Vergennes VermontATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Vergennes, Vermont.
1. Vergennes Falls Park
SCENIC RIVER VIEWS
Vergennes Falls Park offers beautiful trails winding around and through downtown Vergennes, connecting the Little City with the surrounding region. Visitors can enjoy the scenic views of the falls and launch kayaks below them to explore the waterways. The park serves as a peaceful retreat with opportunities for walking, picnicking, and enjoying the natural beauty of the area.
2. Lake Champlain Maritime Museum
NAUTICAL HISTORY EXPLORATION
Lake Champlain Maritime Museum allows visitors to explore the rich maritime history of Lake Champlain through boats, equipment, and artifacts on exhibit. Below the surface, certified divers can explore 10 shipwrecks that serve as underwater exhibits. The museum provides educational insights into the region's nautical past and its significance to Vermont's history.
3. Vergennes Opera House
HISTORIC PERFORMING ARTS
The Vergennes Opera House hosts a diverse range of seasonal performances in this historic downtown venue. Reopened in 1997, this vibrant performing arts facility focuses on accessible performances and educational programs for the community. The opera house represents the cultural heart of Vergennes with its commitment to the arts and preservation of local heritage.
4. Lu-Lu Ice Cream
VERMONT'S BEST SCOOP
Lu-Lu Ice Cream has been recognized by Food Network as the best scoop in Vermont, offering visitors a delicious treat in downtown Vergennes. Their scoop shop features unique flavors like basil and a boozy Old Fashioned that showcase creative local ingredients. Visitors can enjoy premium ice cream while exploring the walkable downtown area of Vermont's Little City.
5. Button Bay State Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY OUTDOOR RECREATION
Button Bay State Park features a swimming pool, nature center with public educational programs, camping facilities, hiking trails, and a playground. The park provides excellent recreational opportunities for the whole family on the shores of Lake Champlain. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty while participating in various outdoor activities throughout the warmer months.
6. Basin Harbor Resort
LAKESIDE FAMILY GETAWAY
Basin Harbor Resort features cottages with up to three bedrooms as well as traditional rooms, catering to families and groups of all sizes. This family-friendly resort emphasizes outdoor recreation and water sports on Lake Champlain with numerous activities available for guests. The resort combines comfortable accommodations with the natural beauty of Vermont's lake region for a complete vacation experience.
7. Shacksbury Cider
CRAFT CIDER TASTING
Shacksbury Cider offers visitors a taste of Vermont's craft cider scene in their Vergennes tasting room. The cidery produces unique beverages using both traditional and foraged apples, creating distinctive flavor profiles. Guests can sample various cider varieties while learning about the production process and the revival of heritage apple varieties in Vermont.
8. Bixby Memorial Library
HISTORIC LITERARY HAVEN
The Bixby Memorial Library stands as an architectural gem in downtown Vergennes, housing books, historical collections, and community resources. This historic library serves as both a literary haven and a cultural center for the surrounding area. Visitors can appreciate the beautiful building while exploring its collections and participating in various community programs and events.
9. Chimney Point State Historic Site
CENTURIES OF HISTORY
Chimney Point State Historic Site provides visitors with insights into the rich history of the Vergennes area and its significance over the centuries. The site offers exhibits and information about Native American habitation, early European settlement, and the evolution of the region. Visitors can stroll along the lakeside while learning about the important historical events that shaped this part of Vermont.
10. D.A.R. State Park
LAKESIDE NATURAL BEAUTY
D.A.R. State Park offers visitors peaceful lakeside recreation close to Vergennes with views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains. The park provides opportunities for picnicking, swimming, and enjoying the natural beauty of Vermont's western border. Visitors appreciate the well-maintained grounds and the historical significance of this Daughters of the American Revolution donated property.
11. Mount Philo
REWARDING SUMMIT VIEWS
Mount Philo offers an easy hiking experience with highly rewarding views of the Lake Champlain Valley and the Adirondack Mountains. The trail to the summit is accessible for most skill levels, making it a popular destination for families and casual hikers. Visitors can drive to the top during certain seasons or enjoy the walking path that winds through beautiful forests before reaching the panoramic viewpoint.
12. Silver Lake
SCENIC WOODLAND HIKE
Silver Lake rewards hikers with a pristine mountain lake after a moderate 2-mile trek through Vermont's beautiful forests. The clear waters offer swimming opportunities during summer months and peaceful views year-round. Visitors appreciate this less-crowded alternative to more popular sites while still experiencing Vermont's natural beauty just a short drive from Vergennes.
13. Shelburne Museum
VERMONT'S CULTURAL TREASURE
Shelburne Museum showcases an extraordinary collection of American folk art, impressionist paintings, and historical buildings spread across 45 acres. With 39 distinct structures housing over 150,000 works, it represents one of the nation's finest, most diverse, and unconventional museums of art and Americana. Visitors can explore historic buildings, gardens, and a variety of exhibits that tell the story of American history and creative expression.
14. Fort Ticonderoga
REVOLUTIONARY WAR HISTORY
Fort Ticonderoga stands as a well-preserved 18th-century fort that played a crucial role in America's early conflicts, including the Revolutionary War. Visitors can explore the reconstructed fort, view military demonstrations, and learn about the strategic importance of this location on Lake Champlain. The site offers expansive grounds with gardens, exhibits, and educational programs that bring American history to life just a short drive from Vergennes across Lake Champlain.
15. Middlebury College
PRESTIGIOUS CAMPUS EXPERIENCE
Middlebury College features a stunning campus with impressive architecture, art installations, and beautiful grounds open to visitors. The college's art museum houses an extensive collection spanning centuries and cultures, providing a cultural experience in the nearby town. Visitors can enjoy walking the picturesque campus, attending public events, and exploring the natural areas maintained by this prestigious institution just a short drive from Vergennes.