Keene

Travel Guide

Keene showing a church or cathedral and a city
Keene showing autumn leaves and a house
Keene featuring autumn leaves
Keene showing autumn colours
Keene featuring autumn leaves

Part college town, part quintessential redbrick New England village, this pretty corner of Cheshire County offers activities for the whole family.

Find redbrick buildings, sweeping scenic vistas and friendly locals in Keene. The New Hampshire town sits in the southwest corner of the state. Take advantage of the many cultural offerings, natural destinations and interesting historic spots in Keene.

Keene is home to Keene State College, a liberal arts college and member of the University System of New Hampshire. Every fall, when the school opens for the year, Keene’s population grows by about 5,000 residents. Walk across the manicured campus green or cheer on the Keene State Owls during a home game or match. See a theatrical performance, concert or dance performance in Redfern Arts Center on Brickyard Pond.

Stroll down Keene’s picturesque Main Street. Admire the historic buildings lining the street. At the end, the large white United Church of Christ dominates the town square. Check out the Civil War Monument and fountain in the square.

Watch an art-house film or special performance at the Colonial Theatre, a non-profit historic theater that has been continuously operating since 1924.

Step back in time at the Horatio Colony House Museum. Tour the remarkably preserved Federal-style home, built in 1806 by one of Keene’s historic families. The nearby Horatio Colony Nature Preserve is a sprawling parcel of woodlands and wetlands offering miles of hiking trails, a historic cabin and special education programs.

Visit the Wyman Tavern, a Georgian-style public house that first opened in 1762. It is one of Cheshire County’s best-preserved historic buildings and opens its doors for summer events and tours.

Relax amid nature in Keene’s many parks and natural areas, which include Wheelock Park, Central Square, Robin Hood Park, Otter Brook Dam Recreation Area, Greater Goose Pond and more. A bit farther away, trek up Mount Monadnock. This mountain is a favorite among day hikers, with well-maintained trails leading up to its summit.

Visit Keene in any season. In fall, admire an explosion of color with the changing leaves. During colder months, enjoy a snowy winter wonderland.

Best Western Plus Keene Hotel
Best Western Plus Keene Hotel
3 out of 5
401 Winchester St, Keene, NH
The price is CA $183 per night from Jul 14 to Jul 15
CA $183
CA $199 total
Jul 14 - Jul 15
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Keene. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"My Daughter And I Stayed 3 Days 4th Of July And Loved Pretty Much Everything!! Staff Were Great,Breakfast Wow Awesome, Indoor Pool,Beautiful Gazebo And Other Outdoor Lights!! Our Only Note*Rotate The Mattresses 1Side Of Bed Sinks,The Other Side Firm!! Tyvm 😁 😊 We Will Be Returning Soon!! Maureen ..."

Reviewed on Jul. 6, 2025

Best Western Plus Keene Hotel
Keene Elm City Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection
Keene Elm City Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection
2.5 out of 5
175 Key Rd, Keene, NH
The price is CA $153 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
CA $153
CA $166 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Keene. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (854 reviews)
"All was good. The room, the breakfast are all very good."

Reviewed on Jul. 7, 2025

Keene Elm City Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection
Courtyard by Marriott Keene Downtown
Courtyard by Marriott Keene Downtown
3 out of 5
75 Railroad St, Keene, NH
The price is CA $203 per night from Jul 24 to Jul 25
CA $203
CA $220 total
Jul 24 - Jul 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Keene. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
"Superb location, very clean, attentive staff"

Reviewed on Jul. 10, 2025

Courtyard by Marriott Keene Downtown
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Studio Apt with Full Kitchen. 1 minute stroll over picturesque bridge into town.
Studio Apt with Full Kitchen. 1 minute stroll over picturesque bridge into town.
Peterborough
Stay at this apartment in Peterborough. Enjoy free WiFi, an in-room coffeemaker, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Mariposa Museum and World Cultures ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (17 reviews)
Cozy and convenient
"This was a lovely “home base” for a weekend of hiking adventures. It was cozy, clean and had everything i needed. The short walk across the bridge right into town was very convenient"

Reviewed on Jun. 11, 2025

Studio Apt with Full Kitchen. 1 minute stroll over picturesque bridge into town.
Cottage in the woods with a firepit, grill, washer/dryer, & AC - dog-friendly
Cottage in the woods with a firepit, grill, washer/dryer, & AC - dog-friendly
Wilmington
Stay at this cottage in Wilmington. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions The Art of Humor Gallery and Lake Raponda ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (33 reviews)
Great place and location
"Stayed twice would stay again"

Reviewed on Apr. 5, 2025

Cottage in the woods with a firepit, grill, washer/dryer, & AC - dog-friendly
 Spectacular Log Home with Private Lake Access
Spectacular Log Home with Private Lake Access
Deering
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Hillsboro. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Deering Wildlife Habitat ...
10/10 Exceptional! (94 reviews)
Beautiful Property with a lot of charm!
"My friends and I meet up every year for our college reunion, and this place was hands down the best we’ve stayed at! The log home was cozy, spacious, and had everything we needed for a perfect weekend. The walk to the lake was beautiful and peaceful — exactly what we were looking for. The setting, ..."

Reviewed on Jun. 28, 2025

Spectacular Log Home with Private Lake Access
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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