List of islands of New Hampshire facts for kids

New Hampshire is a state in the northeastern United States. It is known for its beautiful natural areas, including many lakes, rivers, and a small coastline. Because of all this water, New Hampshire is home to many islands!

These islands can be found in different types of water. Some are in large freshwater lakes, others are in winding rivers, and a few are even in the Atlantic Ocean. Each island has its own unique features, from how high it rises above the water to the plants and animals that live there.

What is an Island?

An island is simply a piece of land that is completely surrounded by water. It can be found in an ocean, sea, lake, or river. Islands can be very small, like just a few rocks sticking out of the water, or they can be very large, big enough for towns and cities.

New Hampshire's islands are mostly found in its many lakes and rivers. The state has a short coastline, so there are fewer islands in the ocean compared to states with longer coastlines.

Islands in New Hampshire's Lakes

New Hampshire is famous for its many lakes, and these lakes are full of islands!

Lake Winnipesaukee's Many Islands

Lake Winnipesaukee is the largest lake in New Hampshire. It's so big that it has over 250 islands! Many of the islands listed in New Hampshire are found right here. Some of the well-known islands include:

• Bear Island: One of the larger islands in the lake.
• Governors Island: This island is connected to the mainland by a bridge and has many homes. It's one of the highest islands in the lake, reaching about 646 feet (197 meters) above sea level.
• Long Island: Another large island in Lake Winnipesaukee.
• Rattlesnake Island: This island is known for being one of the highest points in the lake, reaching 791 feet (241 meters) above sea level. Don't worry, it's not actually full of rattlesnakes!
• Stamp Act Island: This island has a unique name that might make you wonder about its history.

Many other islands in Lake Winnipesaukee have fun names like Badger Island, Black Cat Island, Blueberry Island, Cow Island, Diamond Island, and Pig Island. Most of these islands are much lower in elevation, often around 500-550 feet (152-168 meters) above sea level, which is just a bit higher than the lake's surface.

Islands in Other Lakes

Besides Lake Winnipesaukee, many other New Hampshire lakes also have islands.

Squam Lake

Squam Lake is another beautiful lake with many islands. You might recognize it from the movie On Golden Pond. Islands here include:

• Great Island: One of the largest islands in Squam Lake, reaching about 650 feet (198 meters) in elevation.
• Chocorua Island: Named after Mount Chocorua, a famous New Hampshire mountain.
• Mink Island: A smaller island, often named for the animals that might live there.

Lake Sunapee

Lake Sunapee in Sullivan and Merrimack counties also has notable islands:

• Burkehaven Island: A larger island with an elevation of about 1099 feet (335 meters).
• Great Island: The highest island in Lake Sunapee, at 1119 feet (341 meters).
• Star Island: Not to be confused with the ocean island, this one is in Lake Sunapee.

Other Notable Lake Islands

• Umbagog Lake: Located in Coos County, this lake has islands like Bear Island and Big Island, which are quite high, around 1243-1299 feet (379-396 meters) in elevation.
• Massabesic Lake: In Rockingham County, this lake has islands like Birch Island and Picnic Island.
• Lake Wentworth: In Carroll County, it features islands such as Bass Island, Jockey Cap Island, and Loon Island.

Islands in New Hampshire's Rivers

New Hampshire's rivers, especially the larger ones, also contain many islands.

Connecticut River Islands

The Connecticut River forms the western border of New Hampshire. Many islands are found along its path:

• Burnaps Island: Located in Sullivan County, with an elevation of 315 feet (96 meters).
• Chase Island: Another island in the Connecticut River, also at 315 feet (96 meters).
• Nine Islands: A group of islands in Coos County, reaching 568 feet (173 meters).

Other River Islands

• Merrimack River: In Merrimack and Hillsborough counties, this river has islands like Bradleys Island (a former island) and Carthagina Island.
• Androscoggin River: In Coos County, you can find Buck Island and Seven Islands.
• Suncook River: Home to Bear Island in Merrimack County.

Islands Along the Coast

Even though New Hampshire has a short coastline, it still has some islands in its bays and the Atlantic Ocean. These islands are usually very low in elevation, often at 0 feet (0 meters), meaning they are at sea level.

• Isles of Shoals: These are a group of small islands located about 6 miles (9.7 km) off the coast in the Atlantic Ocean. Part of them are in New Hampshire and part in Maine. Star Island is one of the most famous of these islands.
• Peirce Island: Located in the Piscataqua River near Portsmouth, this island is only about 13 feet (4 meters) above sea level.
• Great Bay: This large tidal estuary has islands like Footman Islands, Nannie Island, and Swan Island.
• Little Harbor: Here you can find islands such as Blunts Island, Clampit Island, and Lady Isle.

Why So Many Islands?

New Hampshire's landscape was shaped by glaciers thousands of years ago. As the glaciers moved, they carved out valleys and left behind hills and mounds of rock and soil. When the glaciers melted, these low areas filled with water, forming lakes and rivers. The higher parts of the land became islands.

The state's rocky terrain and many water bodies make it a perfect place for islands to form. Whether you're exploring a big lake or a quiet river, you're likely to spot one of New Hampshire's many interesting islands!