Center Harbor, New Hampshire
Belknap County · Lakes Region

Center Harbor

Where Lake Winnipesaukee begins and New Hampshire charm never ends.

About Center Harbor

Nestled along the pristine shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, Center Harbor embodies the quintessential New Hampshire lakes region experience. This charming town of just over 1,100 residents sits at the northern tip of the state's largest lake, where the Winnipesaukee River begins its journey toward the sea. Historic summer cottages dot the shoreline alongside year-round homes, creating a community that seamlessly blends seasonal tradition with permanent residential charm. Center Harbor's compact downtown area maintains its New England village character, with the iconic Senter's Market serving as a community gathering place for over a century. The town's location provides easy access to both lake recreation and mountain adventures, with the Belknap Range rising just to the west. Whether you're seeking a peaceful lakeside retreat or an active outdoor lifestyle, Center Harbor offers an authentic slice of New Hampshire's lakes region heritage.

Schools & Education

Center Harbor is part of the SAU 2 school district.

School District

Part of Newfound Area School District(SAU 2)

Students attend high school in Meredith

Quick Facts

Population
1,137
County
Belknap
Region
Lakes Region
School District
SAU 2

Local Businesses

Annalee Gift Shop

Shopping

Famous doll and gift shop featuring the beloved Annalee collectible dolls created in nearby Meredith. Offers unique New Hampshire-made gifts and seasonal decorative items.

Route 3

Center Harbor Antiques

Shopping

Antique shop featuring New England collectibles and vintage items. Popular with tourists and collectors visiting the lakes region.

Main road

Center Harbor Auto Repair

Other

Local automotive service shop handling routine maintenance and repairs for cars and trucks. Trusted by residents for honest service and fair pricing on vehicle needs.

Route 25B

Center Harbor General Store

Food & Drink

Historic general store serving the community with groceries, deli items, and local products. A gathering place for residents and visitors seeking essentials and local information.

Main Street

Center Harbor Gift Shop

Shopping

Tourist-oriented shop selling New Hampshire souvenirs and local crafts. Features items celebrating the lakes region heritage.

Village area

Center Harbor Inn

Other

Historic inn providing accommodations with lake views and traditional New England hospitality. Features comfortable rooms and serves as a landmark in the village center.

Main Street

Center Harbor Library

Education

Small community library offering books, programs, and internet access. Serves as a quiet gathering place for residents.

Village center

Center Harbor Marina

Outdoor Recreation

Full-service marina offering boat rentals, repairs, and seasonal docking on Lake Winnipesaukee. Provides everything needed for a day on the water including fishing supplies and boat maintenance.

Lake Street

Center Harbor Post Office

Other

Full-service postal facility serving the local community with mail services and package handling. Convenient location in the village center for all postal needs.

Main Street

Center Harbor Town Office

Other

Municipal offices providing local government services including permits, tax collection, and voter registration. Staff assists residents with various town-related needs and information.

Main Street

Lake Region Realty

Other

Real estate agency specializing in lakes region properties. Handles both seasonal and year-round residential sales.

Main village area

Lakefront Property Management

Other

Property management service specializing in seasonal home care and maintenance. Provides peace of mind for seasonal residents.

Center Harbor

Lakes Region Farmers Market

Food & Drink

Seasonal farmers market featuring local produce, baked goods, and artisan products from area farms and vendors. Great source for fresh, locally-grown ingredients and handmade items.

Village Green

Lakeshore Landscaping

Other

Local landscaping company serving residential and commercial properties. Specializes in lakefront property maintenance and design.

Center Harbor area

Lakeside Cottage Rentals

Other

Property management company handling seasonal cottage rentals. Manages numerous lakefront and near-lake properties.

Center Harbor area

Lakeside Gallery

Arts & Entertainment

Local art gallery featuring works by regional artists including paintings, photography, and crafts inspired by Lakes Region scenery. Rotating exhibitions showcase both established and emerging talents.

Main Street

Lakeside Medical Clinic

Health & Wellness

Small medical practice providing primary care services to local residents. Offers convenient healthcare access for the community.

Center Harbor

Moultonborough Bay Marina

Outdoor Recreation

Nearby marina offering boat storage, repairs, and launch services for Lake Winnipesaukee recreation. Features fuel dock and marine supply store for boating needs.

Route 25

Pine Point Marina

Outdoor Recreation

Marina facility with boat storage, launch services, and marine supplies. Serves the boating community on Lake Winnipesaukee.

Lakefront

Red Hill Fire Tower Trail

Outdoor Recreation

Popular hiking destination offering panoramic views of the Lakes Region from the historic fire tower. The moderate hike rewards visitors with spectacular vistas of Lake Winnipesaukee and surrounding mountains.

Bean Road

Senter Harbor Antiques

Shopping

Quality antique shop featuring furniture, collectibles, and vintage items from New England estates. Known for fair prices and authentic pieces with interesting histories.

Main Street

Senter's Market

Food & Drink

Historic general store and deli serving the community since 1900. Offers groceries, prepared foods, and local specialties.

Route 25B

Squam Lakes Natural Science Center

Education

Nearby nature center offering educational programs about local wildlife and ecosystems. Features live animal exhibits, nature trails, and hands-on learning experiences for all ages.

Route 113

The Marketplace at Water Village

Shopping

Small shopping complex featuring various retail shops and services in nearby Meredith. Convenient location for shopping, dining, and personal services just minutes from Center Harbor.

Route 3

The Old Country Store

Shopping

Charming country store featuring local crafts, gifts, and specialty foods from New Hampshire artisans. Popular destination for unique souvenirs and locally-made products.

Main Street

Village Coffee Corner

Food & Drink

Small coffee shop serving espresso drinks, pastries, and light meals. Popular morning gathering spot for locals and visitors.

Village center

Village Hair Salon

Health & Wellness

Local salon providing hair care services to residents and seasonal visitors. Friendly stylists offer cuts, coloring, and styling in a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere.

Main Street

Village Hardware

Other

Local hardware store providing tools, supplies, and home improvement materials. Serves both residents and seasonal property owners.

Village area

Winnipesaukee Auto Service

Other

Local automotive repair shop providing maintenance and repair services. Serves year-round residents and seasonal property owners.

Main road

Winnipesaukee Boat Rentals

Outdoor Recreation

Seasonal boat rental service offering pontoons, fishing boats, and water sports equipment. Popular with summer visitors and locals.

Waterfront area

Winnipesaukee Kayak Company

Outdoor Recreation

Kayak and paddleboard rental service with guided tours of Lake Winnipesaukee's scenic waters. Offers equipment for all skill levels and local knowledge of the best paddling destinations.

Lake Street

Winnipesaukee Realty

Other

Local real estate agency specializing in lakefront and Lakes Region properties. Experienced agents help buyers and sellers navigate the unique seasonal and year-round housing market.

Main Street

Explore the Meredith Area

See Meredith for dining, activities, outdoor recreation, local businesses, and more.

View Meredith Guide