New Hampshire's Picturesque Town Is An Under-The-Radar Spot For An Authentic Glimpse At American History

Travel back in time to America's colonial past by visiting this former industrial town in New England. Located in the Monadnock region, under 16 miles from Keene and 47 miles from Manchester airport, Harrisville is a serene, rural place that offers an authentic escape into the past. Today, visitors can travel back in time to the 19th century due to the efforts of Historic Harrisville, a historic preservation charity set up in 1971 to conserve the history and nature within the surrounding village.  

This under-the-radar historical landmark is one of the only examples of an industrial town that has kept its original vibe largely intact, allowing visitors to soak up that old-fashioned rural American charm. "We're like this little diamond hidden in the forest," Sam Rule, chef and general manager at Harrisville General Store, said in an interview with Will You Adventure. "I think it's a nice place for people to come and experience a way of life that isn't so common anymore," he continued. 

Accommodation options within Harrisville itself are pretty limited, but you can stay at the Harrisville Inn, built in 1842, or Aldworth Manor, a rustic 19th-century manor house which hosts weddings and retreats in addition to renting rooms. And if you'd prefer to take advantage of being in the countryside, there's a campsite 7.3 miles away from town. Or perhaps you could stay in Jaffrey, another charming little town in New Hampshire that's only a 20-minute drive away.

Harrisville was a factory village where water-powered woolen mills once provided work for the residents. In the 1800s, as many as 45% of the villagers worked in the factory in some capacity. The mills, which provided the backdrop to residents' lives for well over a century, officially closed in 1970.

Since then, the Historic Harrisville organization has bought and maintained many of the historic buildings in town. Today, these buildings host a variety of small local businesses. Harrisville is fairly isolated, which means visitors can enjoy wandering the old-timey streets without being distracted by the sounds of a highway. 

Harris Mill is still in operation as a shop and workshop space, and Harrisville General Store, first established in 1838,  sells a range of items to help sustain the local community. The store also has an in-store restaurant that focuses on local and seasonal foods, including locally-sourced meat and dairy. If that's not enough history for you, take the 40-mile drive to explore New Hampshire's historic valley region.

Harrisville isn't just great for people who love history and architecture — it's also a haven for nature enthusiasts. Nestled in the Monadnock region of New Hampshire, this leafy village sits at the heart of lush forests, mountains, lakes, farms, manors, estates, and hiking trails.

There are several trails that you can traverse on foot, by bike, or even horseback. In the winter, visitors have even been known to ski down these trails. The Zophar Willard Woods, spanning 58 acres, is a relatively easy walk where visitors can loop through serene trees, enjoy some gentle climbs, and relax in a scenic meadow before finding themselves back in town. 

The Eliza Adams Gorge Trail takes you through wild forests, around the Howe Reservoir, and can even be turned into a 50-mile hike along the Monadnock‐Sunapee Greenway if you fancy it. Harrisville is also about 8 miles from one of the most hiked mountains in the world.