Location
The main campus in Durham is at the heart of one of the oldest, most picturesque towns in northern New England, and is an ideal place to live while pursuing a graduate degree.
Boston is a quick 65 miles to the south. Outdoor enthusiasts will find skiing,
hiking, and the White Mountains 60 miles to the north, and the sandy beaches
and the rocky coasts of New Hampshire and Maine 10 miles east. Student organizations,
such as the New Hampshire Outing Club,
sponsor frequent trips. And Wildcat
Transit provides bus service to many of the local areas as well.
The 200-acre campus is surrounded by more than 2,400 acres of fields, farms, and woodlands owned by the University. College Woods, on the edge of campus, includes five miles of well-kept paths through 260 acres of woods. College Woods is a multiple use area. Research, instructional and recreational activities (including hunting) occur all within areas of this property without conflict.
Make the most of your visit to campus and the region with these links to attractions, services, transportation hubs, and dining options:
- Start with the “Discover UNH” virtual tour.
- Find out more about our great location with interactive campus maps, key addresses, and tour information.
Points of Interest
Bordering our 200-acre campus are more than 2,400 acres of University-owned fields, woodlands, and farms. Here are some areas worthy of a visit.
- The Jackson Estuarine Laboratory is just five miles from campus on the shore of the Great Bay Estuary in Durham.
- The Coastal Marine Laboratory can be found at historic Fort Constitution in New Castle, N.H., at the mouth of Portsmouth Harbor.
- The Shoals Marine Laboratory, six miles off the Atlantic coast, is a summer field station operated jointly by UNH and Cornell University.
- The UNH Observatory hosts open observation nights throughout the year. Call (603) 862-3996.
- College Woods, on the west side of campus, comprises 250 acres that are great for walking, running, birding, and skiing.
- Kingman Farm in nearby Madbury boasts an extensive trail system for mountain biking, hiking, running, skiing, and educational field experiences.
- Mendum's Pond is a UNH recreation area about seven miles from campus, home to the UNH Sailing Club, and with a picnic, canoe rental, and swimming area.
- The Thompson Farm, on the Lamprey River in Durham, is a 204-acre property with a small working farm and an extensive trail system.
- The Wildcat Sculpture, an 850-pound bronze symbol of pride and spirit, stands in front of the Whittemore Center. Installed in 2006, the cat is a favorite spot for taking family photographs.
Local Area Information
Visiting UNH
For more information on visiting UNH and the region, go to Visit UNH.
Three major airports serve Durham/UNH:
- Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
- Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT)
- Portland International Jetport (PWM0)
Did you know ...
- Wildcat Transit offers free bus service to the surrounding communities.
- THe UNH Memorial Union Building provides a housing list of off-campus housing.
- Most of the local towns provide a Farmers Market as well as many yearly special events.
- Within approximately a 30-90 minute drive you can reach the seacoast, the mountains and the cities of Boston, MA and Portland, ME.
