Rupert VermontATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Rupert, Vermont.
1. Merck Forest & Farmland Center
SUSTAINABLE NATURE PRESERVE
Merck Forest & Farmland Center spans 3,500 acres with 35 miles of trails for visitors to explore the working farm and forest. Visitors can camp in cabins or lean-tos, attend hands-on workshops, or participate in summer camps focused on sustainable agriculture and education. The center offers seasonal events including maple sugaring and farm-to-table dinners, all while promoting responsibility for natural and working lands.
2. Delaware and Hudson Rail-Trail
SCENIC BIKING PATH
The Delaware and Hudson Rail-Trail offers visitors a scenic path for biking, walking, and enjoying nature in Rupert. This converted railway provides a flat, accessible route through the picturesque Vermont countryside. Visitors can experience the changing seasons along this trail that connects several communities in the region.
3. Green Mountain National Forest
VAST WILDERNESS AREA
Green Mountain National Forest extends into Rupert, offering vast wilderness areas for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. The forest features diverse ecosystems from hardwood forests to mountain peaks with breathtaking views of the Vermont landscape. Visitors can enjoy seasonal activities including hiking, fishing, hunting, and winter sports throughout the year.
4. Shermans Store
HISTORIC COUNTRY STORE
Shermans Store is a charming local establishment offering visitors a taste of authentic Vermont country store culture. The store provides local goods, Vermont specialties, and basic necessities in a quaint, historic setting. Visitors appreciate the friendly atmosphere and opportunity to experience a piece of small-town Vermont life.
5. Old Gray Barn
RUSTIC VERMONT LANDMARK
The Old Gray Barn stands as an iconic landmark representing Rupert's agricultural heritage. This historic structure offers photographers and history enthusiasts a glimpse into Vermont's farming past. The barn's weathered exterior and classic New England architecture make it a popular spot for those seeking authentic Vermont rural imagery.
6. Dorset Theatre Festival
PROFESSIONAL SUMMER THEATER
The Dorset Theatre Festival presents professional theater productions each summer in the charming town near Rupert. The festival features both classic works and new plays performed by talented actors from Broadway and regional theaters. Visitors enjoy high-quality theatrical experiences in a historic playhouse dating back to 1929, making it one of Vermont's oldest professional theater venues.
7. Dorset Union Store
QUINTESSENTIAL COUNTRY MARKET
The Dorset Union Store serves as a quintessential Vermont country market located near Rupert. This historic establishment offers specialty foods, local products, and prepared meals in a charming atmosphere. Visitors appreciate the store's authentic character and selection of Vermont-made goods that showcase the region's culinary traditions.
8. 3 Pears Gallery on the Dorset Green
CONTEMPORARY ART SHOWCASE
3 Pears Gallery features contemporary artwork from local and national artists in a beautiful setting near Rupert. The gallery showcases paintings, sculptures, jewelry, and crafts that reflect Vermont's artistic heritage and natural beauty. Visitors can browse and purchase unique pieces while enjoying the gallery's location on the historic Dorset Green.
9. Rupert Taxi Service
LOCAL TRANSPORTATION OPTION
Rupert Taxi Service provides essential transportation for visitors exploring the area without their own vehicles. The service offers airport transfers and local trips to attractions throughout the region. Visitors appreciate the convenience of having a dedicated local transportation option in this rural part of Vermont.
10. Haystack Mountain
PANORAMIC HIKING DESTINATION
Haystack Mountain offers hikers a moderate trail leading to spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding countryside near Rupert. The summit provides vistas of Vermont's rolling hills, neighboring New York state, and on clear days, the Adirondack Mountains. Visitors particularly enjoy this hike during fall foliage season when the landscape transforms into a vibrant tapestry of autumn colors.
11. Lake St. Catherine State Park
LAKESIDE RECREATION AREA
Lake St. Catherine State Park provides a peaceful lakeside retreat not far from Rupert with swimming, boating, and fishing opportunities. The park features camping facilities, picnic areas, and hiking trails through the surrounding woodland. Visitors enjoy the clear waters of Lake St. Catherine and the opportunity to spot local wildlife in this tranquil natural setting.
12. Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home
HISTORIC PRESIDENTIAL ESTATE
Hildene was the summer home of Robert Todd Lincoln, son of President Abraham Lincoln, located a short drive from Rupert. The Georgian Revival mansion sits on 412 acres featuring gardens, walking trails, a working farm, and a restored 1903 Pullman car. Visitors can explore the estate's rich history through guided tours, exhibits, and special events throughout the year.
13. Manchester Designer Outlets
PREMIUM SHOPPING DESTINATION
Manchester Designer Outlets offer a collection of premium brand stores in a charming Vermont setting near Rupert. Shoppers can find significant discounts on high-end clothing, accessories, and home goods from renowned designers. The outlets are integrated into the historic town center, providing a unique shopping experience that combines luxury retail with New England charm.
14. Emerald Lake State Park
PRISTINE SWIMMING HOLE
Emerald Lake State Park features a stunning, crystal-clear lake nestled among the foothills of the Taconic Mountains not far from Rupert. The park offers swimming, non-motorized boating, fishing, and camping facilities in a peaceful forest setting. Visitors are drawn to the unique emerald-green waters that give the lake its name and the surrounding network of hiking trails.
15. Northshire Bookstore
BELOVED INDEPENDENT BOOKSELLER
Northshire Bookstore is a renowned independent bookstore that has served the region near Rupert since 1976. The store offers an extensive collection of books spanning all genres, along with toys, gifts, and a café in a historic building. Visitors appreciate the knowledgeable staff, frequent author events, and the warm, inviting atmosphere that makes browsing a pleasure.