Things To Do in Dover, NH [The Local’s Guide]

7.24.2023

C’mon over to Dover!

It may be a small city, but Dover, New Hampshire is big on character and things to do. This historic mill town has everything to keep visitors coming back for more, including interesting museums; opportunities to get outside; a vibrant art scene and, of course, tasty food.

Read on to discover some of the main attractions and must-visit hidden gems that make Dover a great place to spend a day or two.

Museums in Dover, NH

Going to the Park in Dover, NH

Exploring the Arts in Dover, NH

Where to Eat in Dover, NH

Museums in Dover, NH

No matter what you’re interested in (or how old you are) Dover has several museums that you can easily spend an afternoon exploring. Our favorites are:

The Woodman Museum

182 Central Avenue, Dover

According to the Woodman’s motto, this is “where science, history, and art come together.” And it’s true — the museum is home to exhibits ranging from colonial artifacts and fossils to pieces of fine art and furniture, some with a local twist.

The museum also hosts a variety of community events, for when you’re done taking in the exhibits.

The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire

6 Washington Street, Dover

Most locals know that the Children’s Museum is a great place to visit. It has a stellar reputation as not only a great place for kids to play, but also as a leader in play-based learning and education. Here, your littles can drive a submarine, build their own flying machine and even get a little messy.

Raitt Homestead & Farm Museum

2077 State Road, Eliot, ME

Just a short drive over the border into Eliot, Maine, the Raitt Homestead provides an in-depth look into the history of farming in New England. Visitors can spend time wandering around the 33-acre grounds or taking in the collection of farming equipment. The farm also hosts the Eliot Antique Tractor & Engine Show each July.

Going to the Park in Dover, NH

If hiking and nature are more up your alley, Dover has many community parks offering different recreational opportunities. Here are a few suggestions to add to your “to visit” list:

Henry Law Park

1 Washington Street, Dover

The six acre park — with approximately 1,200 feet of frontage on the Cocheco River — is located in the central business district and is one of Dover’s oldest and most frequently visited recreation facilities. The park also has a year-round indoor pool, a playground, an outdoor amphitheater for entertainment, an area for boat access and picnic areas.

Bellamy Park

23 Bellamy Road, Dover

This community space covers 33 acres and is located on Bellamy Road across from Dover High School. Here, there are ample opportunities to take in views of the Bellamy River as it winds its way through the park’s woodlands and grassy open spaces. Bellamy Park also offers a disc golf course set in the woods, an area for picnics, walking and jogging trails (and cross-country skiing in the winter), playground equipment and an area for fishing.

City of Dover Community Trail

This 3.8-mile pathway leads from the train station on Chestnut Street and ends at Rutland Street, right by the Spaulding Turnpike overpass. Joggers, walkers and bikers are treated to scenic views of the Cocheco River as well as the surrounding forest and grasslands. In winter, the trail is the perfect place to bring your cross country skis or snowshoes, since it isn’t plowed.

The Cocheco River Walk

For a stroll with downtown views instead, head to the River Walk — stretching from Henry Law Park to River Street. Here you’ll pass by many shops and restaurants and even cross over a wooden covered bridge. If you’re looking to add other activities to your walk, a canoe launch and picnic areas round out the experience.

Guppey Park

Home to the Dover Ice Arena, Jenny Thompson Outdoor Pool, Dover Farmers’ Market (from June through October) and sports fields, this Portland Avenue park has something for everyone. Additional facilities here include a picnic area, sand volleyball court and pavilion.

Hilton Park

Dover Point Road, Dover

Just off Route 4, this riverfront spot features grassy fields, walking areas, a playground and fishing spots. If you want to get out onto the water, the park is also the location of the Dover Point Ramp, where boaters can set out onto the Piscataqua River.

It’s important to note that this is not an area that’s conducive to swimming, as the currents near the park are some of the fastest flowing in the continental United States. Even experienced boaters must proceed with caution here.

Exploring the Arts in Dover, NH

Dover is also an up-and-coming arts hub, with ample opportunity to take in everything from performances to studio arts. Since 1987, the city has hosted the Cocheco Arts Festival, a celebration of regional and local talent that features a concert series, creative arts showcase, movie nights and a children’s showcase. Other community arts initiatives include:

Salmon Falls Stoneware

75 Oak Street, Dover

This pottery studio and showroom first opened its doors in the 1980s and has been a creative center for top-quality salt glaze pottery ever since. All pieces (ranging from mixing bowls to table lamps) are handmade and decorated with a range of patterns that include floral, nautical and nature-inspired designs.

The Art Center

1 Washington Street, Suite 1177, Dover

The Art Center is homebase for a community of local artists and the 6,000-square-foot headquarters offers studio space, a workshop, stage (where concerts, theater performances and poetry readings take place) and gallery. The gallery space hosts a rotating lineup of exhibitions and is open to the public.

Where to Eat in Dover, NH

You’ll be hungry after your day of exploring the Dover area, and of course, our favorite eatery will always be Weathervane — the fun, family seafood restaurant opened by our founders, Ray and Bea Gagner, back in 1969.

If you’re craving fresh-caught lobster and other savory treats from the sea (and land, too), we hope you’ll head down Dover Point Road to visit us at Weathervane Seafood Restaurants. Or, if you plan on extending your trip to visit other New Hampshire regions, we’d be happy to welcome you at any of our other convenient locations.