Keene Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Keene showing a city and a church or cathedral
Keene which includes autumn colours and a house
Keene showing autumn leaves
Keene showing autumn colours
Keene showing 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 Centre 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 theatre 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 programmes.

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 further away, trek up Mount Monadnock. This mountain is a favourite among day hikers, with well-maintained trails leading up to its summit.

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

Keene Elm City Hotel, an Ascend Collection Hotel

Keene Elm City Hotel, an Ascend Collection Hotel

2.5 out of 5
175 Key Rd, Keene, NH
The price is AU$209 per night from 28 Oct to 29 Oct
AU$209
28 Oct - 29 Oct
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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (931 reviews)
"Very nice & quiet. Close to downtown. Didn’t eat breakfast."

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2025

Keene Elm City Hotel, an Ascend Collection Hotel
Best Western Plus Keene Hotel

Best Western Plus Keene Hotel

3 out of 5
401 Winchester St, Keene, NH
The price is AU$250 per night from 26 Oct to 27 Oct
AU$250
26 Oct - 27 Oct
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! (1,023 reviews)
"The on-site restaurant named Tempestas was excellent and a huge plus for our 3-night stay. We ate there every night and were pleased with the food, service, atmosphere and the prices were reasonable. On a broader note, the hotel was nice, staff very helpful and I should mention that the breakfast ..."

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2025

Best Western Plus Keene Hotel
Hampton Inn & Suites Keene

Hampton Inn & Suites Keene

2.5 out of 5
126 Key Rd, Keene, NH
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$261 per night from 14 Nov to 15 Nov
AU$261
14 Nov - 15 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Keene. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (340 reviews)
"Clean, pet friendly"

Reviewed on 17 Oct 2025

Hampton Inn & Suites Keene
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.
Traveling with kids? Try this secluded & updated 3-bedroom home close to Okemo

Traveling with kids? Try this secluded & updated 3-bedroom home close to Okemo

Ludlow
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Ludlow. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Okemo Mountain Resort and ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (118 reviews)
"The house was exactly what we were looking for. Sergio was great to work with both prior to our arrival and during our stay. Great location for our family of 4 and our black lab. Can’t wait to go back!"

Reviewed on 6 Oct 2025

Traveling with kids? Try this secluded & updated 3-bedroom home close to Okemo
Ski-in/out mountainside condo close to everything with full kitchen - tranquil

Ski-in/out mountainside condo close to everything with full kitchen - tranquil

Ludlow
Book a stay at this ski condo in Ludlow. Enjoy laundry facilities, ski-in/ski-out access, and patios. Popular attractions Okemo Mountain Resort and Skywalker ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (39 reviews)
Ski stay
"Perfect location for a quick ski trip."

Reviewed on 29 Mar 2025

Ski-in/out mountainside condo close to everything with full kitchen - tranquil
Hideaway Cottages, Cottage B

Hideaway Cottages, Cottage B

New London
Stay at this cottage in New London. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Little Sunapee Lake and Bucklin Beach are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (16 reviews)
"The cottage is a blast from the past. Spotlessly clean and modern facilities, with a retro feel. The nearby waterfall is beautiful. For families with young children, just note that the eating space in the kitchen is a counter with stools. Beds were very comfortable (and I'm picky)."

Reviewed on 17 Oct 2025

Hideaway Cottages, Cottage B
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.

Popular places to visit

Activities