Smith’s Ferry Heritage Park

By America's State Parks Editorial TeamMay 8, 2026 · Updated October 6, 2026

🏆 Merrimack River Heritage — Heritage park preserving the site of a historic Merrimack River ferry crossing — gateway to industrial New Hampshire

Smith’s Ferry Heritage Park in Manchester, on about 17 acres of state land, preserves the site of a historic ferry crossing on the Merrimack River — one of the critical river crossings that connected northern and southern New Hampshire before bridges were built. The Merrimack was New Hampshire’s economic highway, powering the massive textile mills of Manchester and Nashua that made New Hampshire a center of the Industrial Revolution. The Amoskeag Manufacturing Company in Manchester was once the largest cotton textile manufacturer in the world, employing 17,000 workers in mills stretching a mile along the river.

Visitor Information

About Smith’s Ferry

Smith’s Ferry Heritage Park in Manchester preserves the site of a historic ferry crossing on the Merrimack River — the most important river in southern New Hampshire. The Merrimack powered the textile mills that made Manchester and Lowell the centers of America’s Industrial Revolution. Before bridges, ferries were the lifeline connecting communities along the river. The State of New Hampshire acquired the land in 1992; the statewide GRANIT conservation lands database lists it as state-owned with public access allowed.

Things to Do

Visiting the historic ferry site, fishing in the Merrimack River, picnicking, canoeing and kayaking, and learning about the river transportation era that preceded the Industrial Revolution.

Insider Tips

Merrimack River: Smith’s Ferry Heritage Park sits along the Merrimack River — once the most industrialized river in the world. Pro tip: The Merrimack powered the textile mills of Lowell and Lawrence — producing more cloth than any other river system in America. River cleanup: The Merrimack was severely polluted by industrial waste — cleanup efforts since the 1970s have restored fish populations and recreation.

Best Time to Visit

Summer: River recreation. Fall: Merrimack Valley foliage. Spring: High water and river views. Year-round: Heritage park accessible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was the Merrimack important?

The Merrimack River powered America’s Industrial Revolution — its 32-foot drop at Pawtucket Falls (Lowell) was harnessed to run the nation’s largest textile mills. By 1850, Lowell’s mills produced 1.5 million yards of cloth per week. The river also powered mills in Nashua, Manchester (Amoskeag), and Lawrence. It was literally the engine of American industrialization.

Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Bear Brook State Park (a short drive away) and Ahern State Park (a short drive away).

Wildlife & Nature

Smith’s Ferry Heritage Park — along the Merrimack River — preserves the site of a historic river ferry crossing. The Merrimack River corridor supports bald eagles, osprey, and great blue herons. Beaver maintain lodges along the banks. White-tailed deer browse the riverbank vegetation. The park documents early New Hampshire transportation history.

Nearby Attractions

The Merrimack River — New Hampshire’s most important river — flows 117 miles from Franklin to the Atlantic in Massachusetts. Concord — nearby — is the state capital. Local trails connect along the river corridor.

About the Author

America's State Parks Editorial Team

America's State Parks is an independent online guide to state parks and other public lands in the United States. Our editorial team compiles park profiles from official agency and operator sources and other identified references, and follows our published editorial policy and review methodology. Where a profile shows a source-check date, that date applies to the detail it names. We correct errors when we find them or when readers report them.

View All Articles by America's State Parks Editorial Team →