Rumney was settled in 1765 by settlers from Connecticut. It is named after Robert Marsham, the Second Baron of Romney. The spelling was changed over the years to "Rumney." Rumney is composed of four villages:

Rumney Village, the "downtown", lies just north of the Baker River.

Rumney Depot is located across the Baker River and adjacent to Route 25.

Stinson Lake, a collection of year-round and summer homes around the lake, comprises the northern corner of the town,

West Rumney is located along Route 25 near the town's western border.

Polar Caves, located off I-93 at exit 26, on Tenney Mountain Highway (Route 25) in Rumney are a souvenir of the great glaciers that formed the White Mountains. The caves are the big attraction here, and offer a big "wow factor" for children and adults. Wheelchairs and strollers are allowed in the zoo area, but most areas are not accessible. Sturdy shoes (no sandals) are required, and the cool temperatures suggest that visitors bring a jacket or sweater.

For hikers, the Rattlesnake Mountain Trail is a family favorite, because it offers great vistas in a relatively short duration hike. Rumney Rocks Climbing Area is more challenging and features hundreds of rock and ice climbs over granite crags. Casual hikers and science enthusiasts will enjoy visiting the Quincy Bog Natural Area because of its abundant wildlife and easy trails.

Dining is available at Common Café and Tavern and Plain Jane's Restaurant.

Unusual lodging is available at D Acres Organic Permaculture Farm and Sustainability Center offering bed and breakfast style rooms as well as campsites. They focus on sustainability and home grown food, and eco-friendly facilities. Many more dining and lodging venues are in nearby Plymouth.

Rumney is also home to White Mountain Camps and the Rumney Bible Conference, a 100 year old ministry offering year-round faith based camping and retreat facilities for families, churches, Christian schools, and other groups, including a 57 acre camp on Stinson Lake known as White Mountain Ranch.

With fun, geology and ecology, Rumney offers something a little different.

► Available Rumney Photo Library