Westford VermontATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Westford, Vermont.
1. Giant Middle Finger
QUIRKY ROADSIDE ATTRACTION
The Giant Middle Finger is an unusual roadside monument located just a half mile south of the Fairfax border on Vermont Route 128. This distinctive sculpture has become a notable landmark that attracts curious visitors to Westford. The monument represents a unique expression of Vermont's independent character and has gained popularity among travelers looking for offbeat attractions.
2. Brown's River Covered Bridge
HISTORIC WOODEN STRUCTURE
Brown's River Covered Bridge is a picturesque historic structure that spans the Browns River in Westford, dating back to the 19th century. The bridge was used until 1965 when a steel and concrete bridge was built alongside it, and after years of neglect, it underwent major restorations in 1987 and again in the 1990s with federal grant money. Today, it stands as one of the few remaining covered bridges in Vermont, preserved by the efforts of the Westford Historical Society.
3. Green Mountains
YEAR-ROUND NATURAL PLAYGROUND
The Green Mountains offer a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation with activities ranging from skiing at Killington to hiking the Appalachian Trail. Mount Mansfield and Camel's Hump provide stunning vistas that showcase Vermont's natural beauty throughout all seasons. The surrounding towns like Stowe complement the outdoor experience with cultural attractions and cozy accommodations for visitors.
4. Lake Champlain
SCENIC WATERFRONT PARADISE
Lake Champlain is a breathtaking natural attraction offering stunning views and numerous recreational activities just a short drive from Westford. Visitors can enjoy scenic cruises aboard the Spirit of Ethan Allen or explore the interactive exhibits at the ECHO Leahy Center along its shores. The lake region combines natural beauty with cultural charm, featuring everything from tranquil waterfront paths to the vibrant Church Street Marketplace nearby.
5. Stowe Mountain Resort
PREMIER ALPINE DESTINATION
Stowe Mountain Resort is a world-class skiing destination featuring challenging runs, luxurious accommodations, and a charming alpine atmosphere. The resort offers year-round activities with winter sports dominating the colder months and hiking, mountain biking, and scenic gondola rides available during summer and fall. After a day on the slopes, visitors can explore glades, enjoy fine dining, or unwind by a cozy fire in one of the many lodge facilities.
6. Sugarbush Resort
DIVERSE MOUNTAIN EXPERIENCE
Sugarbush Resort stands out as one of Vermont's premier skiing destinations with varied terrain suitable for all skill levels across its two mountain areas. The resort combines excellent winter sports opportunities with stunning Green Mountain views and a welcoming village atmosphere. Beyond skiing and snowboarding, Sugarbush offers mountain biking, golf, and scenic lift rides during the warmer months, making it a year-round attraction.
7. ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain
INTERACTIVE AQUATIC LEARNING
The ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain is an innovative science center and aquarium dedicated to educating visitors about the Lake Champlain Basin's natural history and ecological importance. The center features over 100 interactive exhibits, live animal habitats, and educational programs that engage visitors of all ages. Its waterfront location provides stunning views of Lake Champlain while offering insights into the region's unique ecosystem and conservation efforts.
8. Shelburne Farms
HISTORIC EDUCATIONAL ESTATE
Shelburne Farms is a 1,400-acre working farm, National Historic Landmark, and nonprofit environmental education center set on the shores of Lake Champlain. The estate features stunning Frederick Law Olmsted-designed landscapes, a historic inn, and educational programs focused on sustainability and agricultural practices. Visitors can explore the Children's Farmyard, sample award-winning cheeses made on-site, and walk miles of scenic trails throughout the property.
9. Church Street Marketplace
VIBRANT PEDESTRIAN MALL
Church Street Marketplace is a lively pedestrian-only shopping and dining district in downtown Burlington that spans four blocks. The brick-paved outdoor mall features over 100 shops, restaurants, and street vendors alongside historical architecture and public art installations. Throughout the year, the Marketplace hosts numerous festivals, street performers, and seasonal events that showcase Vermont's vibrant cultural scene.
10. Waterfront Park
LAKESIDE URBAN RETREAT
Waterfront Park offers breathtaking views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains from its prime location along Burlington's shoreline. The 900-foot boardwalk and expansive green spaces provide perfect settings for relaxation, picnics, and recreational activities throughout the seasons. The park serves as the venue for numerous festivals including the Lake Champlain Maritime Festival and Burlington Discover Jazz Festival, making it a cultural hub of the region.
11. Mount Mansfield
VERMONT'S HIGHEST PEAK
Mount Mansfield stands as Vermont's highest peak at 4,393 feet, offering spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding Green Mountains and beyond. The mountain's distinctive ridgeline resembles a human profile when viewed from the east, with features named the Forehead, Nose, Chin, and Adam's Apple. Visitors can access the summit via hiking trails, the scenic Auto Toll Road, or the gondola at Stowe Mountain Resort, making it accessible for both serious hikers and casual sightseers.
12. Camel's Hump
ICONIC VERMONT SUMMIT
Camel's Hump is Vermont's third-highest mountain and one of its most recognizable peaks, featuring a distinctive profile that appears on the state quarter. The mountain remains undeveloped, with no roads or structures at its summit, preserving its natural beauty and ecological importance as a home to rare arctic-alpine vegetation. Multiple hiking trails of varying difficulty lead to the 4,083-foot summit, rewarding hikers with 360-degree views of the Adirondacks, White Mountains, and even Montreal on clear days.
13. Shelburne Museum
ECLECTIC AMERICANA COLLECTION
The Shelburne Museum is an extraordinary collection of American art, design, and history spread across 45 acres and 39 distinct structures, including historic buildings relocated to the site. Founded by collector Electra Havemeyer Webb, the museum houses over 150,000 artifacts ranging from impressionist paintings and folk art to textiles, toys, and the restored 220-foot steamboat Ticonderoga. The museum's unique approach combines gallery spaces with immersive historical environments, creating a distinctive cultural experience unlike any other in New England.
14. Ethan Allen Homestead
REVOLUTIONARY HERO'S HOME
The Ethan Allen Homestead preserves the final home of Vermont's famous Revolutionary War hero and early statehood advocate. The restored 1787 farmhouse offers visitors a glimpse into 18th-century rural life through period furnishings and interpretive exhibits about Allen and the Green Mountain Boys. The property includes beautiful walking trails along the Winooski River and through meadows where visitors can connect with Vermont's natural landscape and revolutionary history.
15. Vermont Teddy Bear Factory
HANDCRAFTED BEAR EXPERIENCE
The Vermont Teddy Bear Factory offers entertaining guided tours that show visitors how their famous teddy bears are handcrafted from start to finish. Guests can watch skilled craftspeople cut, stuff, sew, and add finishing touches to the bears that come with a lifetime guarantee. The factory includes a retail store where visitors can design their own custom bears and a Bear Hospital where damaged bears are repaired, making it a delightful destination for families.