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Merrimack County
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Explore Merrimack County, New Hampshire, for Concord's civic history, Shaker heritage, mountain parks, river towns and four-season outdoor recreation.

Merrimack County occupies a broad stretch of central New Hampshire between the Merrimack River and the foothills of the state's western uplands. Concord, the state capital, forms its principal urban centre, while smaller communities such as Canterbury, Boscawen, Franklin, Warner, Andover, New London and New London offer a quieter pattern of village greens, wooded roads, lakes and working landscapes. The county is close enough to Boston for a practical short break, yet its character is distinctly rural beyond the capital and the major transport corridors.
Read more about Merrimack County
Concord combines civic architecture, cultural institutions and river history. The New Hampshire State House, built in the nineteenth century and still used by the legislature, stands near a compact downtown of brick commercial buildings, restaurants, independent shops and galleries. The Merrimack River, which helped shape the county's settlement and industry, runs through the eastern part of the county, while the Contoocook River and numerous smaller waterways add to the landscape of wooded valleys and mill towns.
Away from Concord, Merrimack County's strongest attractions are often tied to land, craft and community history. Canterbury Shaker Village preserves buildings, gardens, workshops and fields associated with the Shaker community that lived there from the late eighteenth century into the twentieth century. Franklin, beside the Pemigewasset River, is associated with industrial heritage and Daniel Webster, the influential nineteenth-century statesman born nearby. In Warner, Mount Kearsarge and Rollins State Park provide accessible mountain scenery, hiking and broad views across the surrounding country.
The western and northern parts of the county are well suited to walking, cycling, paddling, skiing and scenic driving, with recreation centred on state parks, conservation land, lakes and forest roads rather than large resort complexes. The landscape changes noticeably with the seasons: autumn brings strong colour to the uplands, while summer is suited to swimming, boating and outdoor concerts. Winters can be snowy and cold, particularly at higher elevations, and rural roads may be slower than their distances suggest.
Food and culture combine New England traditions with contemporary local enterprise. Concord has the county's broadest range of cafés, restaurants, bookshops and arts venues, while village stores, farm stands, breweries and seasonal markets provide a more dispersed taste of the countryside. Merrimack County is best approached as a collection of connected communities: allow time for the capital, then follow the river valleys and hill roads at a slower pace to understand the region's historic and natural character.

When is the best time to visit Merrimack County?

Best: June–August · 24–26°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January-270
February167
March689
April1390
May1998
June (best)2498
July (best)26104
August (best)25102
September2197
October1597
November893
December183

Getting to and around Merrimack County

How to get there

Concord is the main gateway to Merrimack County and is reached by road from Interstate 93, which runs north-south through the county, and by US and New Hampshire state highways. Concord Coach Lines provides intercity bus connections serving Concord from Boston and other New England destinations, subject to current schedules. The county does not have a major commercial passenger airport; Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, outside the county to the south, is a practical nearby gateway, while Boston Logan International Airport is farther away and offers the widest range of international flights. Rail access is limited compared with nearby Massachusetts, so visitors should check current services carefully before planning an itinerary around trains.

Transportation

Concord has local bus service, taxis and rideshare availability, but public transport becomes more limited beyond the capital. A car is generally the most convenient way to combine Canterbury, Franklin, Warner, Andover, New London and rural state parks, particularly when visiting trailheads or travelling outside the main corridors. Cycling is possible on quieter secondary roads, although traffic, hills and narrow shoulders require care. Walking works well in downtown Concord and some village centres, but most county attractions are separated by several miles of countryside. Winter snow and spring conditions can make rural and mountain roads slower.

Top city travel guides in Merrimack County

The cities of Merrimack County, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Destinations in Merrimack County

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in Merrimack County

Merrimack County's attractions range from the civic and cultural institutions of Concord to rural heritage sites, state parks and river landscapes. The New Hampshire State House provides an introduction to the state's political history, while the New Hampshire Historical Society and other downtown cultural venues build a wider picture of life in the region. Canterbury Shaker Village is the county's most distinctive heritage attraction, with preserved buildings, gardens, fields and craft traditions arranged across a substantial historic landscape. In Franklin, the Daniel Webster Birthplace offers a connection with one of New Hampshire's most important nineteenth-century statesmen. Outdoor visitors can hike, picnic and enjoy mountain views at Rollins State Park on Mount Kearsarge, or explore the lakes, forests and quieter roads around Andover, New London and the northern county. The Merrimack, Contoocook and Pemigewasset valleys add opportunities for paddling, fishing and scenic drives, while local farms, galleries, theatres and seasonal markets provide a more contemporary dimension. Attractions are dispersed, so a car and a flexible itinerary are useful outside Concord.

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Best landmarks in Merrimack County

The New Hampshire State House is Merrimack County's defining civic landmark. Its pale granite architecture, central dome and continuing use by the state legislature give Concord a strong political identity, while the surrounding government district preserves the character of the early capital. Canterbury Shaker Village is a landmark of a different kind: its meeting house, dwelling houses, workshops, barns, gardens and carefully ordered fields express the Shakers' communal religious and agricultural system. In Franklin, the Daniel Webster Birthplace links the county to national political history through the preserved home and landscape associated with the statesman. Mount Kearsarge forms the county's most recognisable natural landmark, rising above the surrounding hills and visible from many roads and viewpoints; Rollins State Park provides a principal route into its landscape. The Merrimack River is also central to the county's identity, both as a geographical feature and as the historic corridor around which settlement, mills, transport and Concord's commercial life developed.

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Explore Merrimack County on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Merrimack County

Dining in Merrimack County reflects central New Hampshire's mixture of capital-city services, rural food production and traditional New England cooking. Concord has the widest choice, including cafés, bakeries, international restaurants, contemporary American menus, brewpubs and established diners, with many options concentrated around downtown and the main commercial roads. Pubs and country restaurants elsewhere in the county commonly serve burgers, soups, sandwiches, roast dishes and New England staples, while seasonal menus make use of apples, berries, corn, squash and other local produce. Maple syrup, farm eggs, baked goods and small-batch products are easy to find at farm stands and markets when in season. Franklin, Canterbury and the lake and hill communities offer a more limited but varied selection of family restaurants, cafés and roadside stops. Visitors should also look for New Hampshire maple products, locally brewed beer and regional cheeses, while remembering that rural establishments may close earlier and may not operate every day.

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Best bars in Merrimack County

Evening life in Merrimack County is centred on Concord, where visitors will find traditional pubs, restaurants with bars, breweries, cocktail-focused venues and occasional live music or cultural events. The capital's theatres and arts organisations add to the evening programme without creating a large metropolitan nightlife scene. In Franklin and the smaller towns, nightlife is more likely to mean a local pub, tavern, restaurant or community performance than a dedicated nightclub. Rural communities around Canterbury, Warner, Andover and New London tend to become quiet earlier, although seasonal concerts, fairs and outdoor events can bring temporary activity. Drinking is not necessary to experience the county's evening culture; dining, theatre, music and walks through Concord's historic centre are equally established options. Opening arrangements and entertainment schedules change, so check directly with venues before making late-night plans.

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Best nightclubs in Merrimack County

Evening life in Merrimack County is centred on Concord, where visitors will find traditional pubs, restaurants with bars, breweries, cocktail-focused venues and occasional live music or cultural events. The capital's theatres and arts organisations add to the evening programme without creating a large metropolitan nightlife scene. In Franklin and the smaller towns, nightlife is more likely to mean a local pub, tavern, restaurant or community performance than a dedicated nightclub. Rural communities around Canterbury, Warner, Andover and New London tend to become quiet earlier, although seasonal concerts, fairs and outdoor events can bring temporary activity. Drinking is not necessary to experience the county's evening culture; dining, theatre, music and walks through Concord's historic centre are equally established options. Opening arrangements and entertainment schedules change, so check directly with venues before making late-night plans.

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Best shops in Merrimack County

Shopping in Merrimack County is strongest in Concord, where the downtown offers independent retailers, bookshops, galleries, cafés and locally oriented gift shops alongside larger commercial areas outside the centre. Canterbury, Warner, Franklin, Andover and New London have smaller collections of village stores, antique shops, craft outlets and seasonal businesses rather than extensive shopping districts. Farmers' markets and farm stands are important sources of maple syrup, honey, preserves, baked goods, seasonal fruit and vegetables, with availability varying through the year. Galleries and craft shops may offer pottery, textiles, woodwork, jewellery and artwork made in New Hampshire, while historic sites often sell books and interpretive items connected with local heritage. Country stores can be useful for regional snacks and practical supplies, but rural retail usually has shorter or seasonal opening patterns. For a distinctly local purchase, seek out food products or handmade goods from the county rather than generic souvenirs.

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Merrimack County essentials

Currency and Payment
Merrimack County uses the United States dollar (USD), like the rest of New Hampshire. Credit and debit cards, including contactless payment, are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, shops, museums and larger attractions. Carry some cash for farm stands, small country stores, seasonal admission points, parking facilities and occasional rural businesses, as payment arrangements vary. ATMs are readily available in Concord and larger towns but less common in remote areas. New Hampshire has no general state sales tax, although particular charges, admissions and accommodation taxes may still apply.
Safety
Merrimack County is generally straightforward for visitors, but ordinary precautions remain sensible in vehicle parks, downtown areas and busy seasonal attractions. Outdoor visitors should carry water, wear suitable footwear and check weather conditions before hiking Mount Kearsarge or other upland trails. Granite ledges, wet roots, ticks, black flies and rapidly changing mountain weather are practical considerations. Swim only where permitted and take care around lakes and rivers, especially after heavy rain. Winter driving requires preparation for snow and ice, while rural roads may have limited lighting and wildlife crossings.
Emergency Situations
Dial 911 anywhere in Merrimack County for police, fire or ambulance assistance; this is the national emergency number in the United States. Give the dispatcher the exact road, trail, park, building or landmark, as rural addresses can be difficult to identify. For outdoor incidents, tell emergency services your route, trailhead and last known location. Mobile coverage can be inconsistent in wooded or mountainous areas, so do not rely on a phone alone for remote hikes. For non-urgent medical needs, ask accommodation staff or a local health provider for current advice.
Do's and Don'ts
Do follow posted rules at state parks, historic properties, conservation land and waterways, and remain on marked trails where requested. Do give walkers, cyclists and farm vehicles space on rural roads, and observe local speed limits. Ask before photographing people, private homes, working farms or religious activities. Do not enter closed trails, climb historic structures or remove plants, stones or artefacts. Tipping is customary in American restaurants and for many personal services, while amounts should reflect the service received; check whether a service charge has already been added.
Local Tips
Concord's compact civic centre is easiest to explore on foot, but the wider county rewards a linked itinerary rather than a series of isolated stops. Pair Canterbury Shaker Village with nearby countryside, or combine Franklin and the Pemigewasset valley with a mountain or lakeside walk. Autumn weekends can be busy around Mount Kearsarge and other viewpoints, so visit early or travel midweek when possible. Local farm stands are often seasonal and may accept limited payment methods. In summer, reserve extra time for swimming, paddling and community events, while winter visitors should confirm seasonal access before setting out.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloHiya[Hiyah]
GoodbyeSee ya[See yah]
YesYup[Yup]
NoNah[Nah]
Please/You're welcomeSure thing[Shoor thing]
Thank youThanks[Thangs]
Excuse me/SorrySorry 'bout that[Sorry 'bout that]
How are you?How ya doin’?[How yah doin'?]
Fine. And you?Good. You?[Good. You?]
Do you speak English?You speakin' English?[You speakin' English?]
I don't understandI don’t get it[I don’t get it]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I see the menu?[Can I see the menu?]
I don't eat meatI’m a vegetarian[I'm a vegetarian]
Cheers!Cheers![Cheers!]
I would like to pay, pleaseCan I get the check?[Can I get the check?]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Help![Help!]
Go away!Get lost![Get lost!]
Call the Police!Call the cops![Call the cops!]
Call a doctor!Get a doctor![Get a doctor!]
I'm lostI'm turned around[I'm turned around]
I'm illI'm not feelin' well[I'm not feelin' well]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...I wanna buy...[I wanna buy...]
I'm just lookingJust browsin'[Just browsin']
How much is it?How much's this?[How much's this?]
That's too expensiveThat's a bit pricey[That's a bit pricey]
Can you lower the price?Can you knock down the price?[Can you knock down the price?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?What time ya got?[What time ya got?]
It's one o'clockIt's one[It's one]
Half past (10)Half past ten[Half past ten]
MorningMornin'[Mornin']
AfternoonAfternoon[Afternoon]
EveningEvenin'[Evenin']
YesterdayYesterday[Yesterday]
TodayToday[Today]
TomorrowTomorrow[Tomorrow]
1One[One]
2Two[Two]
3Three[Three]
4Four[Four]
5Five[Five]
6Six[Six]
7Seven[Seven]
8Eight[Eight]
9Nine[Nine]
10Ten[Ten]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Where's the...?[Where's the...?]
What's the address?What's the addy?[What's the addy?]
Can you show me (on the map)?Can you point it out?[Can you point it out?]
When's the next (bus)?When's the next bus?[When's the next bus?]
A ticket (to ....)One ticket to...[One ticket to...]

History of Merrimack County

Indigenous Landscapes and River Settlement

Before European colonisation, the Merrimack and Contoocook river valleys were used by Indigenous peoples, including Abenaki communities, for travel, fishing, hunting and seasonal settlement. Rivers provided practical routes through the forested interior and connected the region with wider networks across New England. Later colonial settlement altered these landscapes through land grants, farming, mills and roads, but the county's geography still reflects the importance of its waterways. Visitors should understand Merrimack County's early history as part of a much older Indigenous landscape rather than beginning the story with the arrival of English settlers.

Colonial Settlement and the Founding of Concord

English settlement expanded inland during the eighteenth century, and the community that became Concord developed around the Merrimack River and its tributaries. The town was incorporated in 1725 as Rumford and later renamed Concord after a boundary dispute with neighbouring communities was settled. Farms, sawmills, gristmills and river transport supported growth, while roads gradually connected the settlement with coastal New England and the interior. Concord's position helped it become an important administrative and commercial centre in what was then the Province, and later the State, of New Hampshire.

The Canterbury Shakers

The Canterbury Shaker community was established in 1792 by families who joined the United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearing, commonly known as the Shakers. The community developed a disciplined communal system based on worship, agriculture, craftsmanship and self-sufficiency. Its buildings and landscape were carefully organised, and Canterbury became one of the best-known Shaker communities in New England. Membership declined during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, but the surviving site preserves an unusually complete record of Shaker architecture, domestic life, manufacture and religious practice.

Industrial Growth Along the Merrimack and Pemigewasset

Water power transformed parts of Merrimack County during the nineteenth century. Mills and associated businesses developed along the Merrimack, Contoocook and Pemigewasset rivers, processing timber, grain and textiles and creating dense settlements beside waterways. Franklin grew around industry on the Pemigewasset, while Concord became a regional centre for manufacturing, trade and government. The arrival and expansion of railways strengthened these connections, bringing people and goods through the county and helping local industries reach markets beyond central New Hampshire.

Daniel Webster and National Political Life

Daniel Webster, born in Salisbury in 1782, became one of the most influential American lawyers, orators and statesmen of the nineteenth century. His birthplace lies in the southern part of Merrimack County and is preserved as a historic site. Webster represented New Hampshire and later Massachusetts in national public life, serving in the United States House of Representatives, the Senate and as Secretary of State. His career reflected the political importance of New England during the early republic and remains a significant strand in the county's heritage interpretation.

Concord as New Hampshire's State Capital

Concord became New Hampshire's capital in 1808, reinforcing its role as the state's political and administrative centre. The New Hampshire State House, completed in 1819 and expanded later in the nineteenth century, is among the most important civic buildings in the county. Its continued use by the legislature gives Concord's government district a living rather than purely commemorative character. The capital also attracted professional services, newspapers, educational institutions and cultural organisations that helped shape the modern county.

Modern Conservation and Heritage Tourism

During the twentieth century, changing industries and improved roads altered Merrimack County's economy, while many communities retained a strong connection with farming, forestry and small-scale manufacturing. Historic preservation became increasingly important at places such as Canterbury Shaker Village, the Daniel Webster Birthplace and Concord's civic centre. State parks and conservation areas around Mount Kearsarge, lakes and forests expanded opportunities for public recreation. Today the county's identity rests on the combination of a working state capital, preserved rural landscapes, historic communities and accessible outdoor spaces.

Merrimack County in Photos

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Merrimack County

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