Willey House

If you're heading to Maine from Montreal or anywhere else, this is a must-stop. It's a perfect place to take a break from a long drive, have a picnic, or enjoy a snack at Willey House. Tip: free parking and get the ice cream! The scenery is breathtaking, truly picture-perfect. Once you get back on the road towards Maine, drive attentively for the next mile or so because there are a few other stops for hiking trails and waterfalls. Enjoy!

Willy's House NH is a charming destination nestled by the serene riverbanks, offering a picturesque setting for camping enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. The tranquil waters provide the perfect opportunity to indulge in fish and duck feeding activities, immersing oneself in the peaceful surroundings.

A notable point to consider is that the iconic date bridge, a symbol of the locale, unfortunately remains closed due to ongoing construction work scheduled to conclude on August 25th. During our visit, we found the bridge yet to be completed, preventing access to the other side of the river. Nonetheless, a delightful picnic spot awaits on the opposite side of the road. Here, we relished a delightful barbecue experience, savoring delicious meals while basking in the beauty of nature.

The allure of Willy's House extends beyond mere relaxation. Adventurous souls can embark on invigorating hikes, exploring the nearby trails that showcase the region's remarkable flora and fauna. The weather during our stay was nothing short of exceptional, enhancing our overall experience and allowing us to truly connect with the natural environment.

In conclusion, Willy's House NH offers a serene haven where camping, fishing, and delightful picnics harmonize with the splendor of nature. While the closure of the date bridge was a minor setback, the enchanting landscape, barbecue festivities, and invigorating hikes more than compensated for this temporary inconvenience. A visit to Willy's House NH promises a rejuvenating escape into the heart of the outdoors.

We stopped here for a picnic lunch on our way around the notch and the Kanc. There are a few different places to sit and have lunch. We had ours near the dam/waterfall. It was a quiet place to enjoy lunch. We walked the grounds and you can feed the Ducks as well.
There is a gift shop with ice cream and pizza as well as all the normal little trinkets as well as photographs from well know Photographer Chris Whiton of all the North Woods scenery and animals.
Next door to the gift shop is a little museum with a park ranger who can explain some of the history of this place.
This is a definite must stop if you are in the area.

Despite the tragic history of the site, this is a great spot to stop in for some ice cream on a summer afternoon! Beautiful views both up and down Crawford Notch. There's also a large selection of souvenirs on site, and publicly accessible restrooms.

Nice place to pick up some park information and souvenirs. They also have good food. I highly recommend the chili it's hot and delicious! Beautiful views across the street at Crawford Notch.

The Willey House is a nice stop, shop and sight see. The shop is known for its ice cream but has your normal tourist items for sale. The parking lot will accommodate 25 cars and across the street is a very picturesque pond, with a lovely walking trail and plenty of parking. Picnic tables and stationary BBQ grills are placed around the pond. During the fall peak the parking areas fill quickly and often, definitely need to get there early if you plan to take pictures without folks in them. There is a walking bridge across the pond.

We didn't go here on purpose. We were taking the long way to Kancamagus. But THIS is something that I will always be searching for. The pictures are nice but the feeling it gave us just being in it's presence...is something else. Like other people have already said, you have to see it for yourself. I'm glad I didn't know about this place before driving. That way I couldn't ruin it or overhype it in my head. Has a restroom and we had to get some ice cream even though it was cold out. A true gem. See you again someday, hopefully.

I discovered this wonderful place during my roadtrip in New Hampshire. You can feed the ducks, admire amazing views and go in the boutique for souvenirs. Free parking.

I stopped along the Willey house historic site after a hike in the white mountains. There are some very clean bathrooms on the premise and a lovely snack shop/ gift shop. I got one scoop of the blueberry ice cream, which turned out to be this massive scoop (great value for your money!!). I sat outside the gift shop on the outdoor seating area that overlooks the road and the pond at the foot of Mt. Webster. After eating, I crossed the road and walked by the pond where people were fishing and feeding the ducks. There were also some outdoor grills and picnic tables in the area. Great place to take your family, appropriate for all ages!

Beautiful location, ducks literally eat from our hands. The duck food stations need to be refilled.

One of the best places in Crawford Notch State Park . The view from this place during fall colors is the best !!
Attached some of the best pictures I took ..

Plenty of parking. Restroom. Gift shop & visitor center. Picnic tables. Calm & quiet.

The view of the lake & the mountains surrounding it is gorgeous! It’s a quick stop right off of the highway, very convenient. Try timing your visit around peak foliage season (in the fall).

A great general store with lots of history and surrounding scenic beauty.

If you ever find yourself in Crawford Notch, you owe it to yourself to stop in at the historic Willey House. Though the outside is beautiful; surrounded by mountains, forest, and a mountain river - the inside is stocked with souvenirs, knick-knacks, and food (including ice cream and made to order sandwiches). Even in the cold months, though the house is closed up, the surrounding area is gorgeous.

Would highly recommend - and don't forget to read about the tragic history of the house while you're enjoying ice cream.

I spent more time here than I planned to. Visiting the gift shop, talking to a friendly and helpful park official about wildlife and a place I was looking for at the information ℹ building, exploring Willey Pond, enjoying the view of the mountains and walking two trails, Pond Loop ➰ and Sam Willey Trail. Watch out for the 🐻 bear droppings! Speaking 🗣 of bears, a mom and her cub were spotted near the house just as I had arrived.
The gift shop sells local goods, books 📚 and souvenirs. They also have Gifford's 🍦 ice-cream, drinks, pizza 🍕, chilli, muffins and hot dogs. I tried the pizza and mint chip 🍦 ice-cream, both were good! Indoor/outdoor seating available. They accept credit 💳/debit cards but not American Express.
The pond has 🦆 ducks you can feed. You can purchase feed at the gift shop.
Pond Loop is an easy trail while Sam Willey Trail goes from easy to moderate. A rugged stroller I would recommend for Sam Willey but it's not wheelchair accessible.
The view of the mountains was breathtaking! John Lithgow's character from "2010:The Year We Make Contact" said he missed the color green. Send him here!
There are quarter operated viewers, picnic 🧺 tables and parking 🅿 on both sides of the road. Bathroom was in good shape. I think 🤔 I spotted grills.
Only issue, they need a crosswalk on RT. 302 to get to Willey Pond. Also signage warning ⚠ speeding drivers of pedestrians🚸.
I highly recommend a visit!

I love the history of the place. I spoke with Mr. Rex Wiley. He was very friendly and helpful and he even signed his book for me!

Our favorite stop on 302. Ice cream, gifts, a little history, restrooms, picnic tables, trails at the pond with fishing, nice little waterfall at the bridge.

Passing by, after a tram trip up Cannon Mountain, Willey House Historical site and park was a stop worth making. The lakefront park was beautiful, offered places to sit, to eat, to hike, to enjoy the cool water! One of my trip highlights.

Such a beautiful stop along rt. 302. Great place for a picnic surrounded by the beauty of the mountains! There are bathrooms and a store that's open seasonally.

Beautiful site for all seasons. Summer and fall, you can buy fresh fudge made there.

This place is amazing!!!!! It's so beautiful you have to see for yourself.. Pack a lunch and have a picnic they have plenty of picnic tables for you to sit at. I could stay here forever.