Almost Nobody Knows That Parts of the Iconic Movie “On Golden Pond” Were Filmed in This Tiny New Hampshire Town

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've ever seen the movie On Golden Pond and wondered where it was filmed, you'll be surprised to know it was right here in the Granite State! Among the principal cast of On Golden Pond was legendary actress Katharine Hepburn. The film tells a story of familial drama.

Hepburn's co-star was Henry Fonda (right). On Golden Pond was his final theatrical film after a career of more than five decades. 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.

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. The lakeside home seen in the film belonged to a New York physician and was heavily modified for the shoot.

The tranquil setting of Squam Lake was no doubt a huge inspiration for the production. The natural setting reflected in On Golden Pond is depicted in the screenplay. Present-day Walter's Basin in Holderness takes its name from a trout in the film that is named Walter.

The film was a critical and commercial success, earning rave reviews, high box office grosses, and 10 Oscar nominations. Next time you watch it, be on the lookout for these local New Hampshire landmarks. Maybe you even drop by for a visit there, too!

And for all the movie buffs out there, this wasn't the only time that Hollywood came to New Hampshire. Here are a few more movies that have been filmed here.