The Polar Caves were formed about 50,000 years ago as the third continental glacier descended over New Hampshire’s White Mountains. When the ice retreated, it left behind an amazing series of caves and passageways to explore! A self-guided tour through Polar Caves will take you to the rock garden, on the nature trails and through the nine caves in the park.
America’s Most Sensational Granite Caves
Formed by a glacier, The Polar Caves consist of nine amazing granite boulder caves now connected by boardwalks for easy exploration.
Discovery at Every Turn
There is so much to discover at Polar Caves Park! Bring a picnic or plan to barbecue in our Pine Forest … there’s a lot to do. Feed the animals in the animal area, try to get lost in the Rock Garden, and learn about the history of Maple sap collection. Plus much more!
Welcoming Environment
At Polar Caves Park, we want you to leave the hustle and bustle behind. The Polar Caves are set on a cliff surrounded by a forest of pine trees. Most visitors choose to explore the caves at a relaxed pace with a self-guided tour. If you are interested in learning more about the caves and the park, please request a guided tour. We’d love to explore with you!
Educational Opportunities
Why is New Hampshire called the Granite State? How was granite originally harvested? At Polar Caves Park, you can find these answers and also:
• learn about the history of maple syrup production,
• mine for gems, minerals, and fossils in the mining sluice,
• hunt for crystals in the dark Klondike mines.