People come from all over the world to experience the natural beauty of New Hampshire‘s mountains, forests, and lakes. But it’s not just regular tourists who come here to enjoy the state. Sometimes Hollywood pays a visit to tell a story, as they did in 1980 in the small town of Holderness. If you ever wondered, “Where was On Golden Pond filmed?” it was right here in the Granite State!

Among the principal cast of On Golden Pond starred legendary actress Katharine Hepburn. The film tells a story of familial drama.
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer via Wikimedia Commons
Hepburn's co-star was Henry Fonda (right). On Golden Pond was his final theatrical film after a career of more than five decades.
Frank Q. Brown/Los Angeles Times via Wikimedia Commons
So what were the On Golden Pond filming locations? The film was made at Squam Lake in the small town of Holderness. The lake doubled for the On Golden Pond location in the play that the film was adapted from.
kmacgray/Flickr
Both the play and film are set in northern New England. New Hampshire's natural terrain, and the Lakes Region in general, personify this area.
Holderness School/Facebook

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The lakeside home seen in the film belonged to a New York physician and was heavily modified for the shoot.
Rob Markley/All Trails
The tranquil setting of Squam Lake was no doubt a huge inspiration for the production. The natural setting reflected the On Golden Pond depicted in the screenplay.
Ara Mahar/All Trails
Present-day Walter's Basin in Holderness takes its name from a trout in the film that is named Walter.
Walter's Basin Restaurant & Basshole Lounge/Facebook
The film was a critical and commercial success, earning rave reviews, high box office grosses, and 10 Oscar nominations.
Justin Manning/All Trails

Did you ever wonder, “Where was On Golden Pond filmed?” Did you ever see the movie? Let us know! This wasn’t the only time that Hollywood came to New Hampshire. Here are a few more movies that have been filmed here.

Want to show off your love for the Granite State? Check out the awesome New Hampshire apparel from our friends at Wear Your Roots!

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