Vermont, known for its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant cultural scene, offers a plethora of activities and attractions that cater to all interests and seasons. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you make the most of your visit.
Natural Beauty and Outdoor Activities
Vermont is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with its diverse landscapes and four distinct seasons.
Hiking and Biking: Vermont boasts extensive trail networks, including the 93-mile Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, the longest rail trail in New England. For hikers, Mount Mansfield, the state’s tallest peak, offers trails starting in Underhill and Stowe, with panoramic views accessible via gondolas at Stowe Mountain Resort[1][2][5].
Water Activities: Enjoy kayaking, fishing, or boating on pristine lakes like Lake Willoughby, Vermont’s deepest lake, and Lake Champlain. Ice fishing and ice skating are popular winter activities, with Lake Morey featuring the longest maintained ice skating trail in the U.S.[2][4].
Rock and Ice Climbing: For the adventurous, Vermont offers rock climbing routes throughout the state and ice climbing opportunities at places like Smuggler’s Notch and Lake Willoughby[2].
Fat Biking and Disc Golf: Explore Vermont’s trails on fat bikes, designed for navigating snowy and muddy terrain. Disc golf enthusiasts can enjoy 24 courses scattered across the state’s picturesque landscapes[2].
Historic Sites and Cultural Attractions
Vermont is rich in history and culture, with numerous sites that showcase its heritage.
Hildene, the Lincoln Family Home: Built in 1905, this historic home of Robert and Mary Lincoln is a significant piece of American history, featuring an original Pullman train car and President Lincoln’s stovepipe hat[1].
Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park: Vermont’s only national park, this site includes 25 miles of carriage roads and trails, guided hikes, and educational programs on the Abenaki community[1].
Shelburne Museum: With over 150,000 exhibited works across 39 historic buildings, this museum is a must-visit for art and history enthusiasts[1].
Bennington Battle Monument: At 306 feet, this monument honors a pivotal Revolutionary War victory and offers stunning views of the surrounding area[1].
Family-Friendly Attractions
Vermont has plenty of activities that are perfect for families.
The Great Vermont Corn Maze: Located in Danville, this maze is New England’s largest, featuring 24 acres of winding paths, 100 bridges, an underground tunnel, and additional attractions like friendly goats and a play area[1].
Billings Farm: A working farm that highlights historic Vermont agriculture, offering a museum, live demonstrations, farm animals, and a seasonal sunflower house[1].
Vermont Institute of Natural Science: Here, you can see raptors up close, learn about Vermont’s wildlife, and enjoy views of the Ottauquechee River from an accessible boardwalk[1].
Urban Delights
Vermont’s urban areas are filled with charm and activity.
Church Street Marketplace: Located in Burlington, this outdoor mall was named the No. 1 Public Square in America in 2022 by USA Today. It features over 100 shops and restaurants[1][4].
Burlington Waterfront Park: This park hosts public events and festivals year-round and offers beautiful views of Lake Champlain[4].
Seasonal Activities
Vermont’s activities vary with the seasons, ensuring there’s always something to do.
Winter Sports: Skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and ice skating are popular winter activities. Ski areas like Stowe and Jay Peak offer world-class facilities[2][4].
Fall Foliage: Vermont’s iconic fall foliage creates a picturesque backdrop for hiking, mountain biking, and other outdoor activities[2].
Spring and Summer: These seasons bring warmer weather, perfect for swimming, fishing, boating, and exploring the state’s many recreation paths and rail trails[2].
Adaptive Sports and Accessibility
Vermont is committed to making outdoor recreation accessible to all.
Vermont Adaptive Sports: This organization offers adaptive equipment, guide services, and programming to ensure that everyone can enjoy activities like sailing, cycling, mountain biking, skiing, and more[2].
Important Facts About Things to Do in Vermont
Diverse Outdoor Activities: Vermont offers a wide range of outdoor activities including hiking, biking, rock climbing, ice climbing, fat biking, disc golf, and more[1][2][5].
Historic Sites: Key historical attractions include Hildene, the Lincoln Family Home, Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, and the Bennington Battle Monument[1].
Family-Friendly Attractions: Popular family-friendly spots include The Great Vermont Corn Maze, Billings Farm, and the Vermont Institute of Natural Science[1].
Urban Attractions: Church Street Marketplace in Burlington and the Burlington Waterfront Park are must-visit urban destinations[1][4].
Seasonal Activities: Vermont’s activities change with the seasons, with skiing and ice skating in winter, fall foliage tours, and swimming and boating in spring and summer[2].
Accessibility: Vermont Adaptive Sports ensures that outdoor recreation is accessible to everyone through adaptive equipment and programming[2].
Whether you’re interested in nature, history, culture, or family-friendly fun, Vermont has something for everyone, making it a perfect destination for any time of the year.
