Historic Downtown

Montpelier

Seen from above, a vibrant town center with a parade of people walking down the main street on a sunny day.
Two paved sidewalks with red flowers lead to a large white stone building with a golden Rotunda on a sunny day.

Montpelier, Vermont

The golden dome of the Vermont State House presides over Vermont’s capital, the only one in the U.S. without a McDonald’s or Starbucks. Nestled where two rivers meet and sheltered by surrounding hillsides, Montpelier’s scenic beauty is abundant.

Discover ample recreation opportunities, independent shops, and outdoor recreation in Vermont’s City of Bridges.

Tour Downtown

Vermont’s small but diverse capital is home to some of the finest small-town shopping in the U.S., a beautiful historic downtown, and culture that recognizes the power of organic and authentic community-building. Miles of trails for hiking, biking, and skiing wrap around Montpelier, offering plenty of opportunity for outdoor recreation and exploration at your own pace.

At dusk, a bridge across a river is illuminated by warm glowing lights. A historic brick building is visible in the background.

Montpelier Bridge Illumination Tour

Montpelier’s downtown bridges come alive as daytime gives way to dusk. Lights illuminate each bridge, lending a seemingly magical touch to the historic downtown. Light colors and themes vary throughout the year, so the bridges may offer a different experience each time you visit. This self-guided walking tour includes 10 bridges, a park, and public art and shares some of Montpelier’s rich history.

Children sit at a table doing arts and crafts.
Two people play instruments outdoors.

Montpelier ArtWalk

First Fridays in Feb., April, June, Aug., Oct., Dec.

More than 20 art openings in one night in downtown Montpelier, many with the artist present and local food.

Eat, Shop, and Stay in Montpelier

Dining

Dining

Shopping

Shopping

Lodging

Lodging

Transportation Options

For Montpelier

Amtrak Station

297 Junction Road
Montpelier, VT 05602

Local Transportation

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Discover More

Find local guides and trip planning resources from Montpelier’s downtown organization.

Visit Montpelier Alive about Discover More
Flowers lead the eye to the Vermont State House during spring blossom.
A family considering produce at the Montpelier Farmers Market.
A child holds produce procured at the Montpelier Farmers Market.
Barr Hill beverage product shot at Caledonia Spirits.
A detail shot of a coaster with a bee graphic at Caledonia Spirits.
A biker approaches the bridge on Montpelier's bike path, with the golden dome in the background.
An aerial view of Montpelier Vermont, during autumn.
Snowfall obscures the view of brick buildings in Montpelier, Vermont.
A pedestrian looks at the camera near Capitol Stationers.
A winter scene of the campus of the Vermont College of Fine Arts.
A live band plays in front of a business in Montpelier, Vermont.
A late summer streetscape of Montpelier, Vermont.
A valentines day tradition for Montpelier where hearts are posted on the storefronts throughout the downtown.
Inside the Vermont State House sits a sculpture of Abraham Lincoln.
Historic marker for Vermont Equality for Same-Sex Couples.
A small glass bottle of Vermont Maple Syrup illuminated by the sun.
A biker climbs a forest mountain biking trail at Montpelier's North Branch Trails.