Between its beautiful scenery and its deep rooted history, there is no shortage of Vermont field trips. From historical landmarks to art museums to working farms, there is something for everyone to enjoy while learning in the process. Here are 21 iconic things to do in Vermont that will entertain both kids and adults.
- Shelburne Museum, Shelburne
Flickr/Lee Wright This museum is one of North America’s finest and most diverse and unconventional museums of art, design and Americana. Plenty to see and wide open spaces to play or have a picnic.
- DAR John Strong Mansion Museum, Addison
Tripadvisor/Photocrawler For an hour or so, visitors are taken back to life during Colonial times in this historic gem. The museum is only open on weekends and holidays during the summer, but is well worth a visit.
- UVM Morgan Horse Farm, Middlebury
Tripadvisor/SBunny The UVM Morgan Horse Farm is a gorgeous piece of horse heaven. Beautiful animals and scenery combined with learning experiences make a great family or individual outing for anyone who enjoys horses.
- Bennington Battle Monument, Bennington
Tripadvisor/Brac R Here is a site of great historic significance to all who are interested to learn about the Battle of Bennington. The monument stands at the top of a tree lined street with many historic homes and it’s all worth the ride to the top of the monument!
- Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich
Tripadvisor/Biff S
Tripadvisor/Charles B There’s no way a child should miss a visit to this extraordinary place which includes all kinds of science, both live and not. In winter they have three levels of interactive exhibits and a really helpful staff. In the fall and spring you will enjoy acres upon acres of hiking trails and outdoor exhibits. In summer the kids will spend all day in the water park, playing in the waterfalls and building water plumbing sculptures. Learn more about the museum HERE.
- Park-McCullough House,
Tripadvisor/MaryManya Park McCullough House is a beautifully preserved historic property built by Trenor Park in 1864. President Harrison stayed in the home during his visit in 1890 when he dedicated the Bennington Battle Monument. The house is a must-see for anyone who loves historic homes.
- Robert Hull Fleming Museum, Burlington
Tripadvisor/Damien T You’ll enjoy a visit to the Fleming Museum, located on the UVM campus. Varied exhibits of interest within the small, but beautiful, museum. A great idea for a rainy day in Burlington!
- Lake Champlain Ferries
Tripadvisor/Wine-4-2 If your field trip brings you to New York and back, the Lake Champlain Ferries are a great way to get across the Lake and back. The ferries run very frequently so you don’t wait too long and the loading is extremely efficient and you’re right on your way. It’s lovely to watch the water and scenery.
- Take a gondola ride.
Flickr/Ryan Taylor Ride on up to the top of any mountain that has a gondola and enjoy the stunning scenery. Every season is wonderful, so what are you waiting for?
- Rock of Ages, Barre
Tripadvisor/Goldvsmith
Tripadvisor/Kara S You will enjoy this tour either self guided or with a knowledgeable guide. Be sure to watch the short video and visit the gift shop. Also check out the bowling lane before visiting the Hope Cemetery, an interesting and beautiful cemetery which uses stone from the quarry. Check out this article about the epic scenery at the Rock of Ages in Vermont.
- Bennington Museum, Bennington
Tripadvisor/MSWMom50 This museum gives visitors a unique view into Vermont History through it’s various forms of craftsmanship. Rather than a chronological view of history, visitors stroll through rooms dedicated more to the crafts of the people who lived here. Pottery, furnishings, paintings, quilting, metalwork, etc. are just some of the pieces assembled and on display.
- Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, Vergennes
Flickr/Jay Parker An excellent destination for history buff and nautical enthusiast alike. For current information about the museum please visit their website HERE.
- Billings Farm and Museum, Woodstock
Tripadvisor/Management The building, barns, and grounds are all lovely at the Billings Farm and the horses are simply majestic. The dairy cow barns are upscale barns, and a great way to see a working dairy enterprise. You’ll love seeing the beautiful Victorian caretakers home with all the modern amenities. Don’t miss the short informational film at the beginning!
- Robert Frost Stone House Museum, Shaftsbury
Tripadvisor/Daniel C It’s fascinating to be able to imagine yourself in the home of such an inspired writer. The exhibits are contained within the few rooms of this lovely little house and bring back memories of grammar school days reciting poems in iambic pentameter. Head over HERE for more info about this great place.
- VINS Nature Center, Quechee
Tripadvisor/we2love2travel1 From a very vocal screech owl to a pair of noble bald eagles, VIMS is home to a range of raptors that it has rehabilitated. You can see a presentation with live birds that is geared to children but also interesting for adults. After check out the area where the rehabbed birds live, where you will see up-close some amazing birds.
- Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium, St. Johnsbury
Tripadvisor/Pand155 The exhibits are well done and expertly maintained at the Fairbanks Museum. Don’t miss the 1 hour Planetarium show - it’s well worth the visit.
- Southern Vermont Arts Center, Manchester
Tripadvisor/Management Located in Southern Vermont, this art center is far from the typical. The museum space is lovely and the grounds are gorgeous. Outdoor exhibits are impressive against the backdrop of beautiful Vermont.
- President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site, Plymouth
Tripadvisor/Banjo60 This amazing historical gem showcases the life and times of Calvin Coolidge from childhood to adulthood as President of the United States. The homestead is a wonderful reminder of times gone by and the preservation of such a site is not to be missed. A great visit to see how things used to be 100 years ago.
- Visit a sugar house.
Flickr/Shannon McGee If you plan your trip at the right time, watching a sugar house making maple syrup is awesome. There’s a reason we call syrup “liquid gold!”
- Lake Champlain
Tripadvisor/TheDreamyBunny Lake Champlain is beautiful all year long. The colors in the fall, winters of desolate beauty and springs and summers of boaters enjoying the pristine waters. There are major fishing tournaments, wonderful ferry rides and continuous activities throughout the year. Don’t forget to look for Champ!
- Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home,
Tripadvisor/Karen L Hildene is beautiful historic home with the original furniture giving you a true sense of what it was like to live back in time. Don’t let the weather hinder you from enjoying the beauty of the landscape and you’ll want to come back to see the gardens in full bloom. The peonies are spectacular. Also on the estate is an impressive Pullman train car beautifully restored and gives you an idea of what traveling in style was like long ago.
Before visiting any of these wonderful places, make sure to visit them online to see current information regarding hours of operation, new protocols, and events.
Flickr/Lee Wright
This museum is one of North America’s finest and most diverse and unconventional museums of art, design and Americana. Plenty to see and wide open spaces to play or have a picnic.
Tripadvisor/Photocrawler
For an hour or so, visitors are taken back to life during Colonial times in this historic gem. The museum is only open on weekends and holidays during the summer, but is well worth a visit.
Tripadvisor/SBunny
The UVM Morgan Horse Farm is a gorgeous piece of horse heaven. Beautiful animals and scenery combined with learning experiences make a great family or individual outing for anyone who enjoys horses.
Tripadvisor/Brac R
Here is a site of great historic significance to all who are interested to learn about the Battle of Bennington. The monument stands at the top of a tree lined street with many historic homes and it’s all worth the ride to the top of the monument!
Tripadvisor/Biff S
Tripadvisor/Charles B
There’s no way a child should miss a visit to this extraordinary place which includes all kinds of science, both live and not. In winter they have three levels of interactive exhibits and a really helpful staff. In the fall and spring you will enjoy acres upon acres of hiking trails and outdoor exhibits. In summer the kids will spend all day in the water park, playing in the waterfalls and building water plumbing sculptures. Learn more about the museum HERE.
Tripadvisor/MaryManya
Park McCullough House is a beautifully preserved historic property built by Trenor Park in 1864. President Harrison stayed in the home during his visit in 1890 when he dedicated the Bennington Battle Monument. The house is a must-see for anyone who loves historic homes.
Tripadvisor/Damien T
You’ll enjoy a visit to the Fleming Museum, located on the UVM campus. Varied exhibits of interest within the small, but beautiful, museum. A great idea for a rainy day in Burlington!
Tripadvisor/Wine-4-2
If your field trip brings you to New York and back, the Lake Champlain Ferries are a great way to get across the Lake and back. The ferries run very frequently so you don’t wait too long and the loading is extremely efficient and you’re right on your way. It’s lovely to watch the water and scenery.
Flickr/Ryan Taylor
Ride on up to the top of any mountain that has a gondola and enjoy the stunning scenery. Every season is wonderful, so what are you waiting for?
Tripadvisor/Goldvsmith
Tripadvisor/Kara S
You will enjoy this tour either self guided or with a knowledgeable guide. Be sure to watch the short video and visit the gift shop. Also check out the bowling lane before visiting the Hope Cemetery, an interesting and beautiful cemetery which uses stone from the quarry. Check out this article about the epic scenery at the Rock of Ages in Vermont.
Tripadvisor/MSWMom50
This museum gives visitors a unique view into Vermont History through it’s various forms of craftsmanship. Rather than a chronological view of history, visitors stroll through rooms dedicated more to the crafts of the people who lived here. Pottery, furnishings, paintings, quilting, metalwork, etc. are just some of the pieces assembled and on display.
Flickr/Jay Parker
An excellent destination for history buff and nautical enthusiast alike. For current information about the museum please visit their website HERE.
Tripadvisor/Management
The building, barns, and grounds are all lovely at the Billings Farm and the horses are simply majestic. The dairy cow barns are upscale barns, and a great way to see a working dairy enterprise. You’ll love seeing the beautiful Victorian caretakers home with all the modern amenities. Don’t miss the short informational film at the beginning!
Tripadvisor/Daniel C
It’s fascinating to be able to imagine yourself in the home of such an inspired writer. The exhibits are contained within the few rooms of this lovely little house and bring back memories of grammar school days reciting poems in iambic pentameter. Head over HERE for more info about this great place.
Tripadvisor/we2love2travel1
From a very vocal screech owl to a pair of noble bald eagles, VIMS is home to a range of raptors that it has rehabilitated. You can see a presentation with live birds that is geared to children but also interesting for adults. After check out the area where the rehabbed birds live, where you will see up-close some amazing birds.
Tripadvisor/Pand155
The exhibits are well done and expertly maintained at the Fairbanks Museum. Don’t miss the 1 hour Planetarium show - it’s well worth the visit.
Located in Southern Vermont, this art center is far from the typical. The museum space is lovely and the grounds are gorgeous. Outdoor exhibits are impressive against the backdrop of beautiful Vermont.
Tripadvisor/Banjo60
This amazing historical gem showcases the life and times of Calvin Coolidge from childhood to adulthood as President of the United States. The homestead is a wonderful reminder of times gone by and the preservation of such a site is not to be missed. A great visit to see how things used to be 100 years ago.
Flickr/Shannon McGee
If you plan your trip at the right time, watching a sugar house making maple syrup is awesome. There’s a reason we call syrup “liquid gold!”
Tripadvisor/TheDreamyBunny
Lake Champlain is beautiful all year long. The colors in the fall, winters of desolate beauty and springs and summers of boaters enjoying the pristine waters. There are major fishing tournaments, wonderful ferry rides and continuous activities throughout the year. Don’t forget to look for Champ!
Tripadvisor/Karen L
Hildene is beautiful historic home with the original furniture giving you a true sense of what it was like to live back in time. Don’t let the weather hinder you from enjoying the beauty of the landscape and you’ll want to come back to see the gardens in full bloom. The peonies are spectacular. Also on the estate is an impressive Pullman train car beautifully restored and gives you an idea of what traveling in style was like long ago.
What are some other Vermont attractions that should be on everyone’s bucket list?
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Address: Shelburne Museum, 6000 Shelburne Rd, Shelburne, VT 05482, USAAddress: 6656 VT-17, Addison, VT 05491, USAAddress: 74 Battell Dr, Weybridge, VT 05753, USAAddress: 15 Monument Cir, Bennington, VT 05201, USAAddress: Montshire Museum of Science, 1 Montshire Rd, Norwich, VT 05055, USAAddress: Park-McCullough Historic Governor’s Mansion, 1 Park St, North Bennington, VT 05257, USAAddress: 61 Colchester Ave, Burlington, VT 05405, USAAddress: Lake Champlain, Lake ChamplainAddress: Vermont, USAAddress: Rock of Ages Granite Quarry, Barre, VT 05641, USAAddress: 75 Main St, Bennington, VT 05201, USAAddress: 4472 Basin Harbor Rd, Vergennes, VT 05491, USAAddress: Billings Farm & Museum, 69 Old River Rd, Woodstock, VT 05091, USAAddress: 121 VT-7A, Shaftsbury, VT 05262, USAAddress: VINS Nature Center, 149 Natures Wy, Quechee, VT 05059, USAAddress: Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium, 1302 Main St, St Johnsbury, VT 05819, USAAddress: 930 Southern Vermont Arts Center Dr, Manchester, VT 05254, USAAddress: Calvin Coolidge Historic Site, 3780 VT-100A, Plymouth, VT 05056, USAAddress: Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home, 1005 Hildene Rd, Manchester, VT 05255, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
iconic things to do in Vermont December 16, 2020 Luke What are the best things about living in Vermont? There are certainly plenty of things to love about our green state. Vermont has access to pristine and natural areas and parks, organic and healthy food, environmentally and socially aware residents, friendly locals, and a relaxed and casual way of living life. If you love the outdoors and want to live a healthy and relaxed way of life, Vermont is simply one of the best spots to live in the U.S. What stereotypes are there about Vermont? Vermont is an awesome small state that has some of the best natural areas in the U.S. But some think that Vermont only has nature and nothing else. So, one stereotype about Vermont is, therefore, that there’s not much else in the state except for mountains, forests, lakes, cows, maple trees Vermont also has held the stereotype of being the holiday spot for city people from New York, Boston, and Montreal. Those from out-of-state think of Vermont sometimes as a little getaway, a cute and charming place that doesn’t resemble their busy and hectic city lives. Is Vermont a great place to live? Of course! Not only does Vermont have beautiful landscapes and endless natural areas to visit and live in, but Vermont also has exquisite food, safe cities, great schools, and amiable people. Vermont is an environmentally conscious place that focuses on healthy living styles and good social and environmental principles, which all make Vermont a welcoming and prosperous place to live.
The OIYS Visitor Center
iconic things to do in Vermont
December 16, 2020
Luke
What are the best things about living in Vermont? There are certainly plenty of things to love about our green state. Vermont has access to pristine and natural areas and parks, organic and healthy food, environmentally and socially aware residents, friendly locals, and a relaxed and casual way of living life. If you love the outdoors and want to live a healthy and relaxed way of life, Vermont is simply one of the best spots to live in the U.S. What stereotypes are there about Vermont? Vermont is an awesome small state that has some of the best natural areas in the U.S. But some think that Vermont only has nature and nothing else. So, one stereotype about Vermont is, therefore, that there’s not much else in the state except for mountains, forests, lakes, cows, maple trees Vermont also has held the stereotype of being the holiday spot for city people from New York, Boston, and Montreal. Those from out-of-state think of Vermont sometimes as a little getaway, a cute and charming place that doesn’t resemble their busy and hectic city lives. Is Vermont a great place to live? Of course! Not only does Vermont have beautiful landscapes and endless natural areas to visit and live in, but Vermont also has exquisite food, safe cities, great schools, and amiable people. Vermont is an environmentally conscious place that focuses on healthy living styles and good social and environmental principles, which all make Vermont a welcoming and prosperous place to live.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
There are certainly plenty of things to love about our green state. Vermont has access to pristine and natural areas and parks, organic and healthy food, environmentally and socially aware residents, friendly locals, and a relaxed and casual way of living life. If you love the outdoors and want to live a healthy and relaxed way of life, Vermont is simply one of the best spots to live in the U.S.
What stereotypes are there about Vermont?
Vermont is an awesome small state that has some of the best natural areas in the U.S. But some think that Vermont only has nature and nothing else. So, one stereotype about Vermont is, therefore, that there’s not much else in the state except for mountains, forests, lakes, cows, maple trees Vermont also has held the stereotype of being the holiday spot for city people from New York, Boston, and Montreal. Those from out-of-state think of Vermont sometimes as a little getaway, a cute and charming place that doesn’t resemble their busy and hectic city lives.
Is Vermont a great place to live?
Of course! Not only does Vermont have beautiful landscapes and endless natural areas to visit and live in, but Vermont also has exquisite food, safe cities, great schools, and amiable people. Vermont is an environmentally conscious place that focuses on healthy living styles and good social and environmental principles, which all make Vermont a welcoming and prosperous place to live.
