Lemington VermontATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Lemington, Vermont.
1. Lemington Lakes
SCENIC FISHING PARADISE
Lemington Lakes is a beautiful natural attraction in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont where visitors can enjoy fishing and other outdoor activities. The lakes provide a serene environment for nature lovers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Visitors can spend a peaceful day fishing or simply enjoying the scenic beauty of Vermont's pristine wilderness.
2. Hildene The Lincoln Family Home
HISTORIC PRESIDENTIAL LEGACY
Hildene The Lincoln Family Home is the historic estate of Robert Lincoln, the only child of President Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd Lincoln to survive to adulthood. The estate features beautiful gardens, a restored 1903 wooden Pullman palace railcar, and a goat farm that visitors can explore. Hildene offers a unique glimpse into the legacy of one of America's most important presidential families while showcasing Vermont's natural beauty.
3. Church Street Marketplace
VIBRANT PEDESTRIAN MALL
Church Street Marketplace is a historic open-air pedestrian mall that blends local and chain shopping with diverse dining options and waterfront scenery. Visitors can enjoy leisurely strolls through this vibrant area while experiencing the charm of downtown Burlington. The marketplace serves as a cultural hub where people-watching and exploring unique shops create a delightful Vermont experience.
4. Shelburne Museum
ECLECTIC CULTURAL TREASURE
Shelburne Museum is an outdoor museum featuring historical buildings, art exhibits, and a festive carousel set amongst beautifully landscaped grounds. The museum showcases unique attractions including a miniature circus train that delights visitors of all ages. With its diverse collection spanning American history, art, and design, the Shelburne Museum offers an immersive cultural experience in Vermont.
5. Burlington Bike Path
LAKESIDE CYCLING ADVENTURE
Burlington Bike Path offers a scenic route along Lake Champlain with stunning views of the Adirondack Mountains. Cyclists, runners, and walkers can enjoy this well-maintained path that connects multiple parks and beaches throughout the Burlington waterfront. The path provides an excellent way to experience Vermont's natural beauty while enjoying outdoor recreation in any season.
6. Quechee Gorge
VERMONT'S GRAND CANYON
Quechee Gorge is Vermont's deepest gorge, formed by glaciers approximately 13,000 years ago and continuously shaped by the Ottauquechee River flowing 165 feet below. Visitors can admire the impressive natural formation from the walkway along the arched iron bridge that carries Route 4 across the top, or follow a trail through the woods to view the gorge from water level. The nearby Vermont Institute of Natural Sciences (VINS) offers an educational complement to the gorge, featuring a nature center where injured raptors are rehabilitated.
7. Bennington Battle Monument
REVOLUTIONARY WAR MEMORIAL
Bennington Battle Monument is a 306-foot-high obelisk commemorating the pivotal 1777 battle that turned the tide against the British during the Revolutionary War. Visitors can take an elevator to the top for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape rather than climbing the monument's 412 steps. The monument stands as a proud reminder of Vermont's significant role in American independence.
8. Bennington Museum
FOLK ART TREASURE TROVE
Bennington Museum houses an extensive collection of works by primitive folk artist Grandma Moses, including her schoolhouse painting studio. The museum showcases impressive collections of Bennington pottery, furniture, toys, American glassware, and Victorian quilts. Visitors can also explore fine art and artifacts from the colonial and Civil War periods, making it a comprehensive celebration of Vermont's cultural heritage.
9. Old First Church
HISTORIC RELIGIOUS LANDMARK
Old First Church is a lovely little 1762 church located in the charming settlement of Old Bennington. The historic cemetery behind the church contains the grave of celebrated poet Robert Frost, marked with his self-chosen epitaph: 'I had a lover's quarrel with the world.' This well-preserved religious landmark offers visitors a glimpse into Vermont's colonial past while honoring one of America's most beloved literary figures.
10. Vermont Institute of Natural Sciences
WILDLIFE REHABILITATION CENTER
Vermont Institute of Natural Sciences (VINS) is an excellent nature center where injured raptors are rehabilitated and returned to the wild. Located close to Quechee Gorge on Route 4, the center offers educational programs and wildlife exhibits for visitors of all ages. VINS provides a meaningful opportunity to learn about Vermont's natural ecosystems while observing the recovery of magnificent birds of prey.
11. Waterfront Park
URBAN LAKESIDE RETREAT
Waterfront Park offers stunning views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains from Burlington's revitalized shoreline. The park features open green spaces, walking paths, and a community boathouse where visitors can rent kayaks or paddleboards to explore the lake. Throughout the year, Waterfront Park hosts numerous festivals and events that celebrate Vermont's culture, music, and food.
12. Northeast Kingdom Scenic Byway
PICTURESQUE RURAL DRIVE
Northeast Kingdom Scenic Byway passes through Lemington and showcases the breathtaking landscapes of Vermont's most rural and pristine region. The drive features rolling hills, working farms, dense forests, and crystal-clear lakes that exemplify Vermont's natural beauty. Travelers along this route can experience authentic small-town New England charm while enjoying seasonal attractions from fall foliage to winter wonderlands.
13. Robert Frost Memorial Trail
POETIC NATURE WALK
Robert Frost Memorial Trail offers a contemplative walking experience through the Vermont woodlands that inspired much of the famous poet's work. The trail features plaques with Frost's poems positioned at spots that reflect the natural imagery described in his writing. Visitors can literally walk through the landscape that gave birth to classics like 'The Road Not Taken' and 'Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening.'
14. Connecticut River Byway
SCENIC RIVER ROUTE
Connecticut River Byway follows Vermont's eastern border through Lemington, offering spectacular views of New England's longest river and the surrounding valley. The route connects charming river towns, historic covered bridges, and numerous recreational opportunities for fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. Travelers along this scenic byway can experience the natural beauty that has defined the border between Vermont and New Hampshire for centuries.
15. Essex County Historical Society Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
Essex County Historical Society Museum preserves and presents the rich history of Lemington and surrounding communities in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom. The museum houses artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of the region's Native American heritage, early European settlement, and agricultural development. Visitors can gain insight into the rural Vermont way of life through carefully curated exhibits that highlight local traditions and historical events.