Welcome to Vermont, the Green Mountain State! With its stunning natural beauty, charming small towns, and rich history, Vermont is a popular tourist destination that attracts visitors from all over the world. Whether you’re looking to enjoy outdoor adventures, indulge in delicious food and drink, or explore the state’s cultural and historical landmarks, Vermont’s tourist spots has something for everyone. In this article, we will guide you through Vermont’s top 10 tourist spots, giving you an insider’s look at the very best the state has to offer. From scenic hikes and picturesque drives to bustling city centers and quaint villages, come with us and discover the magic of Vermont!
Burlington Waterfront Park
Burlington Waterfront Park is a beautiful urban oasis located in the heart of downtown Burlington, Vermont. The park is situated along the shores of Lake Champlain, offering visitors stunning views of the water and the Adirondack Mountains in the distance. With over 900 feet of shoreline, the park provides ample space for visitors to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. The park’s amenities include a boardwalk, bike path, picnic areas, playgrounds, and a marina. During the summer months, the park hosts various events and festivals, such as the Burlington Discover Jazz Festival and the Lake Champlain Dragon Boat Festival.
- Address: 1 Lake St, Burlington, VT 05401
- Phone: (802) 864-0123
- Website: www.enjoyburlington.com/parks/burlington-waterfront-park/
- Hours: Open daily from dawn until dusk
- Admission: Free
- Features: Stunning views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains, a boardwalk, bike path, playground, picnic areas, and seasonal events and activities.
Shelburne Museum
Shelburne Museum is a unique and fascinating museum located in Shelburne, Vermont. Founded in 1947 by Electra Havemeyer Webb, the museum is home to an impressive collection of over 150,000 objects, including folk art, quilts, furniture, textiles, and more. The museum’s exhibits are spread out over 45 acres and include 39 historic buildings, such as a one-room schoolhouse, a lighthouse, and a covered bridge. Visitors can also explore the museum’s beautiful gardens and take a ride on the museum’s vintage carousel.
- Address: 6000 Shelburne Rd, Shelburne, VT 05482
- Phone: (802) 985-3346
- Website: www.shelburnemuseum.org
- Hours: Open daily from 10am to 5pm (May 1 – October 31); open Wednesdays to Sundays from 10am to 5pm (November 1 – April 30)
- Admission: Adults $26, Seniors (65+) $24, Youth (5-17) $14, Children under 5 free
- Features: Extensive collection of American folk art, quilts, decorative arts, historic buildings, gardens, and special exhibitions. Offers guided tours, educational programs, and events throughout the year.
Stowe Mountain Resort
Stowe Mountain Resort is a premier ski and snowboard destination located in the beautiful town of Stowe, Vermont. The resort boasts a variety of terrain, with 116 trails spanning across two mountains – Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak. With over 300 inches of annual snowfall and state-of-the-art snowmaking capabilities, Stowe Mountain Resort offers excellent skiing and snowboarding conditions throughout the winter months. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, the resort also offers other winter activities, such as snowshoeing, ice skating, and sleigh rides. During the summer months, the resort transforms into a mountain paradise, with hiking and mountain biking trails, a zip line course, and a world-class golf course.
- Address: 5781 Mountain Rd, Stowe, VT 05672
- Phone: (802) 253-3000
- Website: www.stowe.com
- Hours: Vary by season, typically open from 8am to 4pm or later for skiing and snowboarding; summer activities have varying hours
- Admission: Lift tickets and activity prices vary by season and activity
- Features: Skiing and snowboarding on two mountains, over 100 trails, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, mountain biking, ziplining, scenic gondola rides, golf, tennis, spa services, dining, shopping, and lodging. Offers lessons, rentals, and special events throughout the year.
Ben & Jerry’s Factory
Ben & Jerry’s Factory is a world-famous ice cream factory located in Waterbury, Vermont. Founded in 1978 by childhood friends Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, the company has become synonymous with creative and delicious ice cream flavors. Visitors to the factory can take a guided tour, which includes a visit to the Flavor Graveyard (a final resting place for retired flavors), a behind-the-scenes look at the ice cream production process, and a sample of one of the current flavors. In addition to the tour, visitors can also explore the gift shop, which offers a wide variety of Ben & Jerry’s merchandise and ice cream treats.
- Address: 1281 Waterbury-Stowe Rd, Waterbury, VT 05676
- Phone: (866) 258-6877
- Website: www.benjerry.com/waterbury-factory
- Hours: Open daily from 10am to 6pm (June 1 – October 31); open daily from 11am to 5pm (November 1 – May 31)
- Admission: Adults $5, Seniors (60+) and children (3-12) $4, Children under 3 free
- Features: Factory tours that show how Ben & Jerry’s ice cream is made, a scoop shop with over 30 flavors of ice cream and sorbet, a gift shop with merchandise, and a playground. Offers guided tours, tastings, and special events throughout the year.
Vermont Teddy Bear Factory
The Vermont Teddy Bear Factory is a charming and whimsical destination located in Shelburne, Vermont. Founded in 1981, the factory has become known for its high-quality, handmade teddy bears, which are crafted with care and attention to detail. Visitors to the factory can take a guided tour, which includes a behind-the-scenes look at the teddy bear production process and a visit to the Bear Hospital, where damaged or worn bears are repaired and restored. In addition to the tour, visitors can also browse the gift shop, which offers a wide variety of teddy bears, as well as other Vermont’s Tourist Spots.
- Address: 6655 Shelburne Rd, Shelburne, VT 05482
- Phone: (800) 829-2327
- Website: www.vermontteddybear.com/teddy-bear-factory
- Hours: Open daily from 10am to 4pm
- Admission: Free
- Features: Factory tours that show how Vermont Teddy Bears are made, a bear-making workshop where visitors can create their own teddy bear to take home, a gift shop with a wide variety of teddy bears and other stuffed animals, and a museum displaying antique teddy bears. Offers guided tours, workshops, and special events throughout the year.
Green Mountain National Forest
With over 400,000 acres of wilderness, this forest offers hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities, as well as stunning views of fall foliage.
Address: 231 North Main St, Rutland, VT 05701
Phone: (802) 747-6700
Website: www.fs.usda.gov/greenmountain
Hours: Open daily from sunrise to sunset
Admission: Free, but some activities may require fees or permits
Features: 400,000 acres of forest, mountains, and wilderness areas, with hiking trails, camping, fishing, hunting, picnicking, scenic drives, and winter sports such as skiing and snowshoeing. Offers ranger-led activities, educational programs, and events throughout the year.
Lake Champlain Islands
Located in the northwestern corner of Vermont, Lake Champlain Islands is a stunningly beautiful destination that boasts breathtaking scenery, picturesque towns, and a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere. The islands are situated in the middle of Lake Champlain, with views of the Adirondack Mountains to the west and the Green Mountains to the east. Visitors can explore the islands by bike, car, or boat, taking in the stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains, as well as the charming towns and villages that dot the islands. Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to do, with opportunities for hiking, fishing, boating, and swimming, while those looking for a more leisurely experience can enjoy the local wineries, restaurants, and antique shops. A visit to Lake Champlain Islands is a must for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty and charm of Vermont’s Tourist Spots.
- Address: Vary by location, but generally accessible via Route 2 in Grand Isle County, VT
- Phone: (802) 372-8400 (Chamber of Commerce)
- Website: www.champlainislands.com
- Hours: Open year-round, but some activities may be seasonal
- Admission: Free, but some activities may require fees or permits
- Features: A group of islands in Lake Champlain with stunning scenery, outdoor recreation, historic sites, and quaint towns. Activities include boating, fishing, swimming, kayaking, biking, hiking, golfing, birdwatching, and more. Offers festivals, markets, and events throughout the year.
Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home
a historic estate located in Manchester, Vermont that offers visitors a glimpse into the life of one of America’s most famous families. Built in 1905 by Robert Todd Lincoln, the son of President Abraham Lincoln, the estate includes a 24-room Georgian Revival mansion, beautifully landscaped gardens, and stunning views of the Green Mountains. Visitors can take a guided tour of the mansion, which includes a look at the family’s living quarters, as well as a collection of original Lincoln family artifacts and memorabilia. The estate also includes a working farm, where visitors can learn about sustainable agriculture and meet the farm animals. In addition, Hildene hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, lectures, and educational programs for all ages. Hildene offers a unique and enriching experience, giving visitors a glimpse into the history of one of America’s most iconic families.
- Address: 1005 Hildene Rd, Manchester, VT 05254
- Phone: (802) 362-1788
- Website: www.hildene.org
- Hours: Open daily from 9:30am to 4:30pm (May 1 – October 31); open weekends from 10am to 4pm (November 1 – December 31); closed January to April
- Admission: Adults $23, Seniors (62+) $21, Youth (6-16) $6, Children under 6 free
- Features: The former summer home of Robert Todd Lincoln, son of President Abraham Lincoln. Featuring 12 restored rooms and original furnishings, beautiful gardens, a greenhouse. A farm with goats and chickens, walking trails, and a welcome center with exhibits and a gift shop. Offers guided tours, special events, and educational programs throughout the year.
Quechee Gorge
a natural wonder that draws visitors from near and far. Formed over 13,000 years ago by the Ottauquechee River, the gorge is known as the ‘Little Grand Canyon of Vermont’s. With a depth of over 165 feet and stretching for over a mile. The gorge offers stunning views of the surrounding forests and rock formations. Visitors can stroll along hiking trails lining the gorge or venture closer to the river for an up-close view. For those looking for more adventure, there are also opportunities for rock climbing and kayaking. Explore Quechee State Park nearby, which offers camping, hiking, and fishing opportunities in addition to the stunning Ottauquechee River gorge. A visit to Quechee Gorge is a must for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of Vermont’s Tourist Spots.
- Quechee Gorge
- Address: 5573 Woodstock Rd, Quechee, VT 05059
- Phone: (802) 295-7600
- Website: www.vtstateparks.com/quechee.html
- Hours: Open year-round, but some facilities may be closed in winter
- Admission: Free
- Features. Forms a stunning natural gorge with hiking trails, picnic areas, and a visitor center with exhibits and gift shop. Enjoy hiking, fishing, and swimming in the river during summer and leaf-peeping and winter sports in fall and winter at the gorge.
Smugglers’ Notch State Park
The park is named after the winding pass that runs through the mountains, which was once used by smugglers to avoid customs officials during the Prohibition era. Today, the park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, fishing, and camping. Explore lush forests and sparkling streams on Smugglers’ Notch State Park’s trails, or climb its towering cliffs. In the winter months, the park is transformed into a winter wonderland, with opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. In addition to its natural beauty, Smugglers’ Notch State Park also offers a fascinating look into Vermont’s history and culture. Experience Vermont’s natural beauty and rich history at Smugglers’ Notch State Park – a must-visit tourist spot.
- Address: 6443 Mountain Rd, Stowe, VT 05672
- Phone: (802) 253-4014
- Website: www.vtstateparks.com/smugglersnotch.html
- Hours: Open year-round, but some facilities may be closed in winter
- Admission: Day-use fees vary by season and vehicle type, camping fees also available
- Features: A 1,000-acre state park with hiking trails, picnic areas, camping sites, and stunning views of the Notch, a narrow pass through the Green Mountains. Offers swimming in the summer, leaf-peeping and wildlife viewing in the fall, and winter sports such as skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. The park is also known for its historic role as a smugglers’ route during Prohibition.
Vermont’s tourist spots offer something for everyone – nature, history, and relaxation. Green Mountain State is packed with must-visit tourist spots, from Lake Champlain’s scenery to Ben & Jerry’s delicious ice cream. We hope this guide has helped you discover some of the best attractions that Vermont has to offer, and we encourage you to explore even more of what this beautiful state has in store.