and vintage objects that tell the story of the culture and heritage of the city. It also features beautiful old films that will help its visitors better understand the old times. Some of them are the Brother Outsider: The Life of Bayard Rustin, Lost Boundaries, and other interesting films. Check out their website for upcoming events that you may be interested to take part in. To top it all off, admission to the Historical Society of Cheshire County is free of charge.

Historical Society of Cheshire County

Address: 246 Main St, Keene, NH 03431, USA

Website: Historical Society of Cheshire County

Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 9am - 4pm (closed from Sat - Mon)

Price: Free entry

4. Catch a show at The Colonial Theatre, Keene NH

Do you fancy live performances? If you are a big fan of performing arts, you might enjoy watching an entertaining show at the Colonial Theatre in Keene. It showcases lots of delightful acts from musical performances to drama to comedy. Some of the upcoming shows include the Red Hot Chili Pipers, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Adventure, Ken Burns Country Music, Boston vs New York Comedy-Palooza Rumble, and more. Not only that, but they also hold film viewing events that might pique your interest. Check their website before your visit so you would know which events pique your interest.

The Colonial Theatre, Keene NH

Address: 95 Main St, Keene, NH 03431, USA

Website: The Colonial Theatre, Keene NH

5. Spend some time in Robin Hood Park

Thinking of having a relaxing picnic with your family? Do you want to be reconnected with nature? If so, the best place to enjoy nature while making quality time with your family is at Robin Hood Park. It is a charming park adorned with lush greeneries. It is very family-focused. It has a fantastic playground where your kids can play around, slide, and swing all day. It also has a stunning lake where you can take lots of Insta-worthy pictures. This is an excellent place to breathe fresh air away from the noise and pollution of downtown.

Robin Hood Park

Address: Keene, NH 03431, USA

Website: Robin Hood Park

Opening hours: 6am - 10am (daily)

6. Feed domestic animals at the Stonewall Farm

Running out of ideas as to where to go next on your Keene adventure? You might be interested in visiting the gorgeous Stonewall Farm in Chestnut Road. It is a melting pot for locals and tourists alike who wants to relax, enjoy nature, and learn salient facts about farming. The Stonewall Farm is not only for adults as they also have educational programs that help nurture the young minds about planting and animals. If you need raw ingredients, Stonewall Farm also sells fresh and organic products harvested directly on the farm.

Stonewall Farm

Address: 242 Chesterfield Rd, Keene, NH 03431, USA

Website: Stonewall Farm

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 6pm; Sat: 10am - 6pm; Sun: 10am - 5pm

7. See interesting displays at the Horatio Colony Museum


The Horacio Colony Museum is one of many fascinating attractions in Keene that will give you a glimpse of the city’s rich culture, heritage, and tell you stories that are relevant to the city’s history. Located in Main Street, Horation Colony Museum showcases a stunning century house. It houses galleries and exhibits showing old photographs and vintage items. It also holds events that locals and tourists are welcome to participate in. Some of the upcoming events include The Harrisville Connection and An Evening of Candlelight Croquet.

Horatio Colony Museum

Address: 199 Main St, Keene, NH 03431, USA

Website: Horatio Colony Museum

Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 11am - 4pm (closed on Mon & Tues)

Price: Free entry

8. Buy fresh ingredients at Hannah Grimes Marketplace


If you like shopping and immersing in the city’s culture, one of the best places to shop and score some excellent finds is at the Hannah Grimes Marketplace. Open seven days a week, this market place has everything you need from food items to glassware and pottery to pieces of jewelry to household stuff, clothing items, and more. Their products are made with love by the hands of talented local artisans. In total, they have almost 250 artisans that supply various goods to the store.

Hannah Grimes Marketplace

Address: 3734, 42 Main St, Keene, NH 03431, United States

Website: Hannah Grimes Marketplace

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 10am - 6pm; Fri - Sat: 10am - 7pm; Sun: 10am - 5pm

9. Marvel at the beauty of Ashuelot River Park

For a more relaxing adventure, visit the stunning Ashuelot River Park. It is a beautiful area in Keene that boasts gorgeous lush greeneries and exudes a serene ambiance. You can enjoy a day picnicking with your family, preparing a creative writing piece, painting, and other activities that require peace of mind. It also has fantastic hiking routes for visitors who like physical activities and exploring nature. Don’t forget to bring your camera when you visit Ashuelot River Park as it has lots of ideal photography subjects as well.

Ashuelot River Park

Address: Keene, NH 03431, USA

Website: Ashuelot River Park

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

10. Buy some antique pieces at Colony Antiques

If you like antique souvenirs and interesting home decors, head over to Emerald Street and explore the Colony Antiques. It is a charming shop that sells stunning pieces from jars to paintings to pieces of furniture, and a lot more. You can also find gorgeous vintage accessories. Prepare your wallet as you might be on to a delightful treat at the Colony Antiques.

Colony Antiques

Address: 48 Emerald St, Keene, NH 03431, USA

Website: Colony Antiques

Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)

11. Hike through the trails of Horatio Colony Nature Preserve


If you like physical activities and exploring nature, Horatio Colony Nature Preserve is a wonderful destination for you. It features fantastic and safe hiking routes that lead to beautiful trails, lush greeneries, scenic views, and a lot more. It is open to public 24/7. Throughout the trail, you will pass through historic sites that are relevant to the culture and heritage of Keene. Enjoy hiking with your friends or travel with other hikers and enjoy an experience that is definitely one for the books.

Horatio Colony Nature Preserve

Address: Daniels Hill Rd, Keene, NH 03431, USA

Website: Horatio Colony Nature Preserve

12. Catch a live performance at the Redfern Arts Center


If you are done with sights and the eats of Keene, you might like to dive into its vibrant art scene. If you like live performances and being entertained, you might love to catch an excellent performance at the Redfern Arts Center. It is one of the many institutions in Keene that supports performing arts. Redfern Arts Center encourage guests to be a member of the organization as members have unlimited access to outstanding performances, take a huge part in promoting arts, and can collaborate with other artists in honing their craft.

Redfern Arts Center

Address: 90 Wyman Way, Keene, NH 03435, USA

Website: Redfern Arts Center

13. Spend some time fishing with your friends at Otter Brook State Park

Do you like picnics amid a relaxing ambiance of natural parks? If so, why don’t you visit Otter Brook State Park and spend a relaxing day with your friends as you go on fishing activities, swimming, and having a delightful picnic? It is a beautiful area with stunning views. Lots of locals and tourists alike come to this place to breathe fresh air and be away from the busy city life for a while. Otter Brook State Park is open daily and everybody is welcome to take advantage of this paradise.

Otter Brook State Park

Address: Keene, NH 03431, USA

Website: Otter Brook State Park

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

14. Check out art pieces at the Thorne Sagendorph Art Gallery


Do you have a penchant for art? Do you support artists? If so, come and visit the Thorne Sagendorph Art Gallery on Main Street. It is a charming museum with lots of art exhibits and gorgeous pieces. It is a venue for local artists to showcase their craft and be recognized for it. Plus, the Thorne Sagendorph Art Gallery conducts tour programs for schools to teach fresh talents more about art and be an influence on them.

Thorne Sagendorph Art Gallery

Address: 229 Main St, Keene, NH 03435, USA

Website: Thorne Sagendorph Art Gallery

Opening hours: Wed - Thu: 12pm - 7pm; Fri - Sun: 12pm - 5pm (closed on Mon & Tue)

15. Breathe fresh air in the Drummer Hill Conservation Area

The Drummer Hill Conservation Area is a gorgeous park in Keene that boasts of stunning lush greeneries, a breathtaking lake, and marvelous views. Lots of people visit this place to be reconnected with nature or take excellent pictures to hone their photography skills. Other tourists come to the Drummer Hill Conservation area to explore the park and hike through the woods. It is open 24 hours a day and everyone is welcome in this charming park.

Drummer Hill Conservation Area

Address: Keene, NH 03431, USA

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

16. Ice skate in Keene Ice


Do you like playing on ice? If so, visit the Keene Ice in Marlboro Street and spend a day ice skating to your heart’s content. Whether you are a beginner or a pro, it is a fantastic place to learn new tricks or start learning about this exciting sport. Make friends with other skaters and try a different sport like hockey. It is a fun place to go to with your family or friends and make delightful memories.

Keene Ice

Address: 380 Marlboro St, Keene, NH 03431, USA

Website: Keene Ice

Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)

17. Take souvenir pictures of Cheshire Railroad Stone Arch Bridge

The Cheshire Railroad Stone Arch Bridge is a railroad bridge and a landmark in Keene. It was constructed in the year 1847 to smoothen the transportation to the city. The bridge passes above the Branch River. When you visit the Cheshire Railroad Stone Arch Bridge you will see lush greeneries and stunning views.

Cheshire Railroad Stone Arch Bridge

Address: Keene, NH 03431, USA

Website: Cheshire Railroad Stone Arch Bridge

18. Gorge on delicious food at Luca's Mediterranean Café


Thinking of a place to bring your family for some delicious food? If so, you might like to visit the fantastic Luca’s Mediterranean Cafe in Central Square. It is a charming restaurant with stunning vintage interiors and a rustic accent. It exudes a relaxed ambiance that will make you feel right at home. While in Luca’s Mediterranean Cafe, be sure to try some of their best sellers such as Mussels Italiano, Almond Crusted Fried Mozzarella, Duck Confit & Brie Mediterranean Street Taco, Wild Caught Gulf Coast Shrimp, Spinach & Ricotta Ravioli, and others.

Luca's Mediterranean Café

Address: 10 Central Square, Keene, NH 03431, USA

Website: Luca’s Mediterranean Café

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11:30am - 2pm, 5pm - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 11:30am - 2pm, 5pm - 10pm; Sun: 5pm - 8pm

19. Enjoy swimming and sunbathing at the Otter Brook Beach

If your idea of a delightful vacation is a picture of a day swimming in the beach and basking in the warmth of the sun, there is an excellent paradise in Keene where you can do just that - the Otter Brook Beach. Otter Brook Beach is a stunning beach and campground where tourists and locals flock to enjoy a relaxing time. This charming beach has available restrooms for a more convenient stay, a park with picnic tables, and recreational areas.

Otter Brook Beach

Address: 480 Branch Rd, Keene, NH 03431, USA

Website: Otter Brook Beach

Opening hours: Mon - Tue: 8am - 6pm; Wed - Sun: 8am - 8pm

20. Enjoy premium drinks at The Pour House


Planning a night out with your friends or a casual afternoon snacking with your siblings? If so, The Pour House in Central Square might pique your interest. It is a charming laid back bar, cafe, and pastry shop in one lovely establishment. They offer premium beers and cocktails as well as mouthwatering desserts and snacks that will make your heart cry happy tears. Not only that, but they also serve delicious lunch and dinner entrees if you’re in the mood for some heavy meals before drinking the night away.

The Pour House

Address: 44 Central Square, Keene, NH 03431, USA

Website: The Pour House

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11am - 1am; Sat - Sun: 9am - 1am

21. Dance the night away at William Marconi Italian Club

The William Marconi Italian Club is a fabulous place to party in Keene. It features a stunning modern bar with rustic interior designs and a fantastic bar with a display of an assortment of wine, beers, vodka, rum, gin, spirits, and other premium drinks. It has indoor seating and a laid back outdoor setting if you want a more casual vibe. Live entertainment is also present so be ready to sway into the groove of the night and socialize with other customers. Not to mention, the food is also exceptional in William Marconi Italian Club.

William Marconi Italian Club

Address: 97 Wood St, Keene, NH 03431, USA

Website: William Marconi Italian Club

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 12pm - 11pm; Sun: 12pm - 8pm

22. Play a round of golf at Bretwood Golf Course


Are you in the beautiful city of Keene for business or for pleasure? Well, whether you are in the city for business, it won’t hurt anybody if you would pause for a while, relax, and play a few rounds of golf at the stunning Bretwood Golf Course. Featuring a majestic impeccably manicured vast 36-hole golf course with breathtaking views including a sight of the stunning Ashuelot River, you will surely feel every bit relaxed in Bretwood Golf Course. Come with friends or visit solo and meet new friends here and enjoy a delightful afternoon of golfing.

Bretwood Golf Course

Address: 365 E Surry Rd, Keene, NH 03431, USA

Website: Bretwood Golf Course

Opening hours: 6am - 8pm (daily)

23. Settle an old score with friends at Yankee Lanes


Are you in Keene with your group of friends? Do you like indoor games? If so, visit the Yankee Lanes and ready your best game face as you will be enjoying a day of bowling and snacking in this fun-filled attraction. It features lots of bowling lanes where you can showcase your bowling expertise. Settle an old score with your friends and together make lasting memories. Also, if you’re coming solo, there are lots of friendly locals in Yankee Lanes with whom you can be friends and play a few rounds of bowling.

Yankee Lanes

Address: 477 Park Ave, Keene, NH 03431, USA

Website: Yankee Lanes

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 12pm - 10pm; Fri: 9am - 12am; Sat: 12pm - 12am

24. Buy fresh produce at the Farmer's Market of Keene


Planning to prepare a special dinner for your family? Buy ingredients ahead of time in the Farmer’s Market of Keene. It is a bustling market with lots of quality products that will surely make your dishes delicious and healthy. Open on Tuesdays and Saturdays, located in the heart of Keene, the Farmer’s Market of Keene offers locally sourced products from fresh meats, chicken, fish, fruits, and vegetables. Not only that, you can find fresh loaves of bread and lovely pastries in the market. This is also a fabulous place to make friends with locals and ask for secret recipes and cooking tips.

Farmer's Market of Keene

Address: Gilbo Ave, Keene, NH 03431, USA

Website: Farmer’s Market of Keene

Opening hours: Tue: 4pm - 7pm; Sat: 9am - 1pm (closed on Sun, Mon, Wed, Thu & Fri)

Stunning Keene

Keene is a charming city in New Hampshire. It features a peaceful and quiet environment, fascinating landmarks, and interesting tourist attractions. It exudes a balance of city lifestyle and the relaxing ambiance of the countryside. Also, you can find the Keene State College and Antioch University New England in this side of New Hampshire. If you are planning to visit Keene any time soon, use this list of fantastic things to do in the city as your guide in planning an itinerary. May you have a wonderful vacation ahead.

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