Day Trip to Shaker Village, Canterbury NH
- 16 hours ago
- 6 min read
Updated: 4 minutes ago
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In the rolling hills and sugar-maple woods of central New Hampshire, discover Canterbury Shaker Village. Stroll the open-air museum to learn about the day-to-day life of the “Shaking Quakers.” A trip to Shaker Village, Canterbury NH includes touring 29 Shaker buildings set on acres of walking trails and mill ponds.
NEW HAMPSHIRE TOURS
WHO WERE THE CANTERBURY SHAKERS
The Shaker movement was born in 18th century England. Founded by Mother Ann Lee, the religious sect was an offshoot of the Quaker and Methodist denominations. Eventually, the community became known as the Shaking Quakers, or “Shakers,” because of their rapturous dance in worship.
The first Shakers came to the United States in 1774. Before long, 19 communities had been established from Maine to Kentucky. Shakers believed in a doctrine of communal ownership, pacifism, equality of sexes, celibacy, and simple living.
Although their values were viewed by other prominent religions as shocking, their “hands to work and hearts to God” philosophy made the sect extremely prosperous. Energetic entrepreneurs who eagerly adopted new technologies, the Shakers lay claim to being the most successful communitarian society in American history.
Canterbury Shaker Village was the 7th of the Shaker communities to be built in America (1792). At its height in the 1850s, over 300 people lived and worked in over 100 buildings on 3,000 acres of land. Since 1992, when the last Canterbury Shaker died, the village has operated as a museum.
TRIP ESSENTIALS
For almost every New Hampshire travel destination, I find myself reaching for my Eddie Bauer Rainfoil Jacket, Frogg Toggs Hat, Merrell Hiking Boots, and Crocs Strappy Sandals (wear to dinner or the pool).
Other items I rely on include my Huk Sunglasses and Contigo Autoseal Water Bottle (no spills in the backpack).
But by far, my number one can’t-do-without essential is my Sony RX100 Compact Camera. It fits perfectly into a pocket. Or, mounted on a Mini-Tripod it slips into my Travelon Sling Bag.
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WHAT IS SHAKER VILLAGE, CANTERBURY NH
Canterbury Shaker Village is a museum founded to preserve the heritage of the New Hampshire Shakers. The village, a National Historic Landmark, is set on 694 acres of well-kept gardens, walking trails, fields, and forests. Onsite there are 25 restored original Shaker buildings, and 4 reconstructed Shaker buildings.
The museum’s collection spans 200 years of Shaker life. It includes buildings, furniture, tools, manuscripts, and photographs. Displayed in a beautiful natural setting, Canterbury Shaker Village is one of New Hampshire’s top cultural and historical attractions.
WHERE IS CANTERBURY SHAKER VILLAGE, CANTERBURY NH
Address: 288 Shaker Road, Canterbury NH 03224
Canterbury Shaker Village is located in central New Hampshire about 20 minutes north of Concord, or 1 hour and 15 minutes north of Boston. To get to the museum take Exit 18 off of I-93. Then, follow the signs for about 7 miles.
HOTELS NEAR SHAKER VILLAGE CANTERBURY NH
For accommodations near restaurants, shopping, and entertainment, look for a room off of the I-93 corridor in Concord or Tilton, New Hampshire. Here are a few local hotels:
Click this link for information of car rentals in New Hampshire.
CANTERBURY SHAKER VILLAGE MAP
EXPLORING SHAKER VILLAGE CANTERBURY NH
Tour the buildings at the Canterbury Shaker Village for insights about the day to day life of the brothers, sisters, eldresses, and deacons who lived in the community. Here is a sampling of some of the buildings you might visit:
The Meeting House (1792) First building erected (and least changed) on campus. Served as the community’s central house of worship.
Dwelling House (1793) Largest building on campus. Housed a butcher shop, bakery, communal kitchen, and dining room. Cupola contains an original Paul Revere bell.
Syrup Shop (1797) Used for distilling sarsaparilla syrup for medicinal purposes.
East House (1810) Used for spinning wool, and as a dwelling for girls.
Infirmary (1811) Built as a guest house. Later converted to an infirmary. Considered to be one of the oldest and most intact medical facilities in New Hampshire.
Sisters Shop (1816) Used for spinning, musical instruction, and dressmaking.
Horse Barn (1819) Barn for draft and carriage horses as well as the gear used for travel, transport, and heavy farm labor.
The Schoolhouse (1823) Classrooms were once on the first floor, and a gymnasium on the second. The school taught children from the village and from the outside community.
North Shop (1841) First floor was used for wood storage. Second floor contained a workshop filled with handlooms. The building features many built-in drawers and cupboards.
The Firehouse (1908) Built to be utilized as the community’s fire house and garage (the village got its first car in 1907).
PACKING ESSENTIALS
We rely on a combination of bags: Our Level-8 28” and Level-8 20” spinners are fun and stylish. Our Delsey Helium 28” hardshell is a workhorse. Our Tomtoc Backpack is great for short trips.
Randy doesn’t use them, but I swear by segregating items into Compression Packing Cubes and Wet Bags.
For security, we place an Apple Air Tag in each bag, and keep a supply of RFID Blocking Sleeves on hand.
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THINGS TO DO AT CANTERBURY SHAKER VILLAGE
Guided Tours
Guided themed-tours are offered daily at Canterbury Shaker Village. Led by trained guides, these tours hit a variety of topic including Shaker culture, history, architecture, and innovation. Tours last about an hour, and are limited to 25 people.
Here is a sampling of the guided tours offered:
Shaker Stories: History & Legacy – Explore how the Shakers transformed from being a persecuted religious sect to a successful religious community. Tour focuses on the Meetinghouse and Dwelling House.
Building Community – Each tour discusses the history of one of the village’s buildings such as the Laundry, School House, Sisters’ Shop, Infirmary, Syrup Shop, and Dry House.
Innovations & Inventions: Shaker Ingenuity – see how the Shaker’s made advances in areas such as developing seeds, medicines, furniture, and textiles. Tour the laundry, Dwelling House, School House, Arboretum, and gardens.
Hale & Hearty: Shaker Health – Explore Shaker health and well-being. Visit the Infirmary, Ministry Shop, and Syrup Shop.
THINGS TO DO IN NEW HAMPSHIRE
Grounds and Nature Trails
Walking trails criss cross nearly 700 acres of nature trails at the village. The popular Mill Pond Trail (.8 mile) and Meadow Pond Trail (1.7 miles) leave from the village. Note: the trails are open from dawn to dusk and free to use (there is no need for a paid ticket).
Work Shops & Demonstrations
For an in-depth dive into Shaker crafts, the village holds for-fee workshops and demonstrations. Featured workshops include a Shaker Oval Box Workshop and Stone Wall Workshop. Recurring craft demonstrations include broom making, letterpress printing, chair taping, spinning, weaving, and rug braiding.
Events
Canterbury Shaker Village offers a variety of concerts, gatherings and seasonal tours throughout the year. At many of these events, the admission fee is waived. Popular events include guided snowshoe hikes, cross country races, outdoor musical concerts, markets, and craft shows.
TICKETS AND OPENING HOURS
Opening Season: May through October, weekends in November
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday 10am to 4:30pm
Conservation Land & Nature Trails: Open year round dawn to dusk (free)
Daily Admission: $25 per adult; children under 18 free (2026). Inquire at ticket office for discounted populations (veterans, active duty, students, members)
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Village Store – sells Shaker inspired artisan goods such as oval boxes, baskets, and brooms. Also find textiles, soaps, candles, handmade cards, and specialty foods.
Parking – free
Dress – wear sturdy, comfortable shoes for gravel paths and uneven surfaces. Dress in layers; no air conditioning or heat in most buildings.
Accessibility – due to historical nature of buildings accessibility is limited.
Restrooms – on campus
Foodservice – no food service on campus. Light snack available in Village Store. Picnics welcome.
Photography – personal photography is allowed. No flash, tripods, or drones.
We hope you enjoyed this article. We will leave you with this Shaker quote, “Never wish a thing done; do it!” Laura and Randy
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