VERMONT - Burlington, Vermont - boasts an array of attractions for visitors to explore. It's a young, energetic city that bustles with activity. Burlington, Vermont, is also home to the stunning Lake Champlain—a must-see when visiting Burlington, VT.
1. Church Street Marketplace
Church Street Marketplace is an outdoor pedestrian mall comprised of four architecturally-historic blocks in Burlington's downtown. Here you'll find a vibrant mix of dining, shopping, and entertainment all under one roof!
At its heart, downtown is alive with festivals and events throughout the year. What began as an urban renewal project in 1958 has since blossomed into a thriving outdoor retail environment thanks to careful planning and collaboration among merchants, city planners, street and traffic engineers, and city officials.
2. Lake Champlain Cruises
Burlington is situated right on Lake Champlain, offering breathtaking views of the water and the Adirondack Mountains. It also provides excellent boating, kayaking, fishing, and swimming opportunities.
Take the Spirit of Ethan Allen on the lake on a sunset cruise for an unforgettable summer evening in Burlington! Departing from the downtown waterfront every Friday and Saturday night throughout the summer season, this boat provides breathtaking views as you sail away into the sunset.
3. ECHO Leahy Center
ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain is an engaging science and nature museum situated downtown on the waterfront. It houses 70 live animal ambassadors, multiple tanks, 100 hands-on exhibits, a 3D theater, and Champ Lane - an interactive preschool space where learning through play takes place.
You'll gain insight into both by exploring this area's natural history and historical legacy. You'll see remnants of boats that perished during the Revolutionary War as well as artifacts from other key periods in history.
4. Waterfront Park and Burlington Bike Path
Burlington, VT is a city that stands out for its array of parks, trails, open spaces, and recreation options. From waterfront parks to community gardens and the urban wilds, these spaces play an integral role in shaping the lives of both city residents and visitors alike.
The city also features an amazing bike path along Lake Champlain that measures 7.6 miles long and winds alongside the water. Whether you are visiting from out of town or living here permanently, this is an ideal way to get outside and take in all that Vermont has to offer.
5. Flynn Center for the Performing Arts
Burlington is a vibrant city packed with arts and cultural attractions. You can check out events at the renowned Flynn Center for the Performing Arts using TicketSmarter’s interactive events schedule.
This theater offers a variety of performances that include classical, folk, rock, and dance concerts, as well as author readings and comedy shows for kids. Located in a historic Art Deco theater dating from 1930, it is an excellent choice for live music and shows.
6. South End Arts District
The historic South End of Burlington was once a metal heartbeat, with mills and factories making everything from can openers and brush fibers to coal, gloves, boxed cereal, and maple syrup. The area is a lively focal point for the maker-artisan culture that defines this community, and it's kept getting livelier with a burgeoning network of small business incubators, galleries, studios, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and bakeries.
7. Shelburne Museum
One of the most diverse museums in North America, Shelburne Museum displays over 150,000 works of art and design through 38 exhibition buildings. Some of them are historical and have been relocated to the museum's 45-acre grounds; others are modern and include a circus exhibit, carousel, passenger train, old steamboat, covered bridge, round barn, and many more.
8. Ethan Allen Homestead
The Ethan Allen Homestead is a short drive from downtown Burlington and worth visiting. The museum has hands-on history, guided tours, multimedia shows, and hiking trails. In addition, you can see an original log cabin, a replica of Allen’s home, and other historical attractions.
9. Robert Hull Fleming Museum of Art
If you’re looking for something a little different to do in Burlington, then the Robert Hull Fleming Museum of art might be right up your alley. This museum is a great place to spend time with your kids or loved ones because it has a variety of artwork on display. It has pieces from all over the world, and it has a lot to offer in terms of art.
10. Shelburne Farms
The largest agricultural estate in Vermont, Shelburne Farms, is a great place to go if you’re interested in learning more about agriculture. It is home to walking trails, a historic barn, a store, a restaurant, and even an inn! This farm is an educational non-profit that focuses on teaching people about sustainable farming. If you’re a history buff, you’ll love the historical buildings and the animals.
