the loon center

We visited the Loon Center purely to take advantage of the sunny weather and have a nice walk. What we found exceeded our expectations: the video and exhibits about the loons were fascinating, and the staff were so friendly and helpful. The walk down to the lake was first-rate, even though the loons had already left the area. It passes through hemlock forest, down to the shore, and along a bog. For much of the walk, there are lots of rocks and roots underfoot, so you do need decent footwear and some dexterity, even though the path is generally level. Kids would enjoy the loop at the far end of the walk, where there is no formal trail and you pick your way from one blaze to the next.

We were staying at "The Village of Loon Mountain" and we asked how the mountain got it's name and they stated that it was named after a bird called the Loon. We saw a brochure about the Loon Center so we made it a late morning stop on the same day we were going to take a two hour cruise that left from Meredith, NH at 1 PM. They are about 10 miles apart so travel time was no problem. The center has an interactive board with questions about the Loon and it also has a 30 minute video showing the life patterns of the Loons. There are also some walking trails if you want to spend more time. You could spend about 1&1/2 hours in the center and see everything.We left a donation to help support the center.

If you are interested in learning about loons this is the place to go. They have videos about the loons and speakers to give more information about them. There is also a path that you can go on. Very interesting if you would like to know more about the loons.

We were not sure what to expect when visiting here as it has been YEARS since our first stop.Our group was greeted at the door with info about the center and a short informational movie they loop throughout the day. The information they have at the center is great if you have an interest in these beautiful birds. There is a replica of the nesting floats that are placed around the lakes to give loons safer places to next, info about how many loons are in each lake and if they are single, mated pair, chick etc. One thing we found especially interesting and sad is the effect of lead fishing gear on the loon population. The loon center even goes so far as to give away little bags of lead free hooks to ensure you will throw away anything lead and not fish with it.A coloring table for the kids was also a fun way to sit and relax and the screened in side porch was also a nice spot to sit & relax as well.The gift shop has something for everyone in all price ranges. There are hiking trails behind, but we were not able to use them although quite a few families did while we were there. They even have a bin on the front porch with "hiking sticks" that visitors can borrow.We will visit again I am sure.

Very informative center with 2 hiking trails. I had to do the much shorter because I was in a walking boot. Unfortunately, the longer trail is the one where you might see the loons, which I could not do. Liked that they had walking sticks available to "borrow".

The Loon Center is worth a trip with kids of any age - there are walking trails for the older, and FABULOUS interactive exhibits for the younger (can you say 'build your own loon nest'?). The staff is friendly and informed. Not a whole-day event, but just the right spot for a morning or afternoon away from the lake.

Cool place , nice gift shop for the nature enthusiastic ..... The loon cruises are a not to be missed experience of loons and time on a beautiful lake with spectacular views of the White Mountains .

So there aren't many loon centers, visit this one to learn all about this very interesting bird. I did the nature walk, although you won't be able to actually see the loon nesting sites. I did enjoy the nature center as I learned a few more things I didn't know about loons. I think kids will love this as the center is pretty small and has interactive exhibits.

Wow, what an experience learning about the magnificent, protected bird and its habitat. Very, very interesting and a must see for the family. Also has a hiking trail to their nesting grounds. Fantastic gift shop with everything from books to trinkets with loons on them. The attraction is free with donations accepted.

Very enjoyable movie about loons, even for those of us that already know much about them. Also good displays and gift shop. Came to explore the trails and do some Fall bird watching, but rain came down just as we started. (Reserved the highest rating until we can return and check out the trails.)

This is a great stop! We had no children with us on this trip, wished we had. I learned more about this protected bird than I ever realized. The different sounds they make to communicate, their size, and how they carry their young on there back. Very well presented, a real treat!

They show a very informative video about the local loons. Unfortunately we were there on a very rainy day so could not hike to the lake to see the nesting loons.

Follow the lond road there. It's great if you are a bird watcher or a nature buff. A fair size place with many exhibits.

This was a bit of a disappointment, perhaps because the weather was nasty and we didn't read the brochures carefully. But there are no loons at the Loon Center, other than loons in films, on posters, and in the gift shop. All of those things are great, but we would have liked to see the actual birds. And then we attempted one of the on-property hikes, and it was entirely too buggy to get very far. So, generally, good cause, and what's there is good. But there are no birds, though there are mosquitoes the size of birds.

a couple short hikes out to see a float with loons. It was too buggy when we were there to hike more than 10 minutes, but it was pretty.