Explore New England's Biggest Mystery - America's Stonehenge
Written: Apr 30 '04 (Updated May 06 '04)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Inexpensive, Can Spend All Day, Beautiful site, Tour at your own pace
Cons: Lots of walking if that's hard for you - no handicap access
The Bottom Line: Bring a picnic lunch and spend the day exploring one of New England’s enduring mysteries at America’s Stonehenge
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| jps246's Full Review: America's Stonehenge |
A strange site without much historical explanation, America’s Stonehenge is one of the largest, oldest and most mysterious megalithic sites that has been discovered in North America.
America’s Stonehenge is located in North Salem, New Hampshire which is about an hour north of Boston on Interstate 93. The site is open daily, year-round except for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Hours of operation depend upon the season, but in general, the site is open from at least 9 in the morning to 4 in the afternoon each day.
A little background
No one is really sure who built America’s Stonehenge and why. The site is at least 4,000 years old (from radiocarbon dates of some materials on the site) and is one of the oldest man-made structures in the United States. America’s Stonehenge is also one of the largest (several acres) megalithic sites (constructed of stone) that have been found in North America. Like it’s namesake in England, America’s Stonehenge was built by a group of people who had detailed knowledge of astronomy and stone construction. Through study at the site, it’s been determined that America’s Stonehenge is an accurate, astronomically aligned calendar – even today it can be used to determine specific solar and lunar events of the year. From those early times, stone tools, pottery shards and strange inscriptions have been discovered
The site itself has seen many uses since its initial construction at least 4,000 years ago. It was used as a home site during the 18th and 19th centuries and possibly served as s stop along the Underground Railroad to help slaves to freedom.
Today the site is privately owned and open to the public. Ongoing archeological work continues on the site in addition to research on wildlife and ecology. America’s Stonehenge offers introductions to these topics through hands-on lectures and educational tours. The site offers a non-sensitive “dig pit” for people to learn the basics of archeology.
What you get when you visit
America’s Stonehenge is a several acre site that is a fairly rustic and natural state. The structures themselves are a maze of chambers, tunnels, walls and meetings places centered mostly in the middle of the site. Surrounding the center of the site are outlying walls and stones that make up the remainder of the site.
Anyone planning on visiting America’s Stonehenge should be prepared to walk. A basic tour of the area probably consists of a little under a mile of walking all told, though there are plenty of stops and chances to relax and explore chambers, wells, pits and more. For the more adventuresome (or not so tired) there are additional trails beyond the main structure site that take in the smaller structures, rings and stone pillars further out in the woods. The more you walk around, the more the mileage adds up.
Once you leave the visitor center, there are no other services available on the site – make sure, especially in hot water, to carry water with you. Bathrooms are also only available in the visitor center. If you have little children, make sure they all stop and go (and make sure you do too) before you head out onto the site.
The trails are generally well kept and fairly smooth, but there are the occasional tree roots and rocks in the trail. People should wear good walking shoes when they go.
In the visitor center itself are your typical tourist facilities, including a gift shop, ticket sales, some food and beverage services and bathrooms. In addition they have a fairly small, but very interesting museum that showcases some of the archeological work and the theories that exist for America’s Stonehenge.
What’s it cost?
One of the more reasonably priced places around New England, an all-day admission to America’s Stonehenge will cost $8.50 for adults, $7.50 for seniors and for children up to 12, $6.50. For kids under 6, there is no admission fee. You’re admission fee includes access to the site all day and includes parking.
Best time to go?
I would suggest spring or fall – in the summertime America’s Stonehenge can get very crowded and in the winter, snow and ice might fill up some of the chambers and pits. Think late April, early May or throughout October. If you go in October you get the added bonus of enjoying the fall foliage while you are exploring the site.
Like I said, summertime is very crowded and this detracts from the site. America’s Stonehenge is all about wandering the site with the small guide-map and exploring on your own. If you are there when it’s very crowded, you feel rushed and cannot take in and enjoy the site and it’s mystery and wonder.
How long do I need?
If you pushed it, the entire site could be looked at in about an hour or so. However, America’s Stonehenge makes a great half-day or day long destination. Pack a picnic lunch and spend your time going through the main site and exploring further off into the woods – you never know what you’re going to find.
Special Activities?
Solstices are celebrated at America’s Stonehenge, along with other druidic holidays. In addition America’s Stonehenge offers information on other astronomic alignments and also offers other events throughout the year. A complete list of the activities can be found at their website.
More info?
America’s Stonehenge does have a fairly basic website located at www.stonehengeusa.com. The site includes directions, some pictures of the site, along with event information, ticket prices, group rate information and operating schedules. Several books, including New England’s Ancient Mysteries include information on the theories behind the creation of America’s Stonehenge.
Final Thoughts
This is a nifty destination for anyone in New England. Located about an hour north of Boston, it’s in reach of many different people and for anyone going through the area. Plan for at least a half a day, especially if you are intrigued by ancient and unsolved mysteries because you can spend hours wandering through stone chambers, feeling stone walls, trying to follow miniature tunnels and just staring and wondering what it was all for. Not only that, but you get some exercise while you are walking all those trails.
I’d suggest bringing the picnic lunch and spending the day exploring one of New England’s enduring mysteries at America’s Stonehenge.
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A big thanks goes out to SurgRN911 for adding this one for me so quickly!
Outdoor Destinations
White Mountain National Forest (NH) / Catskill Mountains (NY) / Acadia National Park (ME) / Bellayre Mountain (NY) / Hunter Mountain (NY) / Ski Windham (NY) / Burke Mountain (VT) / Catamount (MA) / Jiminy Peak (MA) / Whiteface Mountain/Lake Placid (NY) / Tuckerman Ravine (NH) / Gore Mountain (NY) / Mount Washington Auto Road / Mount Washington Cog Railway
Outdoor Magazines and Books
Backpacker Magazine / Outside Magazine / National Geographic Adventure / Hiker's Guide to the Mountains of Vermont / Hiking Guide to Mount Washington and Presidential Range / GPS Made Easy / AMC White Mountain Guide / Wilderness First Aid / Rescue from the Backcountry / Maine Mountain Guide / Day Hikes in Yosemite NP / Southern NH Trail Guide
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Families
Best Time to Travel Here: Sep - Nov
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