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With the Connecticut River to the west and Moose Mountain to the east, postcard scenes are just one way Hanover shines as the greatest town in New Hampshire. But what truly sets this Upper Valley town apart is its Ivy League presence. As the home of Dartmouth College, Hanover boasts a history of growth and social progress, both town and college evolving since their founding to welcome diversity and learn from the past. Today, hospitality and warmth flow through the veins of this New England town, anchored by Dartmouth鈥檚 values of inclusivity, diversity, and open-mindedness. Whether visiting as a tourist or future student, the town's warm welcome will quickly help you discover why so many celebrate Hanover as the friendliest small town in New Hampshire.

Hanover: The Birth Of A College Town

While Hanover's identity is inextricably intertwined with Dartmouth College in 2025, this connection was not always written in the stars. The New England town was first chartered in 1761, welcoming its first settlers in 1765. Edmund Freeman and his family were the first non-Indigenous people to call Hanover home, and by 1767, the community had grown to welcome additional settlers. This growth, combined with the financial support from Hanover proprietors, encouraged the founder of Dartmouth College, Eleazar Wheelock, to do something that would forever alter Hanover. With some convincing, he was persuaded to relocate his recently founded College from Lebanon, Connecticut, to Hanover, New Hampshire, forever shaping the town's identity.

Dartmouth: Remembering the Past for a Brighter Future

In the last half-century, Dartmouth has embraced the wisdom of Winston Churchill, who wrote, 鈥淭hose that fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it." As one of America鈥檚 nine original colonial colleges, today Dartmouth advocates for remembering its iniquitous past while promoting inclusivity and diversity in the present. And while the school鈥檚 mission of inclusivity is forever ongoing, its efforts have been decades in the making. In 1970, the school鈥檚 Native American Council was formed when Dartmouth fortified its founding commitment to Indigenous students. Two years later, the College also began its transition to coeducation.

Dartmouth also played a role in the fight for Black representation in higher education. In 1824, Edward Mitchell made history as the first Black student to attend Dartmouth, decades before other Ivy League schools followed suit. While he was initially rejected by the College, Dartmouth students formed a unified protest that resulted in Mitchell鈥檚 enrollment. Four years later, he made history again as Dartmonuth鈥檚 first Black graduate, forging a path to future tolerance. Today, Dartmouth鈥檚 mission and values unite to create 鈥渁n inclusive and vibrant college community鈥� that extends to Hanover. By remembering the past, learning from it, and celebrating the legacy of figures like Edward Mitchell, the town and college have fostered a sense of community that welcomes all.

Top Events and Attractions in Hanover in 2025

Attend the 115th Dartmouth Winter Carnival

In 2025, Dartmouth will host its 115th Winter Carnival, an event National Geographic once described as 鈥渢he Mardi Gras of the North.鈥� The festival originated in 1911, celebrating Dartmouth's winter sport accolades and the beauty of the season. Since then, the festival has grown into a fun celebration for Dartmouth students and non-students alike. All are welcome to participate and observe classic Carnival events like the annual ice sculpture contest, ski race competitions, chili cook-offs, and a polar bear plunge.

This year, the carnival will take place from February 6 to 9, and the theme is Jurassic Parka: The Carnival Before Time. This prehistoric focus will feature additional dino-themed events like a free screening of Jurassic Park, Raptor Relays, and Bronto Bingo. While all of this is family-friendly, there are also family-focused events like Stuff-a-Plush DINO Edition. Located at Dartmouth鈥檚 Collis Common Ground, kids and the young-at-heart can personalize their own 鈥減rehistoric pal鈥� at this all-ages event.

Celebrate The Hood Museum Of Art鈥檚 40th Birthday

On September 13th, 2025, the Dartmouth-owned Hood Museum of Art will celebrate its 40th year with a Birthday Block Party. Similar to the Winter Carnival, this event is completely open to the public and will feature refreshments, live music, and all-age community art projects. The all-day event will celebrate the museum鈥檚 founding and reflect on its vast collection of 65,000 artworks and artifacts. By preserving and exhibiting objects spanning a diverse range of cultures and time periods, the museum upholds Dartmouth鈥檚 mission of diversity and inclusion through education.

If you cannot make the museum鈥檚 birthday bash in September, it will also be hosting special exhibitions and programs throughout 2025 to celebrate its 40th year. This includes exhibitions like Visual Kinship, Attitude of Coexistence: Non-Humans in East Asian Art, and Cara Romero: Pan没p眉n眉w眉gai (Living Light).

Catch A Live Performance At The Hopkins Center For The Arts

For those looking to experience more of Hanover鈥檚 art scene, Dartmouth鈥檚 Hopkins Center for the Arts is a must. 鈥淭he Hop,鈥� as locals call it, has been a beacon of creativity and connection since its opening in 1962. In 2025, human connection and equity still take center stage here, uniting students and community members through self-expression and creativity.

From gospel choirs and symphony orchestras to film shows and dance ensembles, this 麻豆AV-class art institution is one of New England鈥檚 best places to experience culture. It hosts over 200 film screenings and 100 live events every year, including one of the oldest college jazz bands in the country. Among the live performances, the Department of Theater also showcases a range of musicals and plays, including an upcoming production of School for Lies from February 14th to 22nd, 2025.

Discover Downtown Hanover

In the heart of downtown Hanover, Dartmouth College infuses the area with a youthful energy and a wealth of sites and experiences for everyone. The Dartmouth Green, a popular campus gathering place, is mainly popular with students. However, there is so much to explore beyond the campus. The surrounding attractions are popular and welcoming, including highlights like the Black Family Visual Arts Center, the Nugget Theaters moviehouse, and charming shops like the Dartmouth Co-Op.

Like other college towns, downtown Hanover boasts a rich caf茅 culture. You can find tons of cozy spots to grab a drink and unwind, like Umpleby's Bakery Cafe and The Works Bakery Cafe. To embrace the town鈥檚 academic atmosphere, you can even visit spots like Still North Books & Bar, a charming coffee house that also sells books.

Hanover鈥檚 downtown culinary scene is also worth noting, its restaurants and bars showcasing a diverse range of cuisines from around the globe. Visitors can savor local New England flavors at fine dining locales like Pine, or embark on a culinary journey with international restaurants such as Jewel of India, Sushiya, and Base Camp Cafe. As the sun sets, downtown Hanover boasts a great nightlife with its college bars and pubs like Dunk鈥檚 Sports Grill and Molly's Restaurant & Bar.

Final Thoughts

As the 9th US state and one of the original thirteen colonies, New Hampshire鈥檚 history is a rich and colorful one. However, like all histories, there are both moments of pride and sources of regret. Guided by Dartmouth鈥檚 mission of integrity and inclusivity, Hanover is committed to confronting all parts of its past to grow from it. While Dartmouth embraces diversity in 2025, it acknowledges that this has not always been the case. By recognizing these truths and actively working towards growth and change, this college town shines as the friendliest town in New Hampshire.