Trip Report: America's Stonehenge
Date: August 21, 2018
Where: America's Stonehenge, Salem, NH
America's Stonehenge was one of the more fun trips we have taken! According to their website, America's Stonehenge is a set of structures built either by native Americans, ancient European migrants, or an 18th century farm family. The mystery is part of the fun. We like it because it's a chance to take a hike in a totally different environment that we usually do- rather than a mountain or park setting, this is a set of old stone structures that the kids can climb through. The total hike is about 1/2 mile but with stops to listen to the tour and explore, it took us a little longer than an hour to walk the whole loop.
Our trip:
Inside the visitor's center, after we purchased tickets, there is a brief introductory video that explains how the family acquired the property and the origins of the archeological work they are attempting. My kids didn't make it through the whole film, so we headed out before I got to see the end.
The first thing outside the door is a dirt pile for kids to practice their archeology skills. My kids could have stayed here all day digging and sifting the dirt. They found LOTS of pottery, some pretty rocks, and some random pieces of old stuff from the house that used to be on the site. This is a great place for younger kids to have fun and older kids to learn a little bit about the process of learning from history.
After we spent a while in the dirt, we started off along the trail. The trail heads off into the woods and winds through different stone structures. Some you can walk through and visit, others you can just look from afar. There is a good audio tour if you want to learn more about either the 18th-century dairy farm or the more esoteric possibilities the site touts. We just enjoyed being outside and going for a nice walk.
Where: America's Stonehenge, Salem, NH
America's Stonehenge was one of the more fun trips we have taken! According to their website, America's Stonehenge is a set of structures built either by native Americans, ancient European migrants, or an 18th century farm family. The mystery is part of the fun. We like it because it's a chance to take a hike in a totally different environment that we usually do- rather than a mountain or park setting, this is a set of old stone structures that the kids can climb through. The total hike is about 1/2 mile but with stops to listen to the tour and explore, it took us a little longer than an hour to walk the whole loop.
Our trip:
Inside the visitor's center, after we purchased tickets, there is a brief introductory video that explains how the family acquired the property and the origins of the archeological work they are attempting. My kids didn't make it through the whole film, so we headed out before I got to see the end.
The first thing outside the door is a dirt pile for kids to practice their archeology skills. My kids could have stayed here all day digging and sifting the dirt. They found LOTS of pottery, some pretty rocks, and some random pieces of old stuff from the house that used to be on the site. This is a great place for younger kids to have fun and older kids to learn a little bit about the process of learning from history.
After we spent a while in the dirt, we started off along the trail. The trail heads off into the woods and winds through different stone structures. Some you can walk through and visit, others you can just look from afar. There is a good audio tour if you want to learn more about either the 18th-century dairy farm or the more esoteric possibilities the site touts. We just enjoyed being outside and going for a nice walk.
At the end of the trail, we got to visit the alpacas who also live at the site. They were friendly enough and the kids got to learn a little bit about alpacas and wool.
America's Stonehenge also opens their trail for snowshoeing in the winter (rentals available) and the kids are really excited to go.
Overall, America's Stonehenge, although totally random, is a great place to visit, especially with kids, for an easy walk and a fun family outing. We recommend it!
Comments
Post a Comment