Jefferson Town Guide: Where to Eat, Stay and Explore

Jefferson is a small town in Coos County on the northern edge of the White Mountains, with big views of the Presidential Range and a surprising number of things to do for its size. It is best known as the home of Santa's Village, but it is also a base for sled dog tours, mountain-view camping and a classic roadside breakfast. This Jefferson, NH town guide covers the town's history, the places to visit and where to stay.

Jefferson at a glance

Jefferson had 1,043 residents at the 2020 census. Parts of the White Mountain National Forest lie within the town in the south and northeast, and the town has several private campgrounds, motels and inns. Jefferson is part of the Berlin, New Hampshire-Vermont micropolitan area.

Much of what you will visit sits along the Presidential Highway, which is US Route 2, the main road through town.

A short history

Colonial Governor Benning Wentworth first made land grants in the area in 1765, but the location was so deep in unexplored territory that few settlers took up their claims at first. Colonel Joseph Whipple, who lived from 1738 to 1816, took a grant and cut trails through the forest to build a "manor" house. He named the town Dartmouth, after the Earl of Dartmouth, the patron of Dartmouth College.

Whipple, the brother of William Whipple, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, later renamed the town Jefferson, four years before Thomas Jefferson was elected president. The state legislature granted the town a new charter under the name Jefferson on December 8, 1796.

Jefferson's most famous native son is Thaddeus S. C. Lowe, a local farm boy born in 1832 who became a world-famous inventor of aerostats. He organized a balloon corps during the Civil War, consulting President Abraham Lincoln, and went on to invent an ice-making machine and the water-gas process, which was used for years to fuel gas lights in hundreds of cities. His father, Clovis Lowe, was part owner in 1832 of nearby Low and Burbank's Grant, which contains much of Mount Adams and Mount Madison. Thaddeus Lowe is featured on New Hampshire historical marker number 19 in Jefferson.

In 1885, a landslide on the north side of Cherry Mountain demolished the Stanley farm and mortally wounded a worker. Local hotels immediately arranged daily excursions to see the slide.

Things to do

Santa's Village

Santa's Village is a Christmas-themed amusement park and Jefferson's signature attraction. It was the idea of Normand and Cecile Dubois, who in the early 1950s wanted to create something new for the region; the park first opened to the public on Father's Day in 1953. In its first year it had pony rides and a performing mule.

Today the park has 23 rides, most with Christmas or winter-themed names, designed for families with children under 13. There are theaters with live shows, and visitors can visit Santa's home and have a picture taken with him. The park's website also lists a water park area, reindeer, an Elf University experience and outdoor lights at Christmastime. Santa's Village describes itself as New England's top theme park for families and notes a Best Family Park award from Amusement Today.

Because the park's schedule changes through the year, check its calendar before you go.

Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel

Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel offers one of the most memorable experiences in the North Country. In winter, it runs dog sled tours, from a 1.5-hour tour designed for families and small groups to a three-hour, 13-mile tour into the forest. It also offers a musher clinic, where guests learn the basics of mushing and take a short ride, for ages 12 and up.

In spring and fall, when there is no snow, Muddy Paw runs cart tours pulled by the dogs, plus meet-and-greet visits. Reservations are required for all tours, so book before you drive up.

Views from Route 2

Jefferson's position on the north side of the Presidential Range gives it wide views of the high peaks. Jefferson Campground's website describes some of the best views in the state of Mount Washington and Mount Adams, and the Water Wheel promotes its views of Mount Washington from Route 2. A drive along the Presidential Highway on a clear day is reason enough to visit.

Tips for a family day

Plan Santa's Village as a full-day outing if you have young children, and bring sunscreen and swimwear in warm weather for the water park area. If you are adding a sled dog or cart tour, book it for a different day or a separate half day, since tours require reservations and the dogs set the pace. Pack layers in any season; the weather in the mountains changes quickly.

Where to eat

Water Wheel Breakfast and Gift House

The Water Wheel is at 1955 Presidential Highway, on US Route 2. Its website describes country dining with large portions of homemade food, and it serves breakfast. Outside, guests can take in views of Mount Washington, and a gift house sells New Hampshire gifts, a good place to pick something up for the folks at home.

The Water Wheel says it was chosen #2 best breakfast in the state of New Hampshire by viewers of WMUR. It calls itself a favorite of locals and visitors alike. Check its website for current days of operation before you go.

Where to stay

Jefferson has several campgrounds and a motel along Route 2, which makes it a practical base for exploring the northern White Mountains.

The Lantern Resort

The Lantern Resort at 571 Presidential Highway combines a campground, a 30-room motel and RV rentals. Its campground sits among meadows and forest, the motel rooms include free WiFi, and guests without their own RV can rent one of the resort's trailers. The resort also lists weeknight entertainment and daily activities for families. Booking is online.

Jefferson Campground

Jefferson Campground at 1468 Presidential Highway calls itself the most scenic campground in New Hampshire and highlights its views of Mount Washington and Mount Adams. Its website describes a relaxed family park with walking paths and coffee at the office, plus a camp store. It is a seasonal campground, so check its website for its operating season and availability.

Israel River Campground

Israel River Campground is at 111 Israels River Road. Its website is brief and mainly provides contact details, so call or email the campground directly for information on sites and availability.

Planning your visit

Summer: the busiest season, with Santa's Village, campgrounds and mountain drives all in play. Book campsites early.

Fall: foliage views along Route 2 and cart tours at Muddy Paw.

Winter: dog sledding at Muddy Paw, and Christmastime lights at Santa's Village. Drive carefully on Route 2 in snow.

Spring: the quietest time; confirm that seasonal businesses are open before you go.

FAQ

What is Jefferson, NH known for?

Santa's Village, a Christmas-themed amusement park that opened in 1953, along with views of the Presidential Range and campgrounds along Route 2.

Can you go dog sledding in Jefferson, NH?

Yes. Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel offers winter sled tours and spring and fall cart tours. Reservations are required.

Where can I camp in Jefferson, NH?

The Lantern Resort, Jefferson Campground and Israel River Campground are all in town.

How did Jefferson get its name?

Colonel Joseph Whipple renamed the town from Dartmouth to Jefferson, and the legislature granted the new charter on December 8, 1796.

Sources

• Jefferson, New Hampshire, Wikipedia (population, history, Lowe, Cherry Mountain landslide): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jefferson,_New_Hampshire
• Santa's Village (Jefferson, New Hampshire), Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa%27s_Village_(Jefferson,_New_Hampshire)
• Santa's Village official site: https://www.santasvillage.com/
• Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel official site: https://www.dogslednh.com/
• Water Wheel Breakfast and Gift House official site: https://www.waterwheelnh.com/
• The Lantern Resort official site: https://www.thelanternresort.com/
• Jefferson Campground official site: https://www.jeffersoncampground.com/
• Israel River Campground official site: https://www.israelrivercampground.com/