Henniker Town Guide: Where to Eat, Stay and Explore

Henniker is the kind of New Hampshire town that fits a lot into a small package. The Contoocook River runs right through the village, a college keeps the streets lively, a family ski area rises just outside town, and there is a craft brewery, a riverside pub and a lakeside campground within a few miles of each other. It is also less than half an hour from Concord, which makes it an easy day trip or a relaxed weekend base. This guide covers the best things to do in Henniker NH, with local businesses from our directory to build a visit around.

Henniker at a glance

Henniker is a town in Merrimack County with a population of 6,185 at the 2020 census. It is home to New England College and to Pats Peak ski area. The main village sits along the Contoocook River, and the town is crossed by Routes 202, 9 and 114, so it is easy to reach from Concord, Keene, Manchester and the Lake Sunapee area.

The town is a pleasant mix of a small college village, working countryside and hills.

A short history

Henniker was first laid out as "Number Six," one of a line of settlements granted between the Merrimack and Connecticut rivers. It was incorporated in 1768 and named for Sir John Henniker, a London merchant.

The town has some surprising history for its size. Henniker once had its own local sign language, which may have played a role in the emergence of American Sign Language. And the modern sport of paintball originated in Henniker in 1981.

One of the town's best-known landmarks is the Edna Dean Proctor Bridge, a stone double-arch bridge over the Contoocook built in 1835. It carries the name of the poet Edna Dean Proctor and is worth a stop for photos, particularly in fall.

Craft beer at Henniker Brewing

Henniker Brewing Company has been brewing in town since 2011 and is one of the better-known craft breweries in central New Hampshire. Its taproom is at 129 Centervale Road, a short drive from the village. The brewery is dog-friendly, both inside and out, year-round, which is a real bonus for travelers with pets. Stop in for a flight, pick up cans for the road, and check the brewery's site for what is currently pouring. A brewery visit pairs well with a stop at the Edna Dean Proctor Bridge or a riverside meal in the village, and the taproom makes a relaxed end to a day at Keyser Pond or on the slopes. If you are driving, plan a designated driver or take cans to go.

Pats Peak

Pats Peak sits on Craney Hill, which rises to about 1,402 feet just outside the village. The ski area opened in 1963 and is still owned and run by the Patenaude family. It offers about 770 feet of vertical drop, and it is especially known for night skiing, which makes it a favorite for after-work and after-school skiing from Concord and Manchester. Many of its trails are named after winds, a fun detail to look for on the trail map.

Pats Peak is a winter destination first, but it is not only for skiers. The mountain also runs a banquet and function center, and it is a well-known spot for weddings and events. In summer, the slopes make a green backdrop to the town and a reminder to plan a return trip when the snow falls.

Where to eat

Daniel's Restaurant and Pub at 48 Main Street is the classic Henniker choice. It sits right on the Contoocook, with views of the river from inside and outdoor seating when the weather cooperates. It also has a private function room, which makes it a handy option for a rehearsal dinner or a family celebration. After a meal, walk along Main Street and over toward the river to see the village.

Combine lunch at Daniel's with a brewery visit for an easy afternoon.

Where to stay

Bed and breakfast on the river

Henniker House Bed and Breakfast sits right on the Contoocook River, and guests can fish or kayak straight from the property out back. It is within walking distance of the village restaurants and the New England College art gallery, and about 20 minutes from Concord. For a quiet weekend in town, it puts you in the center of everything without needing to drive.

Camping at Keyser Pond

For an outdoor trip, Keyser Pond Campground at 1739 Old Concord Road has two beaches, canoe and rowboat rentals and a recreation hall. Anglers can fish the pond for bass, perch and pickerel. Along with campsites, it offers cabins for people who want the lake setting without a tent. It is a good family choice in summer, with swimming, paddling and fishing all in one place.

A college town on the river

New England College gives Henniker a livelier feel than many towns its size. The campus sits close to the village center and the river, and its art gallery is within walking distance of Henniker House. Visiting during the academic year means more activity on Main Street, while summer is quieter and more relaxed. Either way, the combination of a college, a river, a ski hill and farmland makes Henniker a good sample of central New Hampshire in a single, walkable village. It is also a natural stop on a longer drive between Concord and the Monadnock or Sunapee regions.

Things to do outdoors

• Paddle or fish the Contoocook. The river is the backbone of the town, and anglers and paddlers will find plenty to like. Henniker House guests can launch from the B&B.
• Swim and paddle at Keyser Pond. Its beaches and boat rentals make for an easy summer day.
• Ski or ride at Pats Peak. Night skiing is the signature, and the mountain's modest size makes it ideal for families and beginners.
• Walk the village. The Edna Dean Proctor Bridge, the river and Main Street are all easy to reach on foot.

Suggested day itinerary

1. Morning on the water at Keyser Pond, or a walk by the river and the stone bridge.

2. Lunch at Daniel's with a view of the Contoocook.

3. Afternoon at Henniker Brewing, with the dog if you brought one.

4. Evening back at Henniker House, or, in winter, under the lights at Pats Peak.

Getting there

Henniker is about 20 minutes west of Concord. Routes 202 and 9 run through town, connecting it to Concord to the east and Hillsborough and Keene to the west Route 114 also passes through town, linking it with neighboring Weare. A car is the practical way to visit.

FAQ

What is Henniker NH known for?

New England College, Pats Peak ski area, the Contoocook River and its stone Edna Dean Proctor Bridge. Paintball also originated here in 1981.

Is Henniker Brewing dog-friendly?

Yes. The brewery welcomes dogs inside and outside, year-round.

Is Pats Peak good for beginners?

Pats Peak is a family-owned area with about 770 feet of vertical, and it is known for night skiing. Check its site for lessons and terrain.

Can you camp in Henniker?

Yes. Keyser Pond Campground has campsites, cabins, two beaches and boat rentals.

Sources

• Henniker, New Hampshire, Wikipedia (population, history, sign language, paintball, Proctor bridge, Craney Hill, routes): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henniker,_New_Hampshire
• Pats Peak, Wikipedia (opening, vertical, ownership, night skiing, trail names): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pats_Peak
• Pats Peak, official site: https://www.patspeak.com/
• Henniker Brewing Company, official site: https://hennikerbrewing.com/
• Daniel's Restaurant and Pub, official site: https://www.danielshenniker.com/
• Henniker House Bed and Breakfast, official site: https://www.hennikerhouse.com/
• Keyser Pond Campground, official site: https://www.keyserpond.com/