Moultonborough Town Guide: Where to Eat, Stay and Explore

Moultonborough does not have a single busy downtown like Meredith or Wolfeboro. What it has instead is space: a long stretch of Lake Winnipesaukee shoreline, a corner of Squam Lake, wooded hills, and a handful of attractions that people drive a long way to see. If you are looking for things to do in Moultonborough NH, the town rewards a slower pace. This guide covers the landmarks worth planning around, a few places to eat and stay, and some practical tips for getting the most out of a visit.

Moultonborough at a glance

Moultonborough is a town in Carroll County, on the north side of the Lakes Region. The population was 4,918 at the 2020 census, up from 4,044 in 2010. Lake Winnipesaukee forms much of its southwestern boundary, and Squam Lake touches the town in its northwestern corner. The town includes the census-designated place of Suissevale and the community of Lees Mill.

Because so much of the town fronts the water, Moultonborough is spread out. Most visitors find it easiest to think of the town as a set of destinations connected by country roads, rather than a village to walk around. Plan to drive between stops, and give yourself time to enjoy each one.

Castle in the Clouds

The town's best-known landmark is Castle in the Clouds, also called Lucknow. It is a 16-room mansion on a 5,294-acre mountaintop estate, opened seasonally to the public by the Castle Preservation Society. The house overlooks Lake Winnipesaukee and the Ossipee Mountains from a rocky outcrop of Lee Mountain that was once known as "The Crow's Nest." The surrounding woods are protected as the Castle in the Clouds Conservation Area by the Lakes Region Conservation Trust.

A visit involves more than the mansion itself. The estate's website lists hiking and walking trails, Shannon Pond and the meadows, a gift shop, an exhibit gallery, basement tours, and programs for kids and families. There are two places to eat on the property, the Carriage House Restaurant and the Café in the Clouds. The Carriage House has an outdoor terrace overlooking Lake Winnipesaukee, and the estate says it was named the 2026 Best of New Hampshire Outdoor Dining Venue winner. See the listing at Castle in the Clouds.

Summer is the natural time to go, when the estate is open and the trails are dry. Check the website for current hours and admission before you set out, since it is a seasonal attraction.

The Loon Center

Loons are part of the soundtrack of a New Hampshire summer, and Moultonborough is home to the organization that works hardest to protect them. The Loon Center, on Lees Mills Road, is run by the Loon Preservation Committee. The committee's website covers the work it does, including loon nest rafts, nesting signs and float lines, efforts to protect loons from lead, loon rescues, research and a statewide loon census. It also runs a LoonCam and maintains the Markus Wildlife Sanctuary. See Loon Center.

A stop here is a good way to understand what you are hearing on the lake at dusk. It also explains why boaters are asked to give nesting areas a wide berth.

The Old Country Store and Museum

The Old Country Store and Museum is a Moultonborough institution. The store describes itself as perhaps the oldest in the United States, operating as a store since 1781. Its history page says the land was sold in 1777 with a barn frame on it, and that records show trade there by July 30, 1781. Over the years the building has hosted town meetings, served as the library, and housed the post office for more than 100 years.

Today it sells items such as aged Cabot cheddar, New Hampshire maple syrup, jellies and jams, molasses and old-fashioned candies, and it ships orders. It is the kind of stop that works on a rainy afternoon or on the way home. See Old Country Store and Museum.

Where to eat

Moultonborough's dining is mostly casual and local, which suits a lake town.

Anika's Pizza on Whittier Highway describes itself as a family-owned restaurant and gift shop with an 1980s theme, located near Lake Winnipesaukee. The menu covers New York style pizza, subs and sandwiches, wraps, burgers, hot dogs, salads and desserts, and the restaurant notes vegetarian options. It is a fun choice with kids. See Anika's Pizza.

The Village Kitchen, also on Whittier Highway, is a breakfast, lunch and dinner restaurant with a menu of classic comfort dishes and rotating dinner specials. It is a reliable place for an early breakfast before a day on the water or a hike. See The Village Kitchen.

Castle in the Clouds also offers food at the Carriage House Restaurant and the Café in the Clouds, as noted above. Dinner on the terrace there pairs well with a sunset over the lake.

Where to stay

Much of the lodging in Moultonborough is cottages and rentals rather than large hotels.

Deepwood Lodges offers cottages on Lake Winnipesaukee, set in a grove of tall pines that leads down to a sandy beach. Its website says it has been a summer destination for some guests for generations, with some returning for more than 50 years. The property lists a beach area, boats and dock space, and outdoor game areas, and it welcomes guests in spring, summer and fall. See Deepwood Lodges.

A cottage stay is the classic way to experience the north shore of Winnipesaukee. Book early for peak summer weeks, since returning guests often reserve the same week year after year.

Getting out on the water

With so much shoreline, you will want time on the lake. Lake Winnipesaukee is the largest lake in New Hampshire, about 21 miles long. Its open center is called The Broads. Paddlers on any big lake should watch the weather, stay close to shore and wear a life jacket.

Squam Lake, in the town's northwest corner, is a quieter alternative. It covers 6,791 acres and is the second-largest lake located entirely in New Hampshire. It is far less commercialized than Winnipesaukee. The 1981 film On Golden Pond was filmed there.

A sample day in Moultonborough

Here is one way to string the town together in a single summer day:

1. Breakfast at The Village Kitchen.

2. Morning at Castle in the Clouds, touring the mansion and walking a trail before the midday heat.

3. Lunch at the Café in the Clouds or back on Whittier Highway.

4. Afternoon at the Loon Center, then a stop at the Old Country Store for maple syrup and cheese.

5. Evening swim at your cottage beach, followed by pizza at Anika's.

That plan involves some driving, but none of it is long, and the roads are part of the scenery.

Practical tips

Bring a car. Attractions are spread out, and there is no compact village to walk.

Respect the loons. Give nesting areas and posted float lines plenty of room, and keep your speed down near shore.

Check seasonal openings. Several attractions here are seasonal. Confirm hours on each official website before you go.

Pack for bugs. Wooded trails and lakeshores in summer mean mosquitoes and black flies. Insect repellent is worth carrying.

Plan for weekends. Summer weekends bring heavy traffic around the lake. Weekday visits are calmer.

Frequently asked questions

What is Moultonborough NH known for?

Castle in the Clouds, the Loon Center and a long stretch of Lake Winnipesaukee shoreline. It is also home to the Old Country Store, which dates its trading history to 1781.

Is Castle in the Clouds open all year?

The estate is opened seasonally to the public by the Castle Preservation Society. Check its official website for the current season.

Where can I learn about loons in New Hampshire?

The Loon Center in Moultonborough, run by the Loon Preservation Committee, is the place to start.

Is Moultonborough on Squam Lake or Lake Winnipesaukee?

Both. Winnipesaukee forms much of the town's southwestern boundary, and Squam Lake touches its northwestern corner.

Sources

• Moultonborough, New Hampshire, Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moultonborough,_New_Hampshire
• Castle in the Clouds, Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castle_in_the_Clouds
• Lake Winnipesaukee, Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Winnipesaukee
• Squam Lake, Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Squam_Lake
• Castle in the Clouds official site: https://www.castleintheclouds.org
• The Loon Center, Loon Preservation Committee: https://www.loon.org/loon-center.php
• The Old Country Store and Museum official site: https://www.nhcountrystore.com
• Anika's Pizza official site: https://anikaspizza.com/
• The Village Kitchen official site: https://www.villagekitchen.us/
• Deepwood Lodges official site: https://www.deepwoodlodges.net