FRANKLIN ELKS LODGE 1280 is a association or organization in Franklin, NH. Open: Mon–Tue 1:00 – 8:00 PM; Wed–Thu 1:00 – 9:00 PM; Fri 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Sat–Sun 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM. Phone: (603) 934-9852. Average rating is 4.7 stars from 94 reviews. Website: https://www.elks.org/lodges/home.cfm?LodgeNumber=1280.
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks emblemFranklin, NH Elks Lodge #1280
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Interior view of a decorated event space at Franklin Elks Lodge. — FRANKLIN ELKS LODGE 1280
4.7 94 reviews Today 1:00 – 9:00 PM

Brotherhood, Community, and Service Since 1280

Franklin's gathering place for veterans, neighbors, and anyone who believes in giving back to New Hampshire.

Charity

Giving without expectation

Justice

Fairness for every person

Brotherly Love

Fellowship above all

Fidelity

Faithful to our word

About Us

Exterior view of Franklin Elks Lodge 1280 building.
Exterior view of Franklin Elks Lodge 1280 building.

On South Main Street in Franklin, Lodge 1280 has been doing the quiet, steady work that holds a small city together. Members here aren't just dues-payers. They fund scholarships for local students, support veterans navigating life after service, and open their doors to city meetings, school events, and community fundraisers that would otherwise have nowhere to go.

The meeting room at Franklin Elks Lodge 1280 draws consistent praise for a reason: it's one of the best available spaces in the area, and the Lodge keeps it that way on purpose. A cross-country cyclist once stopped in on a hunch and left calling it a gift. That kind of moment happens here more than you'd expect, because the people inside are genuinely glad you walked through the door.

With a 4.7-star rating across nearly a hundred reviews, this Lodge earns its reputation not through spectacle but through consistency. Every event, every meeting, every handshake at the bar adds to something larger than any single evening.

What We Offer

The Lodge offers event space rental that seats groups of all sizes, making it the go-to venue for city functions, school partnerships, manufacturer roundtables, and private celebrations throughout the Merrimack Valley region.

Members gain access to the social hall and bar, regular Lodge meetings, and a calendar packed with community events ranging from holiday dinners to fundraising nights. The Elks also run youth programs, scholarship awards for graduating seniors, and ongoing veteran support initiatives coordinated through the national BPOE network.

Non-members are welcome at many public events and can inquire about membership eligibility at any time. Whether you're looking to rent a room for your next civic function or you're curious about joining one of Franklin's most enduring organizations, the Lodge is straightforward about what it offers and who it serves.

Gallery

Take a look at our space and what we have to offer

“What a fun little town! So much to see and do, I'm definitely going to have to come back for another visit!”

— Laura Clingman

What Our Guests Say

Don't just take our word for it - hear it from our members & guests

Click to Rate & Review This Business ✍️
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
4 years ago
"What a fun little town! So much to see and do, I'm definitely going to have to come back for another visit!"
— Laura Clingman
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
4 years ago
"I have been cycling cross country and felt called to drop by the Elk Lodge for reasons I do not know. A hunch and, as I would soon discover, a gift. I had no idea what it was outside of a veterans club. When I rang the bell they let me in and a wonderful gentleman with an open heart named Jeff welcomed me, made me his guest, bought me a drink ( the best salted caramel martini I have ever had compliments of Shannon the ultimate bartender) and introduced me to most of the people at the bar. Everyone was kind, welcoming and generous. I went on to learn about all the amazing things that they do for the community. In particular child education. They even offered us a place to camp for the night and me ruined that I could likely stay at any of the elk lodges across the u.s. these people are the salt of the earth. Thank you and I am excited to return one day and share all the future experience so will have at other lodges as a consequence of this incredible experience. Thank you to all the members for creating such a beautiful organization with play, fun, heart, generosity and continuity."
— Richard Handy
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
6 years ago
"I was there for a function that involved the city of Franklin, schools and local manufacturers. The meeting room was rented from the Elks. This is a relatively new facility and is the best available in Franklin for a hundred or more people. My company has also used it for a holiday function for employees' children and/or grandchildren to meet Santa Claus. Among the many things that the Elks do for the community they now provide a first rate gathering place, enhancing the ability of the community to actually commune together."
— Al Warner
⭐⭐⭐⭐
3 years ago
"Pleasant and friendly service, very nice people, prices for drinks are fair, Friday night socials are fun and food is wonderful. Enjoy!"
— Gail Davis
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
3 years ago
"Great place and people. Friday night socials are fun! Join the Lodge for they do great things for our community."
— Cyndy Campbell

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a veteran to join the Elks Lodge?

No. While the Elks proudly support veterans, membership is open to U.S. citizens who believe in the organization's values of charity, justice, brotherly love, and fidelity. You do not need military service to apply.

Can non-members rent the meeting room at Franklin Elks Lodge 1280?

Yes. The Lodge regularly rents its meeting room to outside groups including city organizations, schools, and businesses. It's considered one of the best available facilities in Franklin. Contact the Lodge directly to check availability and rates.

Where is Franklin Elks Lodge 1280 located?

The Lodge is at 125 S Main St, Franklin, NH 03235. It's centrally located and easy to find in downtown Franklin.

What kinds of events does the Lodge host?

The Lodge hosts regular member meetings, holiday dinners, fundraising events, scholarship ceremonies, and community functions. The space is also rented for city meetings, school events, and private gatherings throughout the year.

How do I apply for membership?

Visit the Lodge in person or go to elks.org and navigate to Lodge 1280's page to learn about the application process. A current member must sponsor your application, and you'll be voted in by the existing membership.

Does the Lodge offer scholarships, and who can apply?

Yes. Franklin Elks Lodge 1280 participates in the national Elks scholarship program, which awards grants to graduating high school seniors. Eligibility requirements and deadlines are posted through the national Elks website and local school guidance offices.

Is the Lodge open to the public for social events?

Many Lodge events are open to guests accompanied by members, and some fundraising or community nights are open to the broader public. Check with the Lodge directly or follow their activity through elks.org for the current event schedule.

Hours of Operation

Open Now · Closes at 9:00 PM
Monday 1:00 – 8:00 PM
Tuesday 1:00 – 8:00 PM
Wednesday Today 1:00 – 9:00 PM
Thursday 1:00 – 9:00 PM
Friday 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
85° Clear Franklin
Wed 85° 58°
Thu 91° 66°
Fri 84° 65°
Sat 85° 60°
Sun 83° 57°
Mon 87° 55°
Tue 93° 59°
The Order · Since 1868

Community. Friendship. Charity.

Every Elks lodge belongs to one of America's oldest and largest fraternal orders. Through the Elks National Foundation, the Order has given more than $481 million to college scholarships, veterans, and neighbors in need.

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A Proud Heritage

The Elks gave America
Flag Day.

Long before it was a national observance, the Order set aside June 14th to honor the flag. Patriotism has always been one of our cardinal principles, and every lodge meeting still closes the same way it has for over a century.

“To our absent members.” — the Eleven O’Clock Toast

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Community · Friendship · Charity

Who are the Elks?

The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks is one of America's oldest and largest fraternal orders, founded in 1868. Every lodge is a home for fellowship, service, and patriotism in its own hometown.

$481M+given through the Elks National Foundation for scholarships, veterans, and community programs.

What the Order does

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