Ordway Field

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Ordway Field is a unique outdoor attraction located in the state of New Hampshire.


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Summary

It is a privately-owned property that spans over 900 acres and is open to the public for a variety of recreational activities. There are several good reasons to visit Ordway Field, such as hiking, fishing, camping, and wildlife viewing. It is also a popular destination for birdwatching, with over 200 bird species recorded at the site.

One of the main points of interest at Ordway Field is the Roswell Hill Wildlife Sanctuary, which is a protected area that covers over 400 acres of the property. It is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including several rare and endangered species. Visitors can explore the sanctuary on foot and enjoy the scenic views from the hilltops.

Another interesting feature of Ordway Field is its history. The property was once a farm and has been used for various purposes over the years, including as a camp for German prisoners of war during World War II. Visitors can learn more about the history of the site through the various interpretive exhibits and displays that are located throughout the property.

The best time of year to visit Ordway Field depends on the activities you are interested in. Spring and summer are great for hiking and camping, while fall is a popular time for birdwatching and wildlife viewing. Winter is also a beautiful time to visit, with snowshoeing and cross-country skiing available.

Overall, Ordway Field is a unique and beautiful destination that offers a range of outdoor activities and interesting features. It is worth a visit for anyone looking to explore the natural beauty and history of New Hampshire.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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