Rutland VermontATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Rutland, Vermont.
1. Green Mountain National Forest
NATURAL WILDERNESS ESCAPE
Green Mountain National Forest offers expansive natural beauty with hiking trails, scenic vistas, and diverse wildlife. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities year-round including hiking, camping, and wildlife watching. The forest provides a peaceful retreat with stunning landscapes that showcase Vermont's natural splendor.
2. The Paramount Theatre
HISTORIC PERFORMANCE VENUE
The Paramount Theatre is a beautifully restored 1912 Victorian-era opera house that hosts national and world-renowned performances. This historic venue serves as a cultural hub for Rutland, offering everything from concerts to theatrical productions in an elegant setting. The theatre is a cornerstone of downtown Rutland's vibrant arts scene.
3. Pico Mountain
YEAR-ROUND MOUNTAIN RECREATION
Pico Mountain is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts offering skiing and snowboarding in winter and hiking in summer. The mountain features varied terrain suitable for all skill levels and breathtaking views of the Vermont countryside. Visitors appreciate Pico for its family-friendly atmosphere and less crowded slopes compared to nearby resorts.
4. Wonderfeet Kids' Museum
INTERACTIVE CHILDREN'S LEARNING
Wonderfeet Kids' Museum offers interactive exhibits dedicated to fostering children's lifetime love of learning and discovery. The museum provides hands-on experiences that encourage creativity, curiosity, and exploration for young minds. With engaging activities and educational programming, Wonderfeet creates a space where children can learn through play.
5. Deer Leap Trail
SCENIC HIKING EXPERIENCE
Deer Leap Trail offers hikers a moderately challenging path with rewarding panoramic views at the summit. The trail winds through forests before opening to spectacular vistas overlooking the surrounding mountains and valleys. At just under two miles round trip, it provides an accessible adventure for nature lovers seeking Vermont's natural beauty.
6. Pine Hill Park
URBAN FOREST RECREATION
Pine Hill Park features over 16 miles of multi-use trails nestled within 300 acres of urban forest. The park offers mountain biking, hiking, and running opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts of all skill levels. With its accessibility from downtown Rutland, Pine Hill Park provides a convenient natural escape for residents and visitors alike.
7. Bomoseen State Park
LAKESIDE OUTDOOR RECREATION
Bomoseen State Park surrounds Lake Bomoseen, the largest lake entirely within Vermont's borders, offering swimming, fishing, and boating opportunities. The park features camping facilities, picnic areas, and hiking trails through diverse landscapes including forests and historic slate quarries. Visitors can enjoy the sandy beach area, rent boats, or explore the nature center to learn about local ecology.
8. Vermont Marble Museum
INDUSTRIAL HERITAGE SITE
The Vermont Marble Museum showcases the rich history of marble extraction that shaped Rutland County's development. Visitors can explore impressive marble sculptures, historical artifacts, and interactive exhibits detailing the industry's impact on the region. The museum stands as a testament to Vermont's industrial heritage and the craftsmanship that made the state's marble world-renowned.
9. Chaffee Art Center
LOCAL ART SHOWCASE
Chaffee Art Center serves as a haven for local artistic talent in a historic mansion in Rutland. The center hosts rotating exhibitions featuring works by Vermont artists across various mediums including painting, sculpture, photography, and more. With regular events, workshops, and educational programs, the Chaffee nurtures creativity and cultural appreciation in the community.
10. Rutland Downtown Historic District
PRESERVED ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE
The Rutland Downtown Historic District encompasses numerous buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, showcasing the city's architectural heritage. Visitors can take self-guided walking tours to admire structures that reflect Rutland's prosperity during its industrial heyday. The district includes impressive examples of Victorian, Italianate, and other historic architectural styles that tell the story of the city's development.
11. Rutland Farmers Market
LOCAL FOOD & CRAFTS
The Rutland Farmers Market is Vermont's largest year-round farmers market offering fresh local produce, artisanal foods, and handcrafted items. Vendors sell everything from fresh vegetables and fruits to maple syrup, cheeses, baked goods, and unique crafts. The market serves as a community gathering place where visitors can connect with local producers while experiencing authentic Vermont culture.
12. Pyramid Holistic Wellness Center
RELAXATION & HEALING
Pyramid Holistic Wellness Center offers a unique salt cave experience along with various wellness services in downtown Rutland. Visitors can enjoy guided meditations, sound and light therapy rooms, reiki treatments, and other holistic health practices. The center provides a tranquil retreat focused on relaxation, stress reduction, and promoting overall wellbeing.
13. Rutland Mural Trail
OUTDOOR PUBLIC ART
Rutland's Mural Trail features vibrant public art installations created by local and international artists throughout downtown. These large-scale murals transform ordinary buildings into captivating canvases that tell stories about Rutland's history, culture, and community spirit. Visitors can enjoy a self-guided walking tour to discover these impressive works that have helped revitalize the downtown area.
14. Killington Resort
PREMIER MOUNTAIN DESTINATION
Killington Resort, located near Rutland, is the largest ski area in the Eastern United States offering world-class skiing and snowboarding in winter. During summer and fall, the resort transforms to offer mountain biking, hiking, scenic gondola rides, and adventure activities. With its diverse terrain, dining options, and year-round events, Killington attracts visitors seeking both adventure and relaxation.
15. Norman Rockwell Museum
AMERICAN ART HISTORY
The Norman Rockwell Museum showcases the work of one of America's most beloved illustrators who captured everyday American life. The museum houses a collection of Rockwell's illustrations, prints, and memorabilia that chronicle mid-20th century American culture and values. Visitors gain insight into both Rockwell's artistic techniques and the social history his images documented and helped define.