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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.

Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium

A combination natural science museum, history museum, and Vermont’s only public planetarium.

Church Street

With more than 100 shops and restaurants, this outdoor mall was named No. 1 Public Square in America in 2022 by USA Today.

Bennington 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.

Vermont 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.

Marsh-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.

The Great Vermont Corn Maze

Danville’s Great Vermont Corn Maze is New England’s largest, comprising 24 acres of winding paths, including 100 bridges and an underground tunnel. Open from the end of July through mid-October, discover family-friendly attractions like friendly goats, a play area, barnyard golf, and more.

Shelburne Museum

More than 150,000 exhibited works span 39 historic buildings on the museum’s expansive grounds.

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.

ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain

This science and nature museum, located on the Burlington waterfront, offers over 100 interactive exhibits, 70 live species native to Lake Champlain, and an immersive 3D theater. While you’re there, check out the largest sculpture of Champ, the legendary lake monster.

Billings Farm

A working farm highlighting historic Vermont agriculture with a museum, live demonstrations, farm animals, and a seasonal sunflower house.

Southern Vermont Arts Center

Internationally known artists and more local creators find exhibition space at this southern Vermont gallery.

Vermont’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.

Lake Willoughby

Vermont’s deepest lake, Willoughby’s skyline is scored by the dramatic fjord-like cliffs of mounts Pisgah and Hor.

Shelburne Farms

Cheesemaking, 1,400 acres of working farmland, gardens, and historic buildings, and lodging make Shelburne Farms a must-visit.

Lamoille 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.

Mount 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.

Quechee 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.

Mount Equinox Skyline Drive

The longest privately owned, paved toll road in the United States ascends Mount Equinox to stunning views.

Colchester Causeway

Packed gravel on a narrow causeway takes riders, walkers, or wheelchair users across Lake Champlain, with a bike ferry to South Hero.

Savor 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.

King Arthur Baking Co.

A baking school, demonstrations, a café, and retail store await at this world-famous Vermont company.

Caledonia 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.

Hill 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.

Cabot 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.

Morse 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.

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.

Seen from above, crowds gather on the street of a historic downtown. Tents house food vendors and live musicians.

Fireworks explode against the dark sky of dusk.

Time-Honored Celebrations

Vermont Signature Events

Vermont Signature Events showcase the rich variety of experiences offered in the Green Mountains. From town-wide festivals to 100-year-old traditions, these beloved events bring visitors into the fabric of the community and offer a true taste of what’s local.

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