Summer is on the horizon and with it will come one of New Hampshire’s favorite, longest-running traditions – Laconia Motorcycle Week®. The dates for this year’s motorcycle rally are June 10-18, 2023 and the schedule is actively taking shape.
With it being their 100th year and the fact that this is the world’s oldest motorcycle rally, outpacing other extremely popular rides like Daytona, Florida, and Sturgis, South Dakota, the excitement is palpable. Hundreds of thousands of people come every year to be a part of this historic rally and we expect that this anniversary year will be no exception.
A Brief History of Laconia Motorcycle Week®
The Laconia Motorcycle Week® began in 1916 when a Gypsy Tour first gathered at Weirs Beach to go riding. Just one year later it was made official by the Federation of American Motorcyclists (FAM).
Their goal was simple: “To provide a good time for the riders, and their wives, sisters, and sweet-hearts,” and “To create a more favorable public opinion of the motorcycle and motorcycle riders.”
Today, Laconia is still the home base of the ride, and the spirit of the goals they penned originally live on, but they have expanded to be more inclusive of different types of riders, including women.
They’ve also updated their name over the years from the “New England Gypsy Tour” to the “New England Tour & Rally,” and now they are well-known as the Laconia Motorcycle Week®. It’s an extremely progressive event loved by the entire Lakes Region and beyond.
Where to Explore
Numerous riders take advantage of the event’s close proximity to the White Mountains and reserve a day or two for exploring. The Weeks Act Legacy Trail is an awesome 100-mile driving loop that provides dozens (40 to be exact!) of recreational opportunities along with views that seemingly never end.
While you’re in the area why not stop, smell the roses, and take in the natural beauty? There’s a lot to see and do whether it’s affiliated directly with the week or not! New Hampshire is scenic and special, and luckily, a motorcycle is a perfect way to reach some of the best destinations you can imagine. The “trail” begins and ends near Lincoln, NH, here in the heart of the Western White Mountains, so we’ve put together a local guide that’s sure to please while you’re here!
Whether you’ve been there once or one hundred times, Franconia Notch State Park is well worth a visit. The Basin is an especially popular and beautiful spot. This large natural feature dates back to the Ice Age!
Samuel Eastman described it as, “One of the beautiful haunts of Nature, a luxurious and delicious bath fit for the ablutions of a goddess.”
You can take a walk down the paths, hike, or simply bring a picnic and enjoy the view. Whatever you choose to do, it’s going to be wonderful.
Take a break from your ride to take the White Mountain Express Gondola to the summit of Loon peak. This 1.3 mile ride awards you with breathtaking mountain views and clean crisp air!
During Laconia Motorcycle Week® it’s not unusual to see bikes of all kinds lining the road to this popular destination. Some riders choose to stay there overnight year after year (a great choice!) while others come for the delicious beer and food.
Insider Tip! The Woodstock Inn Brewery is an innovative spot that runs (tasty) brewing experiments to determine the best kinds of beer to mass produce. While there you’ll typically be able to try something special alongside their signature beers like Pig’s Ear brown ale.
- Souvenir Hunting
You’ll certainly want to remember this 100th Laconia Motorcycle Week®, so why not take some time to find the perfect White Mountains souvenir? Visit Arnold’s Antiques on Main Street in N. Woodstock for a blast from the past along with newly collected local items!
- Family Fun
You can spend an entire afternoon exploring Clark’s Bears. From local gifts to attractions, train rides, and more, Clark’s is sure to please!
Want the kids to burn off some steam before heading back to the events? Check out Kids Studio Play or Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves for all the fun a kiddo could want!
- Kancamagus Highway Adventure
The Kancamagus Highway is a beautiful ride at all times, but we recommend a late afternoon drive for the best views from the many pitstop lookouts. Plus, there’s the added benefit of grabbing dinner on the deck at One Love Brewery! The beer is terrific and they also offer trivia and live music on certain nights.
- Scale Mount Washington
There are several ways to enjoy Mount Washington. You could take your motorcycle up the mountain directly, or if you would rather include non-riding family members or friends you can choose to ride the Cog Railway! Either way, there’s no bad way to experience the highest elevation in the northeast.
Where to Eat and Drink
Black Diamond Pub – Enjoy classic New England pub fare and a deep selection of beers, wines and spirits in a lively casual atmosphere.
Woodstock Inn Brewery – When they say “Come hungry”, they mean it! Great atmosphere & live music on weekends!
Common Man Lincoln – Enjoy dinner in our dining room or in our Bar ‘n grill, complete with cozy couches, a fieldstone fireplace, and parlor games. Settle in and make yourself at home!
Merlands Tap & Table – Enjoy a game of shuffleboard or pool and enjoy some of the best burgers around.
One Love Brewery – Take a break from riding on the outdoor patio!
Polly’s Pancake Parlor – Fuel up on the best pancakes around while taking in mountain views in beautiful Sugar Hill.
Pub 32 – No beer or pizza next 32 miles. A classic stop before or after a ride on the Kanc!
Rhythm Cider & Seven Birches Winery – Stop into Rhythm Studio or Seven Birches Winery for local handcrafted beverages, included wine, mead and cider.
Twin Barns Brewing Co. North Taproom – This new addition to Main Street in North Woodstock is BYOF, so grab a bite from nearby and settle in with a cold one on the outdoor patio and watch the bikes roll by.
White Mountain Bagel – Looking for a quick but delicious bite on your way through town? Order online and grab a bagel or sandwich to fuel your adventure.
Where to Stay
The traditional way to experience Laconia Motorcycle Week® includes camping as the lodging choice, but that’s far from the only hospitality option! Of course, there are many other options for local hotels and motels, so we encourage you to do research to find one that suits your personal preferences.
Prefer to stay with us here in the Western White Mountains? There are lots of great options ranging from resorts to cabins to campsites and everything in between!
Check out our destination lodging partners below!
Indian Head Resort |
A full-service, family-friendly resort located in the heart of New Hampshire’s White Mountains. Enjoy four-season lodging, unparalleled views, two pools and hot tubs, fishing and pedal boating on private Shadow Lake, and much more. Located at the southern entrance of the Franconia Notch, we are minutes away from local attractions and outdoor recreation of all kinds. With our variety of thoughtful amenities and features, there is something for everyone, every season to enjoy.
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Mountain Club on Loon |
The only resort hotel located slopeside on Loon Mountain. Year-round adventure is steps away. |
Holiday Inn Express & Suites |
Holiday Inn Express East Lincoln is only 3.7km from Franconia Notch State Park, Georgiana Falls and Loon Mountain. A complimentary deluxe hot breakfast is served daily. Guests can make use of an indoor pool and Jacuzzi or go hike the local trails, enjoy amazing family friendly attractions, and mountain taste the cuisine of the Western White Mountains. This resort property is 5 minutes’ to Jean’s Playhouse. A 10-minute walk to the center of Lincoln. |
Inn Seasons Resorts Pollard Brook |
Luxurious 1, 2 & 3 bedroom condominiums w/ whirlpool tubs include fully equipped kitchen, dining area, full size living room w/ gas fireplace & private balcony. Indoor/outdoor heated pools, outdoor kiddie pool, playground, picnic area & tennis courts. |
Woodstock Inn Brewery |
The Woodstock Inn Brewery – nestled in the White Mountains of North Woodstock, NH – is favorite travel destination for many visitors who come to eat, drink and even stay over (breakfast included!) In addition to the inn, bars and restaurants the brewery is celebrating more than 20 years in the brewing industry! |
Mittersill Alpine Resort |
Located in scenic Franconia Notch. Enjoy the many nearby historical sights and outdoor activities in the heart of NH’s White Mountain National Forest. Minutes from all area attractions, including nearby hiking and bike trails, and the Cannon/Mittersill Mountain Ski Area. |
Quality Inn & Suites |
Spectacular mountain location and superb amenities make the EconoLodge Inn & Suites of Lincoln, NH the very best choice for your lodging in the White Mountains Region. We are centrally located among all major White Mountain attractions. The best value for your hard-earned dollar is here. We are a AAA approved family motel conveniently located just off I-93 at Exit 33! |
Kancamagus Lodge |
Affordable Lodging, Convenient Location, Excellent Amenities including two on site restaurants. |
Riverbank Motel & Cabins |
Come stay at our quaint and cozy property just steps from Clark’s Trading Post. Our 11 motel units and Pemi cottage provide a peaceful retreat along the Pemigewasset River, while our 3 cabins boast the best river views possible right from your living room window! |
Rivergreen Resort Hotel & Condominiums |
Riverfront condo hotel. Rooms range from hotel rooms and studios to one and two bedroom units with kitchens, in-room jacuzzis. Enjoy the indoor pool and hot tub, fitness room, great room and BBQ area with screened in gazebo. |
RiverWalk Resort at Loon Mountain |
Grand new destination experience in the center of Lincoln offering studio to three bedroom suites. Enjoy luxury suites with full kitchens, spacious living areas and soaker tubs, state of the art gym, game room and ice skating rink, year-round outdoor heated pool, on-site winery, day spa and Italian restaurant.
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Sugar Hill Inn |
A romantic getaway known for fine dining and warm, inviting guest rooms and cottages. Surround yourself with amazing views, beautiful art, comfort, romance and luxury. Many rooms have gas fireplaces, refrigerators and whirlpool tubs. The Inn is for couples only, no children. |
Wilderness Inn Bed & Breakfast |
The Wilderness Inn is snuggled within the White Mountain National Forest in a quaint New England town. Built in 1912 as a lumber mill owner’s home, the inn still has a craftsman style décor that welcomes guests to this “neck of the woods”. Relaxing and intimate ”Craftsman style” B&B. |
Inn 32 |
Inn 32 lies in the heart of the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Inn 32 provides affordable accommodations conveniently located on I-93 off exit 32 in North Woodstock. |
Nordic Inn |
Condominium Resort, spacious 1, 2 & 3 BR units with gas fireplace, balcony or deck, and full kitchen. Resort offers family game room; racquetball court, indoor pool & hot tub; seasonal outdoor pool & hot tub; full fitness center with cardio & weight rooms; guest laundry facility. |
Find more lodging options at westernwhitemtns.com/stay.
New events around the state of New Hampshire are being added to the roster daily. One of the best ways to stay up-to-date is to sign up for The Rally News, which is a magazine and e-news publication dedicated to the rally.
We hope you have Laconia Motorcycle Week® marked on your calendar. It’s an experience many plan for all year long, and it’s totally worth it.
Looking for more things to do while you’re in town for Laconia Motorcycle Week® ? Check out our Full Event Calendar!
For state-wide information, head to VisitNH.gov
