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Polar Caves of New Hampshire

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Hanging Out at Polar Caves | New England Travel
Hanging Out at Polar Caves

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.

Boardwalks Between Caves | Polar Caves New Hampshire
Boardwalks Between Caves

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.

Descending into Tut's Cave at Polar Caves | Things to do in New Hampshire
Descending into Tut's Cave
Polar Caves of New Hampshire At A Glance
Polar Caves Park Ground | Things to do in NH with Kids
Polar Caves Park Grounds

HOTELS IN THE WHITE MOUNTAINS

For overnight accommodations in New Hampshire's White Mountains try these well reviewed hotels:

Path to Rock Garden at Polar Caves New Hampshire | New England Travel
Path to Rock Garden

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.

Fallow Deer Exhibit at Polar Caves Park | Thing to do in NH with Kids
Fallow Deer Exhibit

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.

Kissing Bridge at Polar Caves Park in the White Mountains.
Kissing Bridge

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:

Taking the Stairs into a Polar Cave in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.
Taking the Stairs into a Cave

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.

Boulder Garden at Polar Caves  New Hampshire | New England Travel
Boulder Garden

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).

Main Lodge at Polar Caves New Hampshire.
Main Lodge

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.

Heading to Devil's Turnpike at Polar Caves Park | Things to do in New Hampshire
Heading to Devil's Turnpike

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.

Gem Stones in the Gift Shop at Polar Caves Park.
Gem Stones in the Gift Shop

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.

Hawk's Cliff in Rumney, NH | Polar Caves New Hampshire
Hawk's Cliff in Rumney, NH

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.

Boulders at Polar Caves | Things to do in NH with Kids
Boulders at Polar Caves

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.

Panning for Gold | Polar Caves Park | New England Travel
Panning for Gold

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.

Feeding Deer at the Animal Exhibit at the Polar Caves Park.
Feeding Deer at the Animal Exhibit

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

New Hampshire Maple Syrup | Polar Caves New Hampshire
New Hampshire Maple Syrup

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Entry Sign Polar Caves Park | New England Travel
Entry Sign Polar Caves Park

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