Little Sunapee Lake

The Start of This Recreational Paradise

The blue oasis that is Lake Sunapee has been a recreational hit of New Hampshire since the Newbury B&M Railroad. Constructed in the mid-1800s, the railway could bring loads of vacationers to Lake Sunapee before the time of automobiles.

Soon after the development of resort hotels and cottages, steamboats were ferrying passengers all about the lake. Many large vessels came to Lake Sunapee throughout the steamboat era, some carrying over 600 passengers.

Scuba divers might have more fun visiting the Weetamoo, a sunken, 50-foot steamboat at the bottom of Lake Sunapee. Sunapee is proud of its rich history, but there is more to see.

A Look Into Sunapee’s Rocky Shores

Lake Sunapee stretches 10 miles (north to south) across Sullivan and Merrimack Counties. Small-town Sunapee borders the lake, while the central city of Manchester is just 50 miles southeast.

As the fifth-largest lake of New Hampshire, Lake Sunapee claims 4,155-acres and boasts 70 miles of shoreline. Sunapee has glaciers to thank for its rocky shores and unique shape. The last berg receded 11,000 years ago.

From above, Lake Sunapee has a goose-like shape, featuring inlets, peninsulas, and 11 islands. It has long been recognized for its rugged shoreline; the Abenaqui Tribe first named the water “Soo-Nipi,” meaning “Rocky Lake.”

Recreation Galore

The lake is not only a gorgeous location but also a recreational hot spot. Since its popularity in the 1800s, Lake Sunapee remains one of New Hampshire’s top destinations.

Boaters have a great deal of fun cruising the waters while thrill-seekers partake in water skiing, wakeboarding, and windsurfing. Lake Sunapee’s beaches are the perfect hangout spot for the family. Pack a picnic and head to one of Sunapee’s beaches for all-day sunning, swimming, and relaxing.

Sunapee State Beach is the most popular, offering kayak and canoe rentals, a boat launch, a bathhouse, and a store. For a quieter stretch of sands, escape to the calm shores of Dewey Beach.

When snow falls, winter activities like ice skating, ice fishing, and snowmobiling are a hit.

Angler’s Paradise

If you are an avid angler, you would be excited to know that Lake Sunapee holds an outstanding stock of game fish. Since 1865, Lake Sunapee commissioners have been working to grow the lake’s fish populations.

Anglers have chances to catch salmon, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, trout, bullhead, whitefish, pickerel, perch, and more!

If you need a boat, Sargents Marina has you covered. The facility offers rentals of all kinds at affordable prices.

Bob’s Beacon Marina is the place to go for boat storage or a range of services.

Four public boat launches are located at Mount Sunapee State Park, Georges Mills, Burkhaven, and Blodgett Landing.

Fun Awaits at Sunapee Harbor

Sunapee Harbor is the place to go for a fun-filled evening on the lake. The riverwalk is a great way to explore the charming little town.

The half-mile trail passes over the waterway and features the original town hall, old mill sites, Hames Park, and the Historical Society Museum. Various stores line the harbor for shopping, or you can get a tasty treat at The Quack Shack ice cream shop.

For a unique experience, board Sunapee’s MV Kearsarge Steamboat for a two-hour dinner cruise. Enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet while getting the best views of the lake.

After your cruise, stick around the harbor for free live music. The Ben Mere Bandstand hosts music Wednesdays at 7:00, and Flanders Stage hosts concerts Saturdays at 5:00.

The harbor’s Anchorage Restaurant serves meals from lobster and shrimp to wings and burgers. Come to the restaurant at the later hours and enter a nightclub scene of music, drinks, and dancing.

Sightseeing and More

At Lake Sunapee, the opportunities for fun are never-ending. Mount Sunapee State Park, located on the lake’s southwestern shore, is a year-round attraction.

The park offers camping, hiking, zip-lining, sky rides to the summit, tree-top obstacle courses, and more. In the winter, the park turns into the area’s most popular ski resort. Skiers and snowboarders can choose from dozens of trails. The resort also offers lessons, lodging, dining, and hosts events.

A Premier Paradise

Whether you are on the water, hanging out at the harbor, or exploring Mount Sunapee, Lake Sunapee has an attraction for you. You can see why this lake is the go-to location of New Hampshire.