I had a little spare time after a meeting...what to do in Manchester? The reviews of the art museum said it was $10 to get in, and the Milyard Musuem closed at 4. So off to the fish. First of all, its confusing. You park, and see a little sign for portage on one side, and a uninviting building on the other side. I walked around and finally saw the little fishways sign, and the trail of blue fish to follow.Do not come here if you do not want a walk.You go by the dam, then down and around. Nice gardens. Inside were little educational displays and wildlife in aquariums. Downstairs you could watch the fishkadders but nothing was happening when I was there...just churning brown water. But the educational displays were interesting, as were the poor snakes and turtle and fish. I was alone. If children had been there, I would not have lingered after seeing that nothing was in the ladder. Not a bad visit.
The weekend we were there it open so we were able to view the fish going throught the ladder. Great for families with younger children.
It's a nice, local thing to see. Very quiet, nice to stroll around outside as well. No, this isn't Disney World or Universal Studios; no electronic gadgetry or snazzy videos, or ways to waste your dollars. This is a local attempt at showing what's done, and what the wildlife are in the area, and they do a fine job at educating the public without frills or fanfare... so do take a half hour to stop by and have a look, and support their efforts.
The displays are comprehensive and comprehensible. Possible changes could bring more depth and coherence. Patient, knowledgeable staff (Ask for Eric's help).
amoskeag has great programs which can be found in hippo press or parenting magazines. we visited it when they taught about salmon and had presentation for children. they also have art and craft project and guide telling us about the fish first hand. the kids luv it and its a very minimal cost - normally a donation. they also have a little area exhibit which has some fun learning. If you go below deck you can actually see the fish swimming and its a very fun experience.
We were here in September, so not much was happening here. I'm sure its much more interesting when the fish ladder is operational for spawning fish (May/June.) It is a rather small place with minimal displays.
Been here many times for field trips. They do a great job! The actually hands on stuff outside the presentation is limited.
We went in June when they said the fish were moving, but they were already through. Hard to find - GPS took us the wrong way. Interesting and interactive - not much to do in Manchester!
Family friendly environment, lots to look at and learn. They often have special events which are a must to attend.
The Amoskeag Fishway is an excellent thing to do in Manchester, NH. The fish ladder on the Merrimack River has viewing windows where you can watch fish work their way up the ladder. On our visit we saw a number of very large carp and some smaller fish. The learning center has some displays with turtles, toads, an eel, fish and even an Eastern Timber Rattler. There is an activity center with bins that offer fun events as well as a puppet theater and child's play fish ladder. Two Grammies spent 2 hours there with a 1 1/2 and 2 1/2 year old. We enjoyed our adventure and will go back. Visit is free, donation suggested. They also offer structured programs that have fees.