Orange VermontATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Orange, Vermont.
1. Green Mountains
MOUNTAIN BEAUTY
The Green Mountains are a stunning range that spans the length of Vermont, offering breathtaking natural beauty year-round. Popular attractions within the range include Mount Mansfield, the Long Trail, and charming towns like Stowe and Bennington. Visitors can enjoy skiing, hiking, scenic drives, and exploring historic landmarks throughout the Green Mountains.
2. Lake Champlain
SCENIC ESCAPES
Lake Champlain is nestled between the Adirondack Mountains and Vermont's Green Mountains, serving as a haven for adventure and relaxation. Popular activities include kayaking along the Causeway Park, biking the Burlington Bike Path, and enjoying sunset cruises on the Spirit of Ethan Allen. Visitors can immerse themselves in both nature and local culture with attractions like Shelburne Farms, Oakledge Park, and ECHO Leahy Center.
3. Vermont Ski Resorts
GREEN MOUNTAIN ADVENTURES
Vermont's ski resorts in the Green Mountains set the stage for unforgettable winter adventures across the state. Premier destinations like Stratton Mountain Resort and Bolton Valley Resort feature extensive trails, night skiing, and slope-side amenities for visitors of all ages. Whether seeking outdoor excitement or quiet relaxation, Vermont's ski areas deliver a perfect winter escape.
4. Tunbridge World's Fair
HISTORIC AGRICULTURAL CELEBRATION
The Tunbridge World's Fair is a four-day old-time agricultural fair with a rich tapestry of farming events and traditions. The fair combines traditional agricultural showcases with more modern activities for visitors of all ages. This historic gathering celebrates Vermont's agricultural heritage while providing entertainment and education for the community.
5. Williamstown Historical Museum
PRESERVING LOCAL HERITAGE
The Williamstown Historical Museum houses over 2000 artifacts showcasing the past, present, and future of this Vermont community. Located in a church building constructed in the early 1800s in the center of town, the museum provides a glimpse into local history and culture. Visitors can explore exhibits that tell the story of Williamstown's development and the lives of its residents through the centuries.
6. Historic Churches of Orange County
ARCHITECTURAL RELIGIOUS HERITAGE
The historic churches of Orange County represent significant architectural and cultural landmarks throughout the region. Many of these structures date back to the 18th and 19th centuries, showcasing various architectural styles prevalent during Vermont's formative years. These churches not only serve as places of worship but also as important touchstones for understanding the religious and social history of Orange County.
7. Quechee Gorge
VERMONT'S GRAND CANYON
Quechee Gorge is Vermont's deepest gorge, formed by glacial activity and the Ottauquechee River's persistent flow through bedrock. Visitors can view this spectacular natural wonder from the Route 4 bridge or hike the trails that lead to the bottom of the 165-foot deep chasm. The surrounding Quechee State Park offers additional recreational opportunities including picnicking, hiking, and camping.
8. Bennington Battle Monument
HISTORIC PATRIOTIC LANDMARK
The Bennington Battle Monument stands as Vermont's tallest structure and commemorates the pivotal Revolutionary War Battle of Bennington fought in 1777. Rising 306 feet above the town, this stone obelisk offers visitors panoramic views of the surrounding countryside from its observation level. The monument and its grounds serve as an important historical site that honors Vermont's role in America's fight for independence.
9. ECHO Leahy Center
LAKESIDE SCIENCE DISCOVERY
The ECHO Leahy Center is an interactive science and nature museum located on the Burlington waterfront of Lake Champlain. Exhibits focus on the ecology, culture, history, and opportunities related to the Lake Champlain Basin, with hands-on displays for visitors of all ages. The center combines education and entertainment through aquarium displays, interactive exhibits, and educational programming about Vermont's natural environment.
10. Shelburne Farms
HISTORIC AGRICULTURAL ESTATE
Shelburne Farms is a 1,400-acre working farm, National Historic Landmark, and nonprofit environmental education center. The property features magnificent Frederick Law Olmsted-designed landscapes and farm buildings designed by architect Robert H. Robertson. Visitors can enjoy walking trails, farm-to-table dining, cheesemaking demonstrations, and educational programs focused on sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship.
11. Burlington Bike Path
SCENIC LAKESIDE TRAIL
The Burlington Bike Path stretches for 8 miles along the eastern shore of Lake Champlain, offering spectacular views and recreational opportunities. The paved path connects multiple parks, beaches, and the downtown waterfront, making it accessible for cyclists, runners, walkers, and skaters. As part of the larger Island Line Trail, it includes the iconic Colchester Causeway that extends into Lake Champlain, providing a unique over-water cycling experience.
12. Mount Mansfield
VERMONT'S HIGHEST PEAK
Mount Mansfield is Vermont's highest peak, reaching 4,393 feet and featuring a distinctive ridgeline that resembles a human profile when viewed from the east. Visitors can access the summit via hiking trails, the historic Toll Road, or the Stowe Mountain Resort gondola for panoramic views of Vermont, New York, and Canada. The mountain offers diverse recreational activities including hiking, skiing, and viewing rare alpine vegetation found nowhere else in the state.
13. Stratton Mountain Resort
PREMIER MOUNTAIN DESTINATION
Stratton Mountain Resort is a four-season destination offering world-class skiing in winter and outdoor activities throughout the warmer months. The resort features 99 trails across 670 acres of skiable terrain, a pedestrian village with shopping and dining, and a variety of accommodations. Summer visitors can enjoy the Stratton Mountain Music Festival, hiking to the historic fire tower, mountain biking, and golf on the 27-hole championship course.
14. The Long Trail
AMERICA'S OLDEST FOOTPATH
The Long Trail is America's oldest long-distance hiking trail, running 272 miles through Vermont from the Massachusetts border to Canada. The historic path follows the main ridge of the Green Mountains, passing through remote wilderness, alpine peaks, and charming Vermont towns. Hikers can experience the trail through day hikes, section hikes, or the challenging end-to-end journey that typically takes 20-30 days to complete.
15. Bolton Valley Resort
FAMILY-FRIENDLY WINTER ESCAPE
Bolton Valley Resort offers a welcoming ski and snowboard experience with 71 trails and glades across three mountain peaks in the Green Mountains. The resort is known for its night skiing, extensive Nordic trail network, and family-friendly atmosphere just 30 minutes from Burlington. During summer months, visitors can enjoy mountain biking, hiking, and disc golf while taking in spectacular views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains.