Seacoast Science Center
NileGuide Expert Says:
The Seacoast Science Center and surrounding Odiorne State Park offer a full day of fun and activity for adults and children alike.
Address:
570 Ocean Boulevard
Portsmouth, NH 03870
Phone:
603-436-8043
Description:
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The Seacoast Science Center is located within scenic Odiorne State Park in Rye, NH, a former fishing community that was displaced for the construction of military coastal fortifications in the early twentieth century. The center offers several fun, hands-on science exhibits that focus on the history and ecology of the New Hampshire shoreline including a whale skeleton, sea life and the underwater environment of the Gulf of Maine, a touch tank where youngsters can handle such shoreline creatures as sand dollars and crabs; and the viewing of lobster traps, nets and other tools of the trade used by the local fishing industry. One especially interesting exhibit focuses on the sinking of the U.S.S. Squalus, an experimental U.S. submarine that went down off the coast of Portsmouth on the eve of World War II – the exhibit provides an exciting detailed account of the successful efforts to rescue this underwater vessel (most of the crewmen were saved and the submarine itself was eventually raised and refurbished for service during the war). Following a tour of the center, visitors and cyclists frequently spend the remainder of the day happily walking or pedaling the well maintained level trails of Odiorne State Park itself. Several of these trails afford stunning views of the rocky New Hampshire shoreline (children especially enjoy clambering among the boulders that meet the sea). It is also possible to travel or walk through the remains of the massive artillery batteries that once were the most prominent feature of this area. During the colder months, Odiorne offers cross country skiers and snow shoe fans the unique experience of gliding along snow covered trails while enjoying the view of the New Hampshire shoreline in winter.
Map:
