16  UNH and Durham

16.1 Just visiting

16.1.1 Visiting the Quantitative Marine Ecology Lab (QMEL)

We welcome collaborators, students, visiting scientists, and partners to the Quantitative Marine Ecology Lab (QMEL) at the University of New Hampshire. Our lab combines ecological research, data science, artificial intelligence, and environmental monitoring to better understand and manage coastal and marine ecosystems. Visitors are encouraged to coordinate with a lab member in advance to schedule meetings, tours, or seminars.

16.1.2 Location

Quantitative Marine Ecology Lab (QMEL)
Department of Biological Sciences
University of New Hampshire
Spaulding Hall 38 College Road
Durham, NH 03824 USA

📍 Spaulding Hall, UNH

16.1.3 Parking

Visitor parking is available throughout the University of New Hampshire campus.

Recommended options include:

  • Mill Road Visitor Lot (closest to Rudman Hall)
  • B and F lots (if buying day parking pass)
  • Edgewood Road Visitor Lot
  • Metered parking spaces located across campus

Parking regulations are enforced year-round. Current parking information, maps, and visitor permits can be found on the UNH Parking & Transportation website.

16.1.4 Public Transit

16.1.4.1 From Boston

The Amtrak Downeaster provides direct rail service between Boston North Station and Durham, NH (it stops on campus)

  • Travel time: approximately 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Durham station is approximately a 10-minute walk from QMEL

16.1.4.2 Local Transit

The COAST regional bus system connects Durham with Portsmouth, Dover, Rochester, and surrounding communities.

16.1.5 Flying to Durham

The nearest airports are:

Airport Approximate Drive
Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) 50 minutes
Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) 1.5 hours
Portland International Jetport (PWM) 1.5 hours

Rental cars are available at all airports. Rideshare services (Uber/Lyft) are readily available from Manchester and Boston. Most people fly into Boston Logan and take the Amtrak to Durham or a bus. The Amtrak takes you directly to campus, but the train station isn’t that close to Boston Logan. Alternatively, C&J buslines picks you up at the airport, but only has stops in Portsmouth and Dover.

16.1.6 Lodging

Visitors typically stay in:

16.1.6.1 Durham (walkable / closest to UNH)

  • Tideline (on-site / campus-adjacent lodging & gathering space)
    https://www.google.com/travel/hotels/entity/CgkIhrjAr9_lsnoQAQ

  • Three Chimneys Inn
    https://www.threechimneysinn.com/

  • Holiday Inn Express Durham – UNH
    https://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/durham/durnh/hoteldetail

16.1.6.3 Dover (cheaper and lots of availability, on bus line to campus)

16.1.7 Things to See Nearby

16.1.7.1 Portsmouth

Historic downtown Portsmouth is one of New England’s premier coastal cities and offers:

  • Strawbery Banke Museum
  • Prescott Park
  • Waterfront restaurants
  • Boutique shopping
  • Music Hall performances

16.1.7.2 Great Bay Estuary

One of the largest estuaries in New England, Great Bay features:

  • Coastal marshes
  • Oyster reefs
  • Wildlife viewing
  • Kayaking
  • Bird watching

Many of our research projects take place within the Great Bay ecosystem.

16.1.7.3 Odiorne Point State Park

Located approximately 25 minutes from campus, Odiorne Point offers:

  • Rocky shoreline
  • Ocean views
  • Walking trails
  • Tide pools
  • Seacoast Science Center

16.1.7.4 Hampton Beach

A classic New England beach with:

  • Sandy beaches
  • Boardwalk
  • Seafood restaurants
  • Summer concerts

Approximately 30 minutes from campus.

16.1.7.5 White Mountains

If extending your visit, northern New Hampshire offers:

  • Hiking
  • Mountain scenery
  • Fall foliage
  • Franconia Notch State Park
  • Mount Washington

Approximately 2 hours from Durham.

16.2 Boston

Boston is easily accessible by train or car and offers:

  • Freedom Trail
  • New England Aquarium
  • Museum of Science
  • Fenway Park
  • World-class dining and museums

Approximately 1–1.5 hours from Durham.

If you are planning a visit, please contact your QMEL host to coordinate parking, building access, and meeting logistics. We look forward to welcoming you to the University of New Hampshire.