New Hampshire is full of beautiful mountains, amazing drives, and restaurants that will feed your heart and soul. But one New Hampshire attraction is truly unique – in fact, there is no attraction in the world quite like the Mount Washington Observatory. This place is ripe with history and has even broken world records. Plus, getting there is an impressive adventure in and of itself. No wonder the Mount Washington Observatory is a place everyone in New Hampshire – and the world – must visit.
Mount Washington isn’t just one of New Hampshire’s most popular tourist attractions and its highest mountain.
Mouser Williams/flickr
The icy summit of the mountain is home to the Mount Washington Observatory, a weather observation center.
Edward Faulkner/flickr
Because the summit experiences such extreme weather, it is the perfect place to learn about wild weather and the forces of nature.
Edward Faulkner/flickr
Sometimes in a very up close and personal way.
Georgia On My Mind/flickr
The hearty weather station has been operating since 1932. It is staffed year-round, even through the most terrifying and icy weather.
Mouser Williams/flickr
In fact, the highest wind speed ever recorded by man was observed here. The 231 mile-per-hour gust held the record for fastest wind until a modern weather instrument recorded a higher speed in Australia. However, it remains the highest wind ever observed by humans.
Shannon McGee/flickr
On the summit of Mount Washington, snow is present for the majority of the year. In fact, the average temperature over the course of the year is 27 degrees. Even in the summer it is rare for the temperature at the summit to reach above 50 degrees.
Mouser Williams/flickr
The strong winds, cool temperatures, and high altitude give the summit and the Mount Washington Observatory an other-worldly feel.
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The Mount Washington Observatory is open to visitors whenever the summit is open - which usually depends on the weather. Even during the winter there are special snow excursions that will take you to the summit and the observatory in a specially designed European snow vehicle.
Edward Faulkner/flickr
During the warmer months, you can drive up the Mount Washington Auto Road, take the Cog Railway, or hike to enjoy the splendid views from the summit.
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No matter when you visit the Mount Washington Observatory you are sure to see something amazing.
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For more information on the Mount Washington Observatory, visit the website.
Mouser Williams/flickr
Edward Faulkner/flickr
Georgia On My Mind/flickr
Shannon McGee/flickr
NeigelMenzies/flickr
ppdiaporama/flickr
JamesWalters/flickr
Looking for more unique New Hampshire attractions? Check out these ten amazing New Hampshire sites that most people don’t even know exist!
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