Sunapee: Lake, Walking Trails and History

Sunapee connects Lake Sunapee and Mount Sunapee with walking trails, music and a remarkable local history. A self-guided tour in Sunapee Harbor uses the CLIO app and includes maps, old and current images, and historical information; a disc golf course adds another distinctive feature. When choosing your destination, you can weigh whether water, exercise, culture or a combination of these will shape your vacation.

Lake Sunapee and the Harbor

Sunapee borders Lake Sunapee and Mount Sunapee. The harbor and beaches offer views of the lake. Sunapee Harbor provides public access, with a boat launch and public parks. Those interested in the harbor’s history can take a self-guided tour there using the CLIO app. It includes maps, old and current images, and historical information, combining exploration with insights into how the area has changed. Sunapee offers a range of options for a vacation that gives equal weight to the water and local history.

Walks and Time Outdoors

The Riverwalk in Sunapee offers an interesting, scenic walk. Coffin Park, a scenic and historic retreat, lies along the Sunapee Riverwalk. If you enjoy combining exercise with a more restful visit when you travel, you can factor in both: the walk as an experience in its own right and Coffin Park as another point of interest along the Riverwalk.

Tilton Park offers a different kind of experience. It is home to the only free 9-hole disc golf course in Sunapee. The park is also known as Ski Tow Hill and is connected to the Sun-Ragged-Kearsarge Greenway Trail. This means that, in addition to walks and the lake, Sunapee offers a specific place to play disc golf. These different options can be included in your travel plans as separate interests.

Local History in Buildings and Collections

Sunapee’s past is reflected in several cultural sites. Hames Park recalls the history of hames manufacturing in Sunapee. The Sunapee Historical Society’s collection includes artifacts from the town’s grand hotel and steamboat era. Those who enjoy learning about history through objects will find a different perspective here than on a walk through town.

The Livery is the last surviving large commercial building from Sunapee’s steamboat era. Today, it is used for performances and art exhibitions. The combination of historic architecture and modern use gives this place a distinctive cultural role. The Sunapee Archives also presents exhibitions about Sunapee’s history. Together, the buildings, collections and exhibitions offer different ways to explore the town’s past—from a single historic building to artifacts and exhibition materials.

Music and Recurring Events

In summer, a music series takes place at the Ben Mere Bandstand every Wednesday evening. The Great Watermelon Derby, held annually by the Town of Sunapee Recreation Department, adds to the events calendar. When planning your trip, you can consider these two events separately: the music series is described as taking place on summer Wednesday evenings, while the derby is an annual event.

When choosing Sunapee as a vacation destination, you can weigh your interests: the lake and harbor, walking, disc golf or insights into local history. For further orientation, see the town pages for Claremont and Acworth.

For the broader travel overview: Sullivan County.