Fort Stark State Historic Site
Fort Stark State Historic Site
4
10:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 3:30 PM
About
The parking lot is opened by volunteers hopefully by 10 a.m. each day. The Visitor Center and museum is open Saturday through Sunday from Memorial Day to June 20 from 10 a.m. until 3.30 p.m. From June 24 - Labor Day it is open Thursday through Sunday from 10 a.m. until 3.30 p.m. It has exhibits about the military history of the fort and a whole section about shipwrecks which happened in the New Castle area.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
41 reviews
Excellent
12
Very good
18
Average
7
Poor
3
Terrible
1
Robert Camper
Concord, NH98 contributions
Jan 2023
We really wanted to at least walk around, but when we got to the end of Wild Rose Lane, the parking lot was closed off, and the little area outside the parking area had "no parking this side" on all 4 sides. As you drove in or out, Wild Rose lane had "parking for New Castle Residents only, parking sticker required." If parking lot were open, looks like it would have been interesting to walk around.
Written January 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nicdes1388
Dover, NH127 contributions
Aug 2018 • Couples
We wound up at Fort Stark by accident and it was a very happy accident. It's a beautiful place to walk around and look at Portsmouth Harbor and there is some interesting history to learn. We still go back for walks along the walls of the old fort when we feel the need for some sun!
Written November 13, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I'm glad you enjoyed your visit. Come again in the summer and view the exhibits in the Machine Shop museum.
Written November 14, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mark G
New Castle, NH2 contributions
Apr 2017 • Family
This state park is at the end of a tree shaded lane and situated in one of NH's most picturesque towns. The park itself is mostly undeveloped with an old fort to explore but be forewarned it is falling apart so just look and don't climb on it. Aside from the park there is a pretty little beach on Little Harbor and a rock jetty at the entrance to the Harbor. Don't miss the wild side of the park which consists of large rocks to scramble over and loads of tide pools.
Written April 11, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review and thank you for warning people about the dangers of the old buildings. come visit our museum some Sat. afternoon during the summer.
Written August 5, 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
globeseeker007
globeseeker0073,255 contributions
Aug 2013 • Couples
There is no entrance fee to this attraction and limited parking in front. The place is great for those wanting to spend time on the water and have a picnic in the area in front of the fort. The place has a lot of history. A fort was built on the site prior to the American Revolution and later enlarged. At the end of the 18th century, large guns were installed and later removed. During the 20th century, more guns were placed there and later removed. Most of the place is cordoned off from the public and is in disrepair. The main building is also in terrible shape and it also is off limits to the public. In fact, it makes Ft Constitution, which is in bad shape, seem great. This is just another piece of history that has been abandoned and will probably be destroyed as time goes by.
Written August 4, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fredc392017
Ipswich, MA139 contributions
Nov 2019
This is an old fort that is not used ant more. Plenty of places to wander around and explore on a fall afternoon.
Written November 5, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for the review. I'm glad you enjoyed the site. It is lovely in the fall.
Written November 6, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
sgarceau
Vermont16 contributions
Aug 2017 • Family
My wife stumbled on this hidden treasure one morning while on a morning walk while staying at The Wentworth. We visited this spot later in the morning and it is a very private location that had only a couple of visitors at the time. A hidden treasure with beautiful ocean views where you could privately spend some time.
Written August 18, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you. I'm so glad you visited. If you're ever there on a Sat., the Visitor Center is open. It contains info. about the 22nd Coastal Artillery which was stationed there during World War II. It also has an interesting exhibit about shipwrecks which occurred in the New Castle area.
Written August 19, 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
LL1217
New York City, NY277 contributions
Jul 2017 • Family
You can walk around the grounds and a mall beach with beautiful views, perfect afternoon getaway with the kids
Written July 31, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you. Be sure to visit our museum on Saturdays in the summer from noon until 4 p.m. It highlights the military history of the fort plus has an exhibit about shipwrecks in the New Castle area.
Written August 5, 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
EnjoyFreePower
New Hampshire137 contributions
Jun 2017 • Family
Never knew this place existed until a friend asked me to meet them there. It is hidden down a side road and has a small but ample parking lot. There is no beach here but plenty of rocks and a rock jetty that you can walk out onto. Nice place to have a picnic or just hang out and watch the boats coming and going from the harbor.
The only negative to this place is that it used to be an old WW-II military installation and the buildings on site are in pretty rough shape and it looks like there has been some vandalism and graffiti.
If you like a place you can get away from the crowds, this may be a good place to visit.
The only negative to this place is that it used to be an old WW-II military installation and the buildings on site are in pretty rough shape and it looks like there has been some vandalism and graffiti.
If you like a place you can get away from the crowds, this may be a good place to visit.
Written July 14, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Actually there is a small sandy beach but it's only there at low tide. As you walk in to the grounds it is on your right side behind the stone wall. Just remember, there are no life guards so swimming is at your own risk.
Written August 18, 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
BradOne
New Hampshire6 contributions
Jul 2015 • Couples
Beyond the history as a military fort protecting the entrance to Portsmouth since the 1700's, a great place to walk, picnic, or enjoy the rocky beaches. One side faces entrance to Portsmouth Harbor, the other New Castle Harbor. Can walk out to the tip of harbor breakwater. There is a museum here run by volunteers with unpredictable hours.
Written July 19, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Route128North
North Shore, MA10,095 contributions
May 2015 • Couples
We enjoyed our recent visit to Fort Stark, an abandoned fort that served the military over many years and several wars. Clearly, little restoration of the Fort has been done, but the site seemed in decent shape to us with fencing blocking access to some spots and sturdy railings on the crumbling stairs. With just a little caution, we found we could avoid hazards (but children should be carefully supervised). The many interpretive signs were very helpful to our understanding as was a pamphlet that we picked up by the entrance (however, we found several numbered markers on the grounds, but unfortunately we couldn't find references to them in the pamphlet or on any signs). The WWII era control center, built to look like a ship to approaching enemy ships, was especially interesting (exterior only, cannot enter). The small museum, open seasonally on Saturday afternoons, was closed during our visit.
We especially enjoyed the stunning views from Fort Stark; Fort Constitution and the Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse were visible in one direction, Whaleback Lighthouse in another. There were a few picnic tables making it a nice stop for lunch. During our early spring visit, there were only a couple of other visitors, but there seemed to be plenty of parking. We spotted one small sign on Route 1B shortly before we reached the turn-off for the Fort, but our GPS was more helpful in finding the turn.
We will return and hope to have a chance to visit the museum sometime.
We especially enjoyed the stunning views from Fort Stark; Fort Constitution and the Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse were visible in one direction, Whaleback Lighthouse in another. There were a few picnic tables making it a nice stop for lunch. During our early spring visit, there were only a couple of other visitors, but there seemed to be plenty of parking. We spotted one small sign on Route 1B shortly before we reached the turn-off for the Fort, but our GPS was more helpful in finding the turn.
We will return and hope to have a chance to visit the museum sometime.
Written May 6, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
No, there is no fee. The Visitor Center asks for a donation as we get no state money to upgrade exhibits etc. but otherwise it's totally free.
Written July 8, 2019
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