🌤 Weather at Franklin Pierce Homestead State Historic Site by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22–68 °F | 55–82 °F | 29–73 °F | 12–36 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Weare 2 NE, 10 mi away, elevation 805 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
New Hampshire’s Presidential Birthplace — 14th President Franklin Pierce Childhood Home, 1804 National Historic Landmark, Guided Tours, Barn Welcome Center, Hillsborough
Franklin Pierce Homestead State Historic Site is a 13-acre state historic site in Hillsborough, Hillsborough County, New Hampshire. The site preserves the childhood home of Franklin Pierce, 14th President of the United States — a National Historic Landmark built in 1804 by his father Benjamin Pierce (NH Governor), featuring guided tours of the Federal-style mansion, a barn welcome center with displays and artifacts, a gift shop, picnic area, and educational programs.
The Franklin Pierce Homestead is where America’s 14th President grew up — a Federal-style mansion built in 1804 by his father, Benjamin Pierce, who served as Governor of New Hampshire. The home is a National Historic Landmark and one of only a few presidential childhood homes preserved in their original setting. Guided tours take visitors through the restored rooms, sharing stories of Pierce’s formative years, his path to the presidency (1853–1857), and the family’s role in New Hampshire politics. The converted barn serves as a welcome center with displays, artifacts, and a gift shop. The site is a designated Blue Star Museum, offering free admission to active military and their families. The homestead can be rented for small private functions.
Things to Do
Historic Tours
- Guided mansion tours — Federal-style rooms
- Presidential history interpretation
- Benjamin Pierce (Governor) family history
- Private/group tours available
Museum & Exhibits
- Barn welcome center — displays + artifacts
- Gift shop
- Educational programs
- Blue Star Museum
Grounds
- 13-acre setting
- Picnic area
- Historic landscape
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 301 2nd NH Turnpike, Hillsborough, NH 03244 |
| President | Franklin Pierce — 14th President (1853–1857) |
| Built | 1804 by Benjamin Pierce (NH Governor) |
| Designation | National Historic Landmark |
| Acreage | 13 acres |
| Tours | Guided — mansion interior |
| Welcome Center | Converted barn — displays, artifacts, gift shop |
| Blue Star | Free for active military + families |
| Facilities | Restrooms, picnic area, bus parking |
| Rentals | Available for small private functions |
| Phone | (603) 478-3165 |
| Coordinates | 43.1164° N, 71.9506° W |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Highlights | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | ⭐ BEST: Full tour schedule; gardens in bloom; special events; combine with NH lakes | Popular; book group tours in advance |
| Fall (Sep–Oct) | New England foliage; beautiful grounds; cooler tours; photography | Check reduced hours after Labor Day |
| Spring (May–Jun) | Reopening; quiet; spring flowers; educational programs | Limited early-season hours; verify schedule |
| Winter | Generally CLOSED (Memorial Day–Labor Day season) | Call (603) 478-3165 for off-season availability |
Visitor Tips
- Guided tours: Guided tours of the mansion interior are the main attraction — call ahead for schedules and group bookings.
- Blue Star Museum: Active military and their families receive free admission.
- Barn welcome center: Start at the converted barn for historical displays, artifacts, and the gift shop before your tour.
- Presidential connection: Franklin Pierce is one of only two Presidents from New Hampshire (the other being Daniel Webster, who never won the presidency).
- Carry-In/Carry-Out: The site follows a Carry-In/Carry-Out program — pack out all trash.
- Private events: The homestead is available for small private functions and meetings.
Wildlife & Nature
Franklin Pierce Homestead State Historic Site — in Hillsborough — preserves the boyhood home of Franklin Pierce (1804-1869), the 14th President of the United States (1853-1857) and the only president from New Hampshire. The 1804 Federal-style mansion — built by his father, General Benjamin Pierce (NH governor) — features period furnishings and interpretive exhibits. The property’s rural farmland supports eastern bluebirds, tree swallows, and red-tailed hawks. White-tailed deer browse in the meadows.
Nearby Attractions
Hillsborough — adjacent — has a covered bridge and Fox State Forest. Henniker — 10 miles east — is the “only Henniker in the world” with New England College. Concord — 20 miles east — is the state capital. Mount Sunapee — 20 miles northwest — has skiing.
Where is the Franklin Pierce Homestead in New Hampshire?
The Franklin Pierce Homestead State Historic Site is located at 301 2nd New Hampshire Turnpike in Hillsborough, NH. This 13-acre National Historic Landmark preserves the childhood home of Franklin Pierce, the 14th President of the United States. Built in 1804 by his father Benjamin Pierce (Governor of New Hampshire), the Federal-style mansion offers guided tours. A converted barn serves as the welcome center with displays and a gift shop. The site is a Blue Star Museum with free admission for active military. It is generally open Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Last updated: May 2026
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, Bradford Pines Natural Area is a short drive away, and Pillsbury State Park is a short drive away.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Franklin Pierce Homestead State Historic Site
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Many NH state parks allow pets year-round, but policies vary by park and some parks prohibit pets entirely.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Standard or retractable leash not greater than 6 feet required; animals may not be left unattended.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are prohibited at beaches and designated swim areas seasonally from May 1 through September 30.
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are permitted at 13 campgrounds (including Bear Brook, Coleman, Greenfield, Lake Francis, Milan, Mollidgewock, Moose Brook, Pawtuckaway, Pillsbury, Sunapee and Umbagog); cabin/yurt rules vary by park — check before booking.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Monadnock, North Hampton State Beach, Odiorne Point and most of Rhododendron State Park prohibit pets year-round; Crawford Notch, Franconia Notch and Mount Washington allow pets only on hiking trails and designated dog-walk areas.
Are dogs allowed at Franklin Pierce Homestead State Historic Site?
Many NH state parks allow pets year-round, but policies vary by park and some parks prohibit pets entirely. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via nhstateparks.org. More: New Hampshire state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
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