Polar Caves of New Hampshire
- Aug 27, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 12
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Visit the Polar Caves of New Hampshire to discover nine granite caves. Contort and contract as you trek through a series of rocky underground grottos. Providing adventure for families since 1922, the unique New England attraction is one of the best things to do in NH with kids.
The nine passageways of Polar Caves Park were formed during the last ice age when moving glaciers stacked boulders atop one another. Some of the granite passages left behind are short while others meander underground for a distance. Also onsite, there are animal exhibits, a boulder garden, nature trails, and a trough to pan for minerals.
HOTELS IN THE WHITE MOUNTAINS
For overnight accommodations in New Hampshire's White Mountains try these well reviewed hotels:
Woodstock Inn Brewery - Woodstock NH
Inn on Golden Pond - Holderness NH
Indian Head Resort - Lincoln NH
Fairfield Inn By Marriott - Plymouth NH
HISTORY OF THE POLAR CAVES
Some 20,000 years ago, large sheets of ice covered much of North America. When the glacial ice receded, caves were formed from the boulders that remained. In the 1920s, local teens happened upon some of these caves. Boardwalks and stairs were built and the Polar Caves Park opened. The family-owned White Mountain attraction has been offering access to the caves ever since.
WHERE ARE THE POLAR CAVES OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
Polar Caves Park is located beneath Hawk’s Cliff in New Hampshire’s White Mountains. Established in the town of Rumney, the caves are about 29 miles (47km) south of Lincoln, NH and 68 miles (109km) north of Manchester, NH.
Plan to spend about one hour touring the caves and another hour exploring other park exhibits. Spend the morning at the caves, then bundle your day with another activity/tour:
SEASON, OPENING HOURS, & TICKETS
Season: The Polar Caves season runs from April to October. In spring and fall the park is only open on weekends. Check the park’s website for opening days.
Opening Hours: The park is generally open from 9am until 3pm.
Tickets: Polar Caves encourages visitors to purchase tickets online in advance for the best price and guaranteed admission. Online prices (2024): Adults $24.50, 65+ $21.50, Youth 4-11 $15.50.
ACCESSIBILITY & SAFETY
Accessibility: The outdoor attraction is built into a hillside. The many stairs, inclines, and rocky surfaces make Polar Caves difficult for mobility impaired individuals to navigate. Contact the park’s office for more information.
Infants: Babies may be carried in front-backpacks (strollers and baby backpacks are prohibited).
Narrow Passageways: Some of the caves have narrow and/or low passageways that some guests may not fit through. All of the caves offer an alternate way around.
What to Wear: Closed-toed sturdy footwear is recommended. Also, spiders and other critters live in the caves so wear long sleeve/pantlegs if you are squeamish. Lastly, it can be cooler in the caves so plan accordingly.
PARKING
Parking is free. There is a large parking lot onsite.
MAIN LODGE
The Main Lodge is where guests check in. The building offers gifts, souvenirs, snacks, a water bottle filling station, and free restrooms.
TRIP ESSENTIALS
In New Hampshire, and almost every 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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THINGS TO DO AT POLAR CAVES
A series of boardwalk and staircases built beneath Hawk’s Cliffs transport visitors to nine caves of differing length and depth. The caves each have a name and distinctive features such as the Polar Pinch, Ice Cave, Fat Man’s Misery, Orange Crush, Lemon Squeeze, and Bear Cave.
The Boulder Garden
The Boulder Garden is a maze of pathways that ambles through the beautiful New Hampshire woods. The area is filled with mammoth boulders and native plants; and has occasional signage indicating species and geological facts. Our grandchildren love getting ‘lost’ in this feral rock garden.
Panning for Minerals
Next to the animal exhibits there is a running water mining sluice (trough) and sieves (strainers) used for panning for gold and other minerals. This area is a favorite of our 9 year old grandson.
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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Animal Exhibits
Polar Caves Park keeps a herd of European Fallow Deer and a flock of ducks. Food can be purchased in the Main Lodge and fed to the animals.
Nature Trails
A series of short nature trails highlight the woods of the White Mountains.
We hope you enjoy this family-friendly adventure, Laura and Randy
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