Waitsfield
The Gateway to the Mad River Valley
Waitsfield, Vermont
In the Upper Green Mountains region, many photos of the historic village feature the Great Eddy Covered Bridge spanning the Mad River. Named for its rhythm and rush, the Mad River is considered to travel backward as it flows from south to north. Downtown on Bridge and Main streets, find artisan galleries showcasing glass, pottery, sculpture, and more along with local cafes and restaurants. Nearby, Sugarbush Resort and Mad River Glen offer skiing and riding and access to the Long Trail. Both the Lincoln Gap and Appalachian Gap make for a scenic drive over a mountain on your way out of town.
Featured Attractions
Madsonian Museum of Industrial Design
From the work of designers like Frank Lloyd Wright and Frank Gehry to cars, motorcycles, toys, radios, toasters and more, the museum celebrates industrial design and its role in every day.
Read More about Madsonian Museum of Industrial DesignRead MoreOle’s Cross Country
Skis glide through forests at Ole’s in the heart of the Mad River Valley, where 30 miles of trails are packed down for a smooth ride.
Read More about Ole’s Cross Country Read MoreMad River Glass Gallery
David and Melanie Leppla’s work has been shown in galleries and museums throughout the U.S. and much of the world. View it on display and shop at the Mad River Glass Gallery.
Read More about Mad River Glass GalleryRead MoreBundy Modern
Bundy Modern espouses contemporary design, built around a sculpture garden and offering a gallery indoors in a historic, modern building, showcasing both local and widely known talent.
Read More about Bundy ModernRead MoreArtisans Gallery
Located in an 1830s general store building in historic Waitsfield, this cooperative gallery showcases local art by more than 150 artisans for sale.
Read More about Artisans GalleryRead MoreSugarbush Resort
Two base areas, Lincoln Peak and Mount Ellen, offer 111 trails for skiers and riders to explore. The 2,000 acre Slide Brook Basin is a backcountry haven nestled between the two mountains. The resort also offers golf, a wellness center, disc golf, and scenic lift rides.
Read More about Sugarbush ResortRead MoreLawson’s Finest Liquids
Among a small number of brewery B Corps in the U.S., Lawson’s Finest Liquids is leading the sustainability charge. The brewery operates a 100% solar-powered taproom in Waitsfield. The taproom, featuring a seasonal menu, opens onto a patio with mountain views and regularly featuring live music and a fun après-ski vibe.
Read More about Lawson’s Finest LiquidsRead MoreMad River Glen
Mad River Glen (“ski it if you can”) is home to the oldest operating single chair lift in the U.S. Famous for its heart-pumping expert terrain, this area also offers varied and picturesque novice trails. Mad River Glen is only open to skiers.
Read More about Mad River GlenRead MoreSwimming
The Mad River’s swirling eddies and rushing waters make for refreshing swimming on hot days. From right downtown on Bridge Street to the many swimming holes as you tour the Mad River Valley, there are lots of places to take a dip.
General Wait House
The oldest remaining building in Waitsfield, the General Wait House was home to the town’s very first town meeting and now houses a historical society and small museum.
Read More about General Wait HouseRead MoreAdaptive Skiing and Riding in the Mad River Valley
In the Mad River Valley, accommodations for different accessibility needs are close at hand, from shopping and dining to great adaptive skiing through Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports at Sugarbush. A welcoming community and culture of accessibility region-wide makes the area more accessible, too, allowing those with different mobility needs to enjoy the same experience as their loved ones.
Event Spotlight
Waitsfield Farmers Market
May through October
From spring through fall, stroll this outdoor market on the Mad River Green in the heart of downtown Waitsfield. Browse plant starts, artisan artwork and jewelry, and local produce including honey, mead, coffee, eggs, cheese, and more, sometimes with live music as a soundtrack.
Start Planning
The Vermont Vacation Directory
See the Vermont Vacation Directory to search by category, services, and resources for more of what Waitsfield offers visitors. Here’s a sampling:
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Discover More
Find local guides and trip planning resources from the Mad River Valley’s downtown organization.
Visit Mad River Valley about Discover More
Meet the neighbors
The Upper Green Mountain Region
Explore the towns and landscape surrounding America’s smallest state capital.