Ashland combines a range of historical themes with a clear geographical orientation: the Pemigewasset River forms the town’s western boundary, and Little Squam Lake its eastern boundary.
Museums in Ashland Village
The Whipple House Museum is located at 14 Pleasant Street in Ashland village, off Main Street (Routes 3 and 25). The Glidden Toy Museum is right next door. The two addresses are therefore immediate neighbors, but offer different historical perspectives.
The Whipple House was built in 1837. Its exhibits cover the life of Dr. Whipple and local history. The Glidden Toy Museum also draws attention to the building itself: it is housed in a Cape-style house dating to around 1810. The houses thus offer two different points of reference for local history—the exhibits at the Whipple House and the architectural history of the older Cape-style house.
Railroad History on Depot Street
The Ashland Railroad Station Museum is located at 69 Depot Street on Route 132, also in Ashland village. The station was restored from 1997 to 1998 for use as a railroad museum and meeting place. The collection includes railroad artifacts, pictures, and documents; it is described as growing. Railroad history and a collection are the focus here, while the Whipple House exhibits center on Dr. Whipple and local history.
The Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad is also part of Ashland’s railroad theme: during its popular Fall Foliage Tours, it regularly stops at Ashland Station. If this stop is important to your travel plans, check the tour dates in advance.
River, Lake, and Covered Bridge
Ashland’s location in the Lakes Region can be understood through two bodies of water that mark its boundaries: the Pemigewasset River forms its western boundary, and Little Squam Lake its eastern one. This geographical perspective complements the historical museums with a view of the town’s landscape.
On River Street in Ashland, the Squam River Covered Bridge spans Little Squam Lake and the Squam River. Its design follows the traditional style of covered bridges; it was officially dedicated on July 1, 1990. The dedication marks a distinct part of its history. Together with its location on two bodies of water, the bridge highlights a different subject than the collections and houses: the design of a covered bridge in Ashland.
Choose the Focus of Your Stay
The museums focus on houses, exhibits, and a railroad collection; the bridge and the river and lake boundaries draw attention to the landscape. Consider which of these topics matters most to you when choosing a destination. This way, planning starts with a clear idea of what interests you in Ashland, rather than with a random list of attractions.
Discover more destinations: Lebanon, Waterville Valley, Alexandria, Littleton, Plymouth, Lincoln, Bethlehem, Thornton.
For the overall travel overview: Grafton.
