Known for being one of the best destinations in New England during the winter months for its fun outdoor activities, Jackson, New Hampshire is an absolute must visit.
It’s a small town with less than 1,000 people living there, but it’s located in one of the most beautiful areas in New England!
Not only are there lots of fun things to do in Jackson NH, but with just a short drive, you can also go and explore places like the White Mountain National Forest or even Mount Washington.
There are so many things to do in Jackson, New Hampshire, so it can be hard to choose where to go and what’s worth doing. This post is the answer to that; it covers everything you’ll want to know about fun activities in Jackson to save you time on your next trip.
Here are some of our favorite Jackson NH things to do!
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Things to Do in Jackson NH
Have fun at Nestlenook Farm
First up is a great place called Nestlenook Farm in Jackson. It covers just shy of 70 acres of land and has tons of fun recreational activities that you won’t want to miss out on. There’s an outdoor pool, spots for ice skating, and even sleigh rides that are perfect for a winter trip.
As you may have guessed, the best time to visit Nestlenook Farm is during the winter months, but it’s usually still open to visit during the other months as well.
If you’re visiting with your family or you want a romantic weekend away, you’ll for sure want to consider staying right onsite. They have a few different accommodation options that are really nice!
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Go skiing at Wildcat Mountain
Wildcat Mountain is the most popular spot to go skiing in the area, making it one of the best things to do in Jackson, New Hampshire. It is even home to one of the most steep tracks in all of New England, so if you love extreme winter sports, then you’ll love this place.
Since you most likely won’t be traveling with your ski gear, you’ll be happy to know that you can also rent equipment right at Wildcat Mountain. No matter what you are looking for, you’ll most likely be able to find it at their rental shops.
Choose from a variety of passes too, depending on how long you plan on staying at the mountain to partake in outdoor activities. They even have a day pass option which is very popular among Jackson NH visitors!
Visit Story Land
Take the short drive to Story Land, an outdoor amusement park that kids will love. It’s one of the most popular amusement parks in the area, too, so consider it well vetted by other families in the past.
The park has been open for more than 65 years and has around 30 different rides that you can enjoy. They also host a wide variety of events throughout the year, so you may even be able to join in during a fun event that will make your visit even more memorable.
Once you’re done enjoying the rides, be sure to stop by the Living Shores Aquarium. It’s one of the best spots to visit while you’re there and features tons of sea animals!
Grab a bite to eat at The Shannon Door Pub & Restaurant
The most popular place to eat in all of Jackson, New Hampshire is The Shannon Door Pub and Restaurant. As you may have guessed by the name, it’s an Irish pub that serves tons of traditional entrees that are perfect for when you are in the mood for a hearty meal.
Their menu includes everything from burgers and pizza to even tasty shepherd’s pie. If Irish grub isn’t something you love or you’re traveling with a picky eater, rest assured that they even have an Italian section on their menu with lots of spaghetti dishes, including eggplant parm!
This is a moderately priced restaurant with a casual, comfortable vibe. Ask to sit outside on their patio during the warm weather months, or consider stopping by later in the evening to enjoy drinks and mingle with the locals.
Marvel at masterpieces at The Museum of White Mountain Art at Jackson
One of the best ways to learn more about a place you’re visiting is to stop by a museum! So, one of the top things to do in Jackson is to visit the Jackson Historical Society’s Museum of White Mountain Art.
While visiting this Mt Washington Valley museum, you can learn more about Jackson’s history and heritage. There are displays and exhibits, and often there are even archive collections that are open to the public too. It’s an underrated place to visit in Jackson.
Snap a photo at Honeymoon Bridge
The Honeymoon Bridge, also commonly called Covered Bridge No. 51, is one of Jackson’s top attractions. This red-covered bridge crosses right over the Ellis River and is only about 120 feet long, but it’s an incredibly historic site, having been built in the 1870s.
When visiting Jackson, you absolutely must stop by the Honeymoon Bridge and snap a photo. If you don’t feel comfortable getting out of the car to snap a photo, it’s fun to at least drive through the bridge just for the experience!
Read Next: 15 Picturesque Covered Bridges in New Hampshire to See ASAP!
Drive up Mount Washington Auto Road
The view from Mount Washington is incredible, and the best way to experience it is by driving up Mount Washington’s Auto Road. On average, it only takes about an hour or so round trip to go all the way up and down the mountain, depending on how often you stop along the drive.
The Auto Road is known for being very steep, and at times there isn’t much protection between you and the side of the mountain, meaning there aren’t many guardrails.
It’s worth keeping in mind that if you don’t like heights, you probably aren’t going to enjoy this drive. However, if you can get over your fear, the views are incredibly rewarding. You can also opt to ride the Mount Washington Cog Railway up!
Read Next: Your Guide to Mt Washington NH: The Highest Peak in the Northeast!
Hike to Glen Ellis Falls
Hiking to Glen Ellis Falls is one of the most incredible things to do in Jackson. This waterfall trail is in the White Mountain National Forest, and it doesn’t take long to get to the trailhead at all from Jackson, so it’s perfect for a great morning or afternoon out.
The Glen Ellis Falls Trail is an easy trail that’s great for all levels of hikers, even those with little to no experience. There’s barely any elevation at all, with an elevation gain of 88 feet. It’s also an out and back trail, so you have to walk out and back on the same path.
Buy a puzzle at White Mountain Puzzles
Believe it or not, but Jackson is known for its amazing puzzles, and you can visit one of the top shops to buy them: White Mountain Puzzles. They’ve been in business for thirty years and have tons of fun puzzles to choose from.
One of their most popular puzzle types feature “ads” or maps of the area. These puzzles require a lot of strategy to put together, but it’s so rewarding when you finally finish one. If you have kids, they also have kid-friendly puzzles.
See Jackson Falls
While Jackson Falls may not be the largest falls in New Hampshire, it’s a great accessible waterfall view! Just a quick walk from Jackson town center, you can park at the Upper Falls and just walk right over to see the view.
Partake in summer or winter activities at Black Mountain
Black Mountain is another of the best skiing areas to visit in Jackson, New Hampshire. The ski area is filled with tons of skiing trails that are perfect no matter how much skiing experience you have. If skiing isn’t your thing, don’t worry; you can also go snowboarding here!
While so many people visit Black Mountain in the winter, horseback riding is a popular summer activity, and you get to see those gorgeous views!
Stop by Flossie’s
Flossie’s General Store is a mainstay in Jackson, New Hampshire, and you’ll understand why once you arrive. You’ll find a variety of handcrafted goods, gifts, and collectibles that would make a perfect souvenir from your trip!
Spa Day at Christmas Farm Inn & Spa
I was lucky enough to stay here a few years back with my sister, and it was such a fantastic spa trip! We loved this Jackson, New Hampshire inn, and the full service Aveda spa was a big part of that reason.
We found it feel very welcoming and unassuming, which we appreciated a lot. You know how sometimes a spa might feel a little pretentious? Not this gorgeous spa in the White Mountains!
You don’t have to book a room at Christmas Farm Inn & Spa to make a reservation at the spa, but I highly recommend it. It’s such a charming place, with its historic main building and incredible onsite restaurant.
We actually stayed in a cozy cottage that had a shared sitting room with a fireplace and it was absolutely ideal for our girl’s spa getaway! They also offer seasonal packages, so be sure to check out what’s on offer before you book.
Click Here to Check Prices & Book!
Drive the Kancamagus Highway
This incredibly scenic byway can be hopped on just about fifteen minutes south of Jackson, and if you’re visiting in the fall, it’s a definite must do!
Seeing the fall foliage views from the Kanc is an iconic experience, and it’s never been easier than now that there’s downloadable audio guides that can narrate your way through.
Have a bite to eat at Autumn Nomad Cakes & Cafe
This amazing bakery slash cafe is a top place to visit in Jackson if you want to satisfy your sweet tooth or even just have a delicious breakfast. Autumn Nomad Cakes & Cafe have a fantastic coffee bar with small bites to eat, and it’s great to just stop by here and enjoy a treat from a local establishment.
If you’re lucky enough to be hosting an event in Jackson, New Hampshire (I’ve been lucky enough to attend a wedding there – it’s truly an amazing location), then you could even use Autumn Nomad for all of your baked good needs. They create custom cakes and also specialize in wedding treats.
There are so many incredible things to do in Jackson, New Hampshire, and truly, you’ll have a fantastic time no matter what time you visit. It’s a top ski town in the winter and also a beautiful outdoor adventure location in the summer!
What Jackson, New Hampshire activity from this list would you most want to do?
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Amy Hartle is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of New England With Love, a comprehensive resource for travel in the New England region. Amy has been exploring New England since 2001. She lived in Vermont for many years and is a graduate of Plymouth State University in New Hampshire. Amy has been writing about travel for over a decade. On this site, Amy aims to share her love of New England and help you to have the best possible adventures!
Amy has been a full time blogger since 2012, and is also the publisher of Two Drifters, where she writes about couples travel and relationships, as well as Let’s Adventure Baby, a family travel site. When not traveling the world or creating epic blog content, Amy can be found cuddling with her husband, son, and cats, & drinking a maple latte.