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Historic Downtown

Montpelier

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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.

City of Bridges

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.

Top Attractions

Vermont culture and history takes center stage in Montpelier. Visitors can tour one of the country’s oldest operating state houses, take in eclectic local art, and get outside at North Branch Nature Center.

Vermont State House

Open to the public, offering both self-guided and guided tours through the building’s history and significant architecture. Vermont’s statehouse holds the oldest operating legislative chambers that have preserved their original interiors.

Lost Nation Theatre

Enjoy community theatre performances year-round in the heart of Vermont’s capital city.

North Branch Nature Center

A 28-acre preserve of forests and fields that connects people with environmental education, natural history, and community science.

Coburn Covered Bridge

The Coburn Covered Bridge is the only one in East Montpelier, crossing the Winooski River.

Hubbard Park

 More than 7 miles of hiking and skiing trails, picnic shelters, a sports field, a sledding hill, and a 54-foot stone observation tower highlight this park.

Vermont Supreme Court Gallery

Contemporary art is displayed in the Supreme Court Gallery on a rotating quarterly basis.

Vermont History Center Museum

Explore Vermont’s history from the 1600s to present at this Capitol District museum next to the Statehouse.

 Green Mount Cemetery

Terraced lots, stone statuary, and beautiful landscaping ornament this 35-acre cemetery.

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.

Downtown Spotlight

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.

Explore the Tour

Children sit at a table doing arts and crafts.

Two people play instruments outdoors.

Event Spotlight

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.

Montpelier ArtWalk

Eat, Shop, and Stay in Montpelier

Dining

Shopping

Lodging

Transportation Options

For Montpelier

Amtrak Station

297 Junction Road
Montpelier, VT 05602

Local Transportation

Car Rental services:  Enterprise
Taxi Service and/or Rideshare: Payless Taxi, Green Mountain Taxi, Star Cab, Uber, Lyft
Bus services: Green Mountain Transit

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Discover More

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

Visit Montpelier Alive

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.