Wells VermontATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Wells, Vermont.
1. Lake St. Catherine State Park
LAKESIDE RECREATION PARADISE
Lake St. Catherine State Park is a 117-acre park offering an array of recreation for campers and day visitors alike. Visitors can enjoy a 61-site campground, nature center, two sandy beaches, a children's playground, and snack bar concessions. The park also offers boat rentals including rowboats, canoes, kayaks, and pedal boats, plus a boat launch for fishing or water skiing on the lake.
2. Wells Lakeside Park and Delaney Woods
TRAILS AND LAKESIDE FUN
Wells Lakeside Park and Delaney Woods is a recreation destination on Lake Saint Catherine offering both a beautiful lakeside park and peaceful woodland trails. The nearby 173-acre town forest called Delaney Woods features approximately five miles of trails managed by Slate Valley Trails for walking, mountain biking, and snowshoeing. Visitors can enjoy swimming, picnics, hiking, mountain biking, and hunting at these two town-owned properties.
3. Wellsmere Farm
RURAL VERMONT CHARM
Wellsmere Farm is one of the top attractions in Wells, Vermont according to visitor rankings. The farm offers visitors a chance to experience authentic Vermont rural life and agricultural traditions. Visitors can enjoy the scenic countryside setting that exemplifies the natural beauty of the Green Mountain State.
4. Indian Hill Image Works
LOCAL ART GALLERY
Indian Hill Image Works is a notable attraction in Wells that showcases visual arts and photography. Visitors can explore unique artistic perspectives of the region and its natural beauty. The gallery provides a cultural complement to the outdoor recreational activities available in the area.
5. Earth and Time Studio
CRAFT AND DESIGN
Earth and Time Studio is a creative space in Wells featuring local artisanal crafts and design. The studio offers visitors insight into Vermont's rich tradition of handmade arts and crafts. Visitors can appreciate and potentially purchase unique items that reflect the region's artistic heritage.
6. Village Yarn Shop
FIBER ARTS HAVEN
Village Yarn Shop is a highly-rated destination with a perfect 5.0 rating from visitors. The shop offers a wide selection of yarns and fiber arts supplies for both locals and tourists interested in knitting and crafting. It serves as a warm, inviting space that embodies the creative spirit of small-town Vermont.
7. Otto's Ice Cream & General Store
SWEET TREATS AND MORE
Otto's Ice Cream & General Store is a popular spot with a stellar 4.9 rating that serves as a community gathering place in Wells. Visitors can enjoy delicious ice cream flavors while also browsing through general store merchandise. The establishment embodies the quintessential small-town Vermont charm and hospitality.
8. Slate Valley Museum
REGIONAL HERITAGE CENTER
The Slate Valley Museum, just 6 minutes from Wells in Granville, NY, celebrates the rich heritage of the slate industry in the region with a 4.6 visitor rating. The museum features exhibits on the geological, historical, and cultural aspects of slate quarrying that shaped the area. Visitors gain insight into the lives of the immigrant families who worked in the industry and the lasting impact of slate production on the regional identity.
9. Pember Museum
NATURAL HISTORY COLLECTION
The Pember Museum, rated 4.7 by visitors, is located in nearby Granville, NY and houses an impressive collection of natural history specimens. The museum showcases taxidermy, minerals, fossils, and other natural artifacts gathered from around the world. Visitors can explore the diverse exhibits that bring the natural world to life through carefully preserved specimens and educational displays.
10. Manchester Designer Outlets
PREMIUM SHOPPING DESTINATION
Manchester Designer Outlets is located in Manchester, VT, just a 30-minute drive from Wells, offering premium shopping experiences with discounted designer brands. The collection of outlet stores features famous names in fashion, home goods, and specialty items in a charming Vermont setting. Visitors can combine shopping with the scenic beauty of the Green Mountains for a well-rounded Vermont experience.
11. Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home
PRESIDENTIAL HERITAGE SITE
Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home in nearby Manchester was the summer home of Robert Todd Lincoln, son of President Abraham Lincoln. The Georgian Revival mansion sits on 412 acres and features stunning gardens, a working farm, and historic exhibits about the Lincoln family. Visitors can tour the 24-room home with its original furnishings and the restored 1903 Pullman car named Sunbeam, offering a glimpse into American history and opulent turn-of-the-century living.
12. Equinox Preservation Trust
MOUNTAIN HIKING TRAILS
The Equinox Preservation Trust in Manchester offers over 914 acres of protected forest with an extensive network of hiking trails on Mount Equinox. Visitors can explore diverse ecosystems while enjoying spectacular views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. The trust provides educational opportunities about conservation and natural history in one of Vermont's most scenic areas.
13. Wilson Castle
VICTORIAN ARCHITECTURAL GEM
Wilson Castle is a unique 19th-century estate located in Rutland, about 42 minutes from Wells, featuring an eclectic blend of European architectural styles. The 32-room mansion houses an impressive collection of antiques, period furnishings, and artwork from around the world. Visitors can tour the castle and its grounds to experience the grandeur of the Gilded Age in an unexpected Vermont setting.
14. Green Mountain National Forest
VAST WILDERNESS PLAYGROUND
Green Mountain National Forest spans over 400,000 acres across southwestern and central Vermont, with easy access points from the Rutland area. The forest offers year-round recreational opportunities including hiking, mountain biking, camping, fishing, hunting, and winter sports like skiing and snowshoeing. Visitors can explore wilderness areas, scenic drives like the Appalachian Gap, and portions of famous long-distance trails including the Appalachian Trail and the Long Trail.
15. Hubbardton Battlefield State Historic Site
REVOLUTIONARY WAR HERITAGE
Hubbardton Battlefield State Historic Site preserves the location of the only Revolutionary War battle fought in Vermont. The site features a museum with exhibits about the July 7, 1777 battle, plus interpretive trails across the remarkably preserved battlefield landscape. Visitors can attend living history events, guided tours, and witness demonstrations that bring to life this crucial chapter in America's fight for independence.