About the Park
Weeks State Park and the John Wingate Weeks Historic Site is the former Mount Prospect estate built at the direction of John Wingate Weeks, U.S. congressman, U.S. senator, and Secretary of War under Presidents Harding and Coolidge. The 338 +/- acre Mount Prospect estate was given to the state of New Hampshire in 1941 by John W. Weeks' children, Katherine Weeks Davidge and Sinclair Weeks. Set at the very top of Mount Prospect in Lancaster, New Hampshire, the house and grounds provide a 360-degree panorama of mountain splendor, including the Presidential Range of the White Mountains, the Green Mountains of Vermont, the Kilkenny Range, the Percy Peaks, and the upper Connecticut River Valley. The park auto road, one of the first scenic byways in the State of NH and originally built in 1911, will also be open to visitors who want to drive up the 1.6-mile road. The auto road, scenic overlooks, and trails are open year-round to hikers and walkers. Dogs on a leash are always welcome, too.
Weeks State Park Brochure
Weeks State Park Map
2025 Season Updates
House Museum Improvement Project: The John Wingate Weeks House Museum on the summit will be closed this season for a large onging improvement project. Parking on the summit will be limited; however, the tower, auto road, picnic areas, and trails will be open. The NH Division of Parks and the Bureau of Historic Sites' ARPA-funded project improvements include: an ADA lift to the house museum great room, the addition of an ADA bathroom, the rebuilding of the North Terrace and portico, repairs to the auto garage foundation, and more. PC Construction of VT is completing the project.
There will be no special events. Due to the museum being closed this season, the free Thursday evening WSPA educational program series will be held at the North Country Resources Center, 629 Main Street, Lancaster from June 26 through August 14 from 7 pm-8 pm. There will be plenty of parking available and the venue is ADA accessible.
Observation Tower is open: The newly restored stone observation tower, which was built in 1912, will be open this season beginning on Friday, May 23 through Monday, October 13, including holidays. Visitors are welcome to climb the tower from Wednesday - Sunday from 10 am to 4:30 pm for amazing views.
Weeks State Park Association Summer 2025 Programs will be held off-site, with the exception of programs that include hikes:
See PROGRAM SCHEDULE and locations
See The John Wingate Weeks Historic Site at Weeks State Park on WMUR’s NH Chronicle
Special Exhibit
The John Wingate Weeks House Museum at Weeks State Park also hosts a special exhibit dedicated to the USS John W. Weeks (DD-701), an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer, and the men who served aboard this special ship.
We are very grateful to the U.S.S. John W. Weeks DD-701 Association, as they have been very supportive and helpful in creating a special exhibit at the historic site museum. Many of the artifacts on display have been donated by the men who served on the naval destroyer. To learn more about this exhibit and the U.S.S. John W. Weeks DD 701 Naval Destroyer, please visit the John Wingate Weeks Historic Site and the following websites:
Are pets allowed at Weeks State Park?
Pets are permitted in the park. See the NH State Parks Pets Policy for more information.
Group Use Reservations
The John Wingate Weeks Historic Site is a great location to hold a family reunion, corporate outing, and more.
We’re not currently hosting weddings or special events at Weeks State Park.
Youth Group Day Use
Youth and School Groups must call the park directly at least 2 weeks prior to arrival to make reservations before visiting. The Bus Pass Program is available for NH youth organizations that meet the program criteria (for more information and applications, please visit BUS PASS PROGRAM.)
Groups that do not meet the qualification for the Bus Pass Program are eligible to receive a discounted rate. For More information, please visit our School & Youth Group Page.
Group Use Rental
John Wingate Weeks Historic Site rental information
Keep Your Parks Clean
Through the Carry-In/Carry-Out Program, you can help us keep your parks clean and beautiful by carrying out whatever you carry in. Thank you for your cooperation and remember to recycle.
Access for Persons with Disabilities
Visit our Accessibility page for more information on specific accessibility needs or questions, please contact the individual park office directly.
Additional Resources & Information
Visiting NH's Biodiversity
No Metal Detecting is allowed at the Park or NH State Historic Sites.
Drone use is restricted at all NH State Parks. Drone operators are not permitted to take off or land within NH State Park boundaries.
