Best Things to Do in Vermont: Nature, Towns, Food & Family Fun

Vermont captivates visitors with its lush forests, rolling hills, and vibrant small towns. This guide highlights essential experiences, from scaling peaks to savoring local flavors, ensuring a memorable journey through the Green Mountain State.

Discovering Iconic Natural Wonders

Vermont’s landscapes offer endless opportunities for exploration. Start with Mount Mansfield, the state’s highest peak at 4,393 feet. Hikers can tackle trails from Underhill or Stowe, while gondolas at Stowe Mountain Resort provide easier access to panoramic views.

Quechee Gorge, known as Vermont’s Little Grand Canyon, drops 165 feet into a dramatic river valley. Walk the bridge for overlooks or descend trails to the water’s edge for a closer look.

• Quechee Gorge: Ideal for short hikes and photography.
• Mount Mansfield: Challenging ascents with rewarding summits.
• Colchester Causeway: A packed gravel path across Lake Champlain, accessible for bikes and wheelchairs, with ferry connections to South Hero.

Moss Glen Falls adds a refreshing waterfall hike, perfect for a quick nature immersion amid cascading waters and forested paths.

Immersing in Cultural and Historical Treasures

History buffs will appreciate sites blending architecture and heritage. The Bennington Battle Monument stands 306 feet tall, commemorating a key Revolutionary War victory with exhibits on the era.

Shelburne Museum showcases over 150,000 artifacts across 39 historic buildings, from folk art to Americana collections on expansive grounds.

Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, Vermont’s sole national park, features 25 miles of carriage roads, guided tours on conservation, and insights into Abenaki heritage.

Hildene, the Lincoln Family Home in Manchester, offers a neo-classical mansion, gardens, and a rare Pullman train car, providing a glimpse into presidential legacy.

Exploring Vibrant Towns and Markets

Burlington anchors Vermont’s lively scene. Church Street Marketplace, voted America’s top public square, buzzes with over 100 shops, eateries, and street performers.

The University of Vermont adds academic energy with galleries, botanical gardens, and public events, blending youthful vibrancy with cultural depth.

Stowe and Woodstock charm with picturesque streets. Stowe offers ski resorts in winter and hiking year-round, while Woodstock neighbors historic parks like Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller.

Family Adventures and Outdoor Fun

Families thrive here. Ben & Jerry’s Factory Tour in Waterbury reveals ice cream magic, complete with a flavor graveyard and playground.

Shelburne Farms spans 1,400 acres with cheesemaking demos, animal interactions, and gardens—perfect for hands-on learning.

The Great Vermont Corn Maze in Danville covers 24 acres with bridges, tunnels, goats, and games from late July to mid-October.

• Ben & Jerry’s: Tours and treats for all ages.
• Shelburne Farms: Farmyard fun and walks.
• Corn Maze: Seasonal puzzles and play.

ECHO Leahy Center on Lake Champlain delivers interactive lake science exhibits for kids. VINS Nature Center features a canopy walk through treetops overlooking the Ottauquechee River.

Lake Champlain and Water-Based Pursuits

Lake Champlain dominates the northwest, inviting boating, biking, and waterfront strolls. Burlington Waterfront Park offers bike paths and boat charters with stunning views.

Pump House Indoor Waterpark provides year-round splashes, while the causeway trail connects explorers across the water.

Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium combines natural history, local exhibits, and stargazing shows for educational entertainment.

Savoring Vermont’s Culinary Delights

Food trails define the experience. Maple sugarhouses, cheese producers, and creemees—soft-serve treats richer than ice cream—abound.

Burlington Farmers Market tempts with fresh produce, cheeses, and crafts. Vermont Cheese Trail and farm visits like Adam’s Berry Farm for pick-your-own berries enhance the gastronomic journey.

Barnyard golf and seasonal mazes at farms add playful eats.

Year-Round Activities and Planning Tips

Summer brings road trips through Mad River Valley towns like Waitsfield, with hikes at Camel’s Hump or Long Trail sections.

Winter shifts to Stowe Resort skiing. Spring wildflowers and fall foliage peak drives make every season ideal.

Plan around Vermont State House tours in Montpelier for gilded architecture and history. Lamoille Valley Rail Trail suits easy biking.

FAQs

What are the must-see natural sites in Vermont?

Mount Mansfield, Quechee Gorge, and Lake Champlain top the list for hikes, views, and water activities.

Is Vermont family-friendly?

Yes, with Ben & Jerry’s, Shelburne Farms, and interactive museums like ECHO.

Best time to visit Vermont?

Fall for foliage, summer for outdoors, winter for snow sports—each offers unique appeals.

How to get around Vermont?

Rent a car for flexibility; bikes work in Burlington and trails like Colchester Causeway.

Are there unique food experiences?

Creemees, cheese trails, and farm-fresh markets define local cuisine.