Our real estate agents love exploring the rich history of the White Mountains and surrounding areas of New Hampshire. Learn more about this fascinating region at historic sites full of lore, local character, and a few legends.

Colorful Northern New Hampshire Historic Sites

Omni Mount Washington Resort & Spa - Bretton Woods, NH

Address: 310 Mount Washington Hotel Road, Bretton Woods, NH 03575

Built by local industrialist Joseph Stickney in 1902, the magnificent Omni Mount Washington Resort & Spa remains one of the country's few grand hotels. Rumor has it that Joseph's wife, Carolyn, makes occasional "appearances" in her former suite.

Famous names associated with the resort near Bretton Woods homes for sale include:

• Thomas Edison, who designed the electrical system
• Babe Ruth
• John Maynard Keynes, noted British economist, who attended as part of the landmark Bretton Woods Monetary Conference in 1944

Willey House Historic Site at Crawford Notch State Park - Hart's Location, NH 

Address: 1464 US Route 302, Hart's Location, NH 03812

Dating back two centuries, the Willey House Historic Site at Crawford Notch State Park became the stuff of legends after surviving the 1826 landslide, serving as inspiration for artist Thomas Cole and author Nathaniel Hawthorne.

Sadly, nature's fury proved to be too much for the Willey family. The site's name pays tribute to these early residents of the area that now surrounds Hart's Location homes for sale.

Park hours are dawn to dusk daily, while Willey House is open from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Admission is $5.

Russell-Colbath Historic Site - Albany, NH

Address: Kancamagus Highway, Albany, NH 03818

While road-tripping along the scenic Kancamagus Highway, plan a stop at the Russell-Colbath Historic Site, not far from Albany homes for sale. In 1831, after buying 500 acres for $5.25, Thomas Russell built the home along with his son, Amzi.

Some anecdotes about the Russell-Colbath Historic Site:

• Amzi and his brother also built the Albany Covered Bridge.
• The home became the first Passaconaway Post Office in 1890, with Ruth Russell Colbath serving as its first postmistress.
• Some visitors claim to have seen a mysterious lantern in the window, standing vigil for Ruth's husband, Thomas, who disappeared for 42 years.

Nansen Ski Jump State Historic Site - Milan, NH

Address: 83 Milan Road, Milan, NH 03588

New Hampshire is synonymous with skiing, in part thanks to places such as the pet-friendly Nansen Ski Jump State Historic Site, just minutes from Milan homes for sale. For nearly half a century, it was the home of the premier jump in the United States, hosting championship competitions and Olympic trials.

Weeks State Park & John Wingate Weeks Historic Site - Lancaster, NH

Address: 200 Weeks State Park Road, Lancaster, NH 03584

Weeks State Park & John Wingate Weeks Historic Site has a distinguished pedigree as the one-time home of the eponymous politician who served as congressman, senator, and Secretary of War. Activities at the dog-friendly park, not far from Lancaster homes for sale, include:

• Hiking 
• Mountain biking 
• Picnicking

Park hours are dawn to dusk daily, and admission is free.

Old Man of the Mountain Profile Plaza & Historic Site - Franconia, NH

Address: Franconia Notch State Park, Franconia, NH 03580

During the early 17th century, Native Americans told of a mountain with a stone face. In the new millennium, the stone face is no more, but visitors are still captivated by the Old Man of the Mountain Profile Plaza & Historic Site, near Franconia homes for sale.

The park is open 24/7 with no admission fees.

Exploring Historic Sites in the White Mountains

What are some historic sites to visit in the White Mountains?

Popular stops include the Omni Mount Washington Resort, the Willey House Historic Site, Nansen Ski Jump, Weeks State Park, and the Old Man of the Mountain Profile Plaza.

Are these historic sites good for a day trip?

Yes. Many are close to scenic drives, hiking areas, state parks, and mountain communities, making it easy to combine history with sightseeing.

What makes these New Hampshire historic sites unique?

Each site highlights a different part of the region's past, from early settlement and transportation to skiing, politics, grand hotels, and local legends.

Discover More of the White Mountains Region

Our area has a personality all its own. Contact us for help with all your real estate needs.