Granite State Railway
Time Needed: full-day, half-day
Experience Type: historic landmark, innovation
Step aboard for a nostalgic journey through New Hampshire’s Lakes Region. The Granite State Railway combines vintage rail excursions, scenic rail bike rides, and fine dining on the rails—all along historic tracks dating back to the 1800s and surrounded by mountain and lakeside views.
MUST-DO CHECKLIST
- Ride a Scenic Excursion – Board in Meredith or Weirs Beach for a 1- to 2-hour journey on the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad, soaking up mountain and lakeshore views.
- Pedal Rail Bikes Along Lake Winnisquam – Enjoy a five-mile round-trip ride from Laconia Station, pedaling a four-person rail bike through forested stretches and along calm lakeshores.
- Catch Fall Foliage from the Rails – Join the four-hour Fall Foliage Special to Plymouth, passing trestle bridges and farms framed by dazzling red, orange, and gold autumn leaves.
- Dine Aboard the Café Lafayette Dinner Train – In nearby North Woodstock, savor a five-course meal while rolling through the Pemigewasset River Valley in restored 1950s railcars.
- Visit the Contoocook Railroad Museum – Make a side trip to Contoocook to explore the historic depot, vintage passenger coach, and the world’s oldest surviving covered railroad bridge.
Recommended Reading: Pair your rail adventures with the Colors of Fall Road Trip Guide, which features 25 scenic New England drives during peak foliage season. Maps, itineraries, and easy hike suggestions make this a great travel companion.
Photo Credit: Elliot Woodworth/Flickr