The Hames Park is a hidden gem! It sits on the north side of the Sugar River just south of the intersection of Central and Main Street very near the Watering Trough Garden. This quiet spot away from the hustle and bustle of the harbor is a wonderful place to enjoy strolling through while listening to the burbling of the Sugar River.

The Park was dedicated by the town of Sunapee in 1999 to remember the deep history around the production of “hames” in Sunapee at this location. “Hames” is a horse collar composed of two rigid pieces made of iron or wood that form the sides of a horse’s collar to which the traces are attached.

In 1865 the hames business was the first building to be built on the north side of the Sugar River . The business remained in this location until 1913 when the bending room and the plating room were destroyed by fire. The hames plant shut down and the building that remained was purchased by the town of Sunapee in 1914. More of this history is displayed on a sign on the lower level of the Park. We encourage visitors to explore!

Cared for and maintained by: Kate (Garden Captain), Judi, Bev, Steve, Leslie, Donna, Patty, Nina, Katie, Linda and Suzanne.

  • Hames Park