Isle La Motte VermontATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Isle La Motte, Vermont.
1. St. Anne's Shrine
HISTORIC SPIRITUAL SANCTUARY
St. Anne's Shrine is a peaceful spiritual site located on the western shore of Isle La Motte with stunning views of Lake Champlain. The shrine serves as a place for reflection and prayer, attracting visitors seeking spiritual solace in a beautiful natural setting. Its serene grounds include outdoor Mass areas, religious statues, and access to the lakeshore for visitors to enjoy.
2. Goodsell Ridge Preserve
ANCIENT FOSSIL REEF
Goodsell Ridge Preserve showcases the ancient Chazy Fossil Reef, estimated to be around 480 million years old, making it one of the oldest exposed reefs in the world. Visitors can explore the marked walking trails that display primitive fossil remnants embedded in the limestone bedrock. The preserve also features an education center where guests can learn more about the geological significance of this National Natural Landmark.
3. Fisk Quarry Preserve
GEOLOGICAL WONDER SITE
Fisk Quarry Preserve is a unique geological site where visitors can observe rare fossils preserved in limestone dating back nearly 480 million years. Designated as a National Natural Landmark in 2009, the quarry offers self-guided tours through areas where ancient marine organisms have been preserved in remarkable detail. The preserve provides interpretive signs that help visitors understand the significance of the fossils and the reef's formation.
4. Hall Home Place
HISTORIC ORCHARD ESTATE
Hall Home Place is a historic apple orchard and cidery that offers visitors a taste of traditional Vermont agriculture and craftsmanship. The estate produces artisanal hard ciders and apple products using time-honored methods and apples grown on the property. Visitors can enjoy tastings, orchard tours, and the beautiful grounds of this family-owned establishment.
5. Zafa Wines
NATURAL WINEMAKING EXPERIENCE
Zafa Wines offers visitors an authentic natural winemaking experience on Isle La Motte with a focus on minimal intervention practices. Wine enthusiasts can explore the vineyards and learn about the unique terroir that contributes to the distinctive character of Zafa's wines. The winery specializes in small-batch productions that reflect both innovation and respect for traditional winemaking methods.
6. Isle La Motte Historical Society & Museum
ISLAND HERITAGE CENTER
The Isle La Motte Historical Society & Museum is housed in an old schoolhouse and preserves the rich cultural heritage of this Lake Champlain island. The museum houses artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of the island's inhabitants from prehistoric times through the present day. Visitors can learn about the island's limestone quarrying history, early settlement patterns, and the evolution of life on this remote Vermont island.
7. Isle La Motte Lighthouse
HISTORIC LAKE BEACON
The Isle La Motte Lighthouse stands on the northwest corner of the island, serving as a navigational beacon for Lake Champlain vessels since its construction. While the lighthouse itself is a private residence with restricted access, it can be viewed and photographed from the water by boat. This historic structure represents the maritime heritage of Isle La Motte and the importance of Lake Champlain for transportation and commerce throughout Vermont's history.
8. Fisk Farm
CULTURAL HERITAGE CENTER
Fisk Farm serves as a cultural heritage center hosting various arts and musical events throughout the year on Isle La Motte. The historic farm property provides a charming backdrop for community gatherings, art exhibitions, and performances that celebrate local talent. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful grounds while experiencing Vermont's vibrant cultural scene in a tranquil island setting.
9. Isle La Motte Library
HISTORIC STONE BUILDING
The Isle La Motte Library is housed in a well-crafted stone building constructed from local limestone, showcasing the island's architectural heritage. Beyond serving as a community library, the historic structure itself is an attraction that exemplifies the skilled stonework for which the region was once famous. Visitors can appreciate both the literary resources within and the craftsmanship of this enduring limestone building that reflects the island's quarrying history.
10. Lake Champlain Biking Tours
SCENIC ISLAND CYCLING
Lake Champlain Biking Tours offers cyclists the opportunity to explore Isle La Motte's relatively flat terrain and scenic landscapes at a leisurely pace. The island's minimal traffic and picturesque roads make it an ideal destination for biking enthusiasts of all skill levels. Riders can enjoy views of Lake Champlain, historic sites, and geological attractions while circling this northernmost island in the Champlain Islands chain.
11. Kayaking Isle La Motte
ISLAND PADDLING ADVENTURE
Kayaking around Isle La Motte offers paddlers a unique perspective of the island's shoreline and the broader Lake Champlain landscape. Visitors can rent kayaks locally and embark on self-guided tours that showcase hidden coves, geological formations, and wildlife viewing opportunities. The calm waters surrounding the island make this activity accessible to paddlers with various experience levels while providing an intimate connection with the natural beauty of Vermont's lake country.
12. Alburgh Dunes State Park
NATURAL BEACH PRESERVE
Alburgh Dunes State Park, located near Isle La Motte, features one of the longest natural sand beaches on Lake Champlain. The park protects a rare sand dune ecosystem that provides habitat for unique plants and animals not commonly found in Vermont. Visitors can enjoy swimming, picnicking, birdwatching, and hiking while experiencing this distinctive natural area just a short drive from Isle La Motte.
13. North Hero State Park
LAKESIDE RECREATION AREA
North Hero State Park offers visitors pristine shoreline access to Lake Champlain with views that often include Isle La Motte in the distance. The park features a sandy swimming beach, picnic areas, boat rentals, and camping facilities for those wanting to extend their stay in the Champlain Islands region. Nature trails wind through diverse habitats, allowing visitors to observe local wildlife and plant communities in this scenic area near Isle La Motte.
14. Saint Anne's Shrine Gift Shop
RELIGIOUS ITEMS & SOUVENIRS
The Saint Anne's Shrine Gift Shop offers visitors a selection of religious items, books, and locally made souvenirs that commemorate their visit to this historic spiritual site. The shop stocks devotional materials, handcrafted gifts, and seasonal items that reflect the shrine's religious significance and Vermont craftsmanship. Proceeds from purchases support the maintenance and operation of Saint Anne's Shrine, helping to preserve this important religious landmark.
15. Snow Farm Vineyard
ISLAND WINE EXPERIENCE
Snow Farm Vineyard, a short drive from Isle La Motte, is Vermont's first grape vineyard and winery established on the shores of Lake Champlain. Visitors can enjoy tastings of award-winning wines produced from cold-hardy grapes grown on the property while taking in stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. The vineyard hosts summer concert series, special events, and offers tours that explain the unique challenges and rewards of winemaking in Vermont's climate.