Top Attractions
Vermont’s Top Things to See and Do
Nature’s splendor meets cultural richness at some of Vermont’s top places to see. From an early 1900s mansion with deep ties to the Lincoln family to a wild raptor rescue site nestled between mountains and in valleys, each attraction weaves a compelling narrative that captures the essence of Vermont’s beauty and heritage.
Vermont’s Biggest Hits
Historic sites that spear the sky, the No. 1 public square in the U.S., and the state’s only national park, featuring historic buildings and miles of trails, are just some of the top things to see and do in Vermont.
Hildene, the Lincoln Family Home
Built in 1905, the historic home and grounds of Robert and Mary Lincoln is a stronghold of American history, including an original Pullman train car and Pres. Lincoln’s stovepipe hat.
Read More about Hildene, the Lincoln Family HomeLearn MoreMarsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park
Vermont’s only national park, Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller includes 25 miles of carriage roads and trails, guided hikes, and education on the Abenaki community.
Read More about Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical ParkLearn MoreVermont Institute of Natural Science
See raptors up close, learn about Vermont’s wildlife, and see views of the Ottauquechee River from the height of a bald eagle’s nest on an accessible boardwalk.
Read More about Vermont Institute of Natural ScienceLearn MoreSouthern Vermont Arts Center
Internationally known artists and more local creators find exhibition space at this southern Vermont gallery.
Read More about Southern Vermont Arts CenterLearn MoreBennington Battle Monument
At 306 feet, Vermont’s tallest man-made monument, the Bennington Battle Monument, honors a pivotal Revolutionary War victory for soldiers from Vermont, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire.
Read More about Bennington Battle MonumentLearn MoreFairbanks Museum & Planetarium
A combination natural science museum, history museum, and Vermont’s only public planetarium.
Read More about Fairbanks Museum & PlanetariumLearn MoreBillings Farm
A working farm highlighting historic Vermont agriculture with a museum, live demonstrations, farm animals, and a seasonal sunflower house.
Read More about Billings FarmLearn MoreShelburne Museum
More than 150,000 exhibited works span 39 historic buildings on the museum’s expansive grounds.
Read More about Shelburne MuseumLearn MoreChurch Street
With more than 100 shops and restaurants, this outdoor mall was named No. 1 Public Square in America in 2022 by USA Today.
Read More about Church StreetLearn MoreVermont’s Beauty Spots
From the deepest lake to the highest peak, and everything in between, Vermont’s natural beauty means there’s so much to see and do outdoors.
Colchester Causeway
Packed gravel on a narrow causeway takes riders, walkers, or wheelchair users across Lake Champlain, with a bike ferry to South Hero.
Read More about Colchester CausewayLearn MoreLake Willoughby
Vermont’s deepest lake, Willoughby’s skyline is scored by the dramatic fjord-like cliffs of mounts Pisgah and Hor.
Read More about Lake WilloughbyLearn MoreQuechee Gorge
Vermont’s “Little Grand Canyon” plunges to 165 feet. View it from above over a bridge or hike the trails down to the water.
Read More about Quechee GorgeLearn MoreMount Equinox Skyline Drive
The longest privately owned, paved toll road in the United States ascends Mount Equinox to stunning views.
Read More about Mount Equinox Skyline DriveLearn MoreShelburne Farms
Cheesemaking, 1,400 acres of working farmland, gardens, and historic buildings, and lodging make Shelburne Farms a must-visit.
Read More about Shelburne FarmsLearn MoreMount Mansfield
Vermont’s tallest peak at 4,393 feet, has hiking trails starting in Underhill and Stowe. Mountain views are also accessible from the gondolas at Stowe Mountain Resort or the nearby Auto Toll Road.
Read More about Mount MansfieldLearn MoreLamoille Valley Rail Trail
Vermont’s rail trails, fully accessible and maintained on reclaimed railroad beds, connect downtowns and offer a variety of ways to enjoy the outdoors. The Lamoille Valley Rail Trail is New England’s longest at 93 miles, connecting 18 communities.
Read More about Lamoille Valley Rail TrailLearn MoreSavor the Green Mountain State
Vermont is a leader in maple, ice cream, cheese, and craft beer. Eat and drink your way through the green mountain terroir with some of these stops along the way.
Ben & Jerry’s
Many people associate Vermont with Ben & Jerry’s, known worldwide for its chunky, swirly ice cream flavors and commitment to social change. Visit scoop shops or take a factory tour in Waterbury, where you can also visit the Flavor Graveyard to “pay your respects” to discontinued flavors.
Read More about Ben & Jerry’sLearn MoreHill Farmstead Brewery
Vermont has more breweries per capita than any other state. Named Best Brewery in the World in 2018, Hill Farmstead swears by its Vermont well water as a key ingredient. Taste and sample in Greensboro.
Read More about Hill Farmstead BreweryLearn MoreMorse Farm Maple Sugarworks
Vermont produces more maple syrup than any other state. Visit this Montpelier sugarhouse, open to the public, to learn how pure Vermont maple is made, sample different grades, and enjoy a maple creemee.
Read More about Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks Learn MoreCaledonia Spirits
From gold-medal-winning vodka to the world’s most awarded rye whiskey, Vermont’s distillers put the state on the map. Named America’s most awarded gin, Barr Hill is made with local honey by Caledonia Spirits, with a tasting room in Montpelier.
Read More about Caledonia SpiritsLearn MoreKing Arthur Baking Co.
A baking school, demonstrations, a café, and retail store await at this world-famous Vermont company.
Read More about King Arthur Baking Co.Learn MoreCabot Creamery
Awarded world’s best cheddar for years, Cabot’s cheddar bolsters Vermont’s legacy as a cheese destination. Shop and sample at the Waterbury store.
Read More about Cabot CreameryLearn More
Time-Honored Celebrations
Vermont Signature Events
Vermont beckons travelers with a vibrant tapestry of fairs, festivals, and concerts. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the state at signature events showcasing local craftsmanship to outdoor concerts with mountain peaks as the backdrop and street celebrations that bring out the whole town.
