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But the native people
have known this lake and its beauty for 10,000 years. They gave
Lake Winnipesaukee the Indian name meaning “Smile of the Great
Spirit.”
These days people still
fish and canoe on the lake but it’s shared with modern day jet
skis and motorboats. But essentially Lake Winnipesaukee is an
area to take your time exploring, and let the hours tick slowly
by.
I’ve been visiting Lake
Winnipesaukee for the last twenty years and I have these
suggestions for enjoying your visit to the Lake.
M/S MOUNT WASHINGTON
CRUISE
For a 132-years a cruise
boat has been traveling up and down the 72 square miles of the
lake. The current boat – M/S MOUNT WASHINGTON has been operating
since 1946. Due to the demand it was extended in 1982 by cutting
the boat in half and placing a middle section.
Today with it’s three
decks and ample room there’s no better way of getting oriented
on the Lake. You can board the boat at Weirs Beach and take the
2 and ˝ hour cruise down to Alton Bay or up to the picturesque
town of Meredith.
When you make the trip be
prepared to do a lot of waving. The M/S Mount Washington is a
popular and the most distinctive boat on the lake, and you’ll
find most boaters and people on the shorelines waving in
recognition of this majestic large ship.
THE LAKE WINNIPESAUKEE
SCENIC TRAIN RIDE
The Lake Winnipesaukee
scenic train runs from Meredith to Weirs Beach to Lakeport and
back. You can take a 1 hour or 2 hour ride. You’ll get
spectacular views of the lake and shoreline and Belknap
Mountain.
This is a slow ride train
as it travels the shoreline on Paugus Bay, and you’ll get plenty
of time to admire many of the stunning homes built on this
stretch of the ride.
Snacks and ice cream are
sold on the journey.
THE CASTLE IN THE CLOUDS
The Castle in the Clouds
is a magnificent home built on a mountaintop in 1913 by
industrialist Thomas Plant.
You can tour the castle
and grounds where you’ll find waterfalls and miles of trails to
explore. During the fall foliage season it offers majestic views
of the lake and surrounding area.
The Castle is near
Moultonboro on the eastern side of the lake and you can get
there by following Route 171 in Ossipee.
BELKNAP MOUNTAIN HIKE
For these willing to be a
little more adventurous Lake Winnipesaukee offers some great
hiking tails. Many are moderate to difficult, but the Belknap
Mountain hike in Gilford is easy and can be done by most people
including small kids.
This is an enjoyable walk
and you should allow 2 and ˝ hours round trip to appreciate the
walk to its fullest. At the summit you’ll be rewarded with a
magnificent view of Lake Winnipesaukee, and if conditions are
right you can sometimes spot Mount Washington in the distance.
Take Route 11A to Gilford
and drive south through the village. Stay on this road as it
climbs Belknap Mountain road. Eventually you’ll see signs and a
parking area on the left.
These are just a few
activities you can do when visiting Lake Winnipesaukee.
For more information and
details on Lake Winnipesaukee attraction and things to do visit
the Lakes Region web site at www.lakesregion.org. |
