This Charming County In New Hampshire Is Full Of Lakes, Recreation, And History

One of the most iconic buildings in New Hampshire is the Belknap Mill, a massive brick structure in the middle of the town of Laconia. Opened in 1828, the Belknap Mill was an early example of the mechanized factories that would come to define the Industrial Revolution. For decades, mountains of puffy cotton would enter the building, and by the time workers were done spinning and weaving it, the cotton would leave as bolts of fabric. This was downright futuristic to 19th century laborers, and Belknap Mill became one of the economic centers of (where else?) Belknap County. Today, the old facility has been converted into a museum and community center, where visitors can survey the antique machinery, browse artwork in the Riverside Gallery, and purchase local crafts in the on-site gift shop.

Belknap County is best known as the southern bank of Lake Winnipesaukee, easily the most famous body of water in New Hampshire. No matter what the season, this east coast lake town is a great place for a relaxing vacation, thanks to summer swimming, shoulder-season boating, and ice fishing in the winter, among countless other activities. The lake is ringed with land-based diversions as well, from mountain biking to go-karting, and tourists pour into the region from across New England and New York.

Yet as magnificent as Winnipesaukee is, Belknap County is more than just one body of water. The "Lakes Region," as it's known locally, is a wellspring of history, entertainment, and backwoods recreation. Before you beeline to seaside Portsmouth or the trailheads of the White Mountains, consider a stop here.

Indigenous peoples have lived among these lakes and forests for millennia, and early European settlers tried to eke out a living as early as the 1600s. The town now known as Laconia started as several distinct villages, including Meredith Bridge, Lakeport, and Weirs. Throughout the 1800s, mills popped up, workers moved in, and these rural communities locked together into a single town. Traces of these past incarnations are everywhere: There's the mansion-like Laconia Historical & Museum Society, the vintage cinema known as The Colonial Theatre, and the crenelated stone Congregational Church, all in downtown Laconia. You'll find the world's largest arcade, which is one reason Laconia is Samantha Brown's favorite New Hampshire city, as well as the Tannery Hill Covered Bridge just east of town.

The surrounding lakes are the main event, a magnet for boaters, anglers, and beachgoers. Yet the Belknap Range Trail stretches for 12 miles through the undulating forests, a challenging end-to-end route for serious day-hikers. A more laid-back way to explore is the Granite State Railway, a special vehicle that runs over old railroad tracks and riders pedal like a bicycle.

The biggest cold-weather draw is Gunstock Mountain, which has its own 227-acre ski resort. Not only does this ski area boast 49 trails — plus a snow-tubing run for families — but you can look out over Lake Winnipesaukee from its lifts and summits. Management is currently upgrading the facilities, so the resort should have a shiny new look by the 2026 season. When the snow melts, adventurers can still come to the Gunstock property for off-roading, zip-lining, treetop ropes courses, and the Mountain Coaster, a small plastic car that runs down a curving track.

Part of the Lakes Region's appeal is its remoteness from hustle and bustle: The closest major airport is Boston Logan International, a little over two hours away by car. The well-preserved Victorian train station in Laconia is no longer in use; if you have lots of patience, you can take the Concord Coach bus service from Boston to the Tanger Mall in nearby Tilton, then a local bus from there, but it's quite the journey. Nearly all travelers will drive here, perhaps as part of a cross-New England road trip, and likely with kayaks or sailboats in tow.

Belknap County makes for a great long weekend unto itself, or you can continue into the White Mountains, the Presidential Range, or east toward the Maine coast. The Lakes Region is only a 70-minute drive from Conway, where New Hampshire's White Mountains foliage is on full display along this scenic train ride.

Lake Winnipesaukee is ringed with accommodations, most of them low-rise hotels ranging from $100 to $200 a room per night. There are also numerous well-appointed campgrounds nearby, outfitted for both tents and RVs. Most local restaurants gear toward casual and family dining, although upscale exceptions include O Steaks & Seafood in Laconia and The Breeze,with locations in both Meredith and nearby Gilford.