14 Best Things to Do in Vermont for Your Bucket List
Vermont knows how to charm visitors with scenery that belongs on postcards. This compact New England gem packs a punch with quirky attractions and small-town vibes.
For stories that linger long after you leave, here are the best things to do in Vermont.
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1. Sail on Lake Champlain
Lake Champlain stretches 120 miles between Vermont’s Green Mountains and New York’s Adirondacks, offering up dreamy sailing conditions.
The clear water and steady winds are perfect for newbies and seasoned sailors alike.
Take your pick from two-hour sunset cruises to full-day adventures with local captains who know every hidden cove.
Why It’s a Must: Stunning mountain views, sparkling waters, and laid-back crews make sailing here pretty unforgettable.
2. Tour the Ben & Jerry’s Factory
The Ben & Jerry’s factory in Waterbury is a behind-the-scenes peek at America’s quirkiest ice cream company.
Watch real production happen and get the inside scoop on their wild flavor ideas.
The tour kicks off with a short movie about Ben and Jerry’s journey from gas station beginnings to global stardom.
Then you’ll peer down at massive mixing tanks and see the 10-step ice cream-making process in action.
The best part is the free samples at the end. Tours sell out fast, so booking online a couple weeks ahead is smart.
Why It’s a Must: Free ice cream samples and a front-row seat to your favorite flavors getting churned out.
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3. Visit the Bennington Battle Monument
The 306-foot-tall Bennington Battle Monument is Vermont’s tallest structure, honoring the Revolutionary War’s Battle of Bennington from 1777.
Take an elevator to the top for wild views of three states. The monument grounds are ideal for stretching your legs and snapping photos.
Local guides share stories about General John Stark and the Green Mountain Boys militia, adding a personal touch to the history lesson.
Why It’s a Must: Climb Vermont’s tallest building for panoramic views and a crash course in Revolutionary War history.
4. Explore Shelburne Museum
The Shelburne Museum is the largest art and history museum in northern New England, and it’s packed with quirky collections spread across dozens of buildings.
Folk art, quilts, carriages, and even a real steamboat—there’s always something unexpected around the next corner.
Founded by Electra Havemeyer Webb, this place is a treasure chest of Americana, with everything from paintings and textiles to New England history.
Just 10 minutes south of Burlington, it’s easy to lose track of time wandering the campus.
Why It’s a Must: Folk art, historic buildings, and the kind of offbeat exhibits you’ll talk about for weeks.
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5. Hike in Green Mountain National Forest
Green Mountain National Forest covers more than 400,000 acres of wilderness. There’s a trail for everyone—easy strolls, challenging climbs, and everything in between.
The forest is home to sections of both the Long Trail and Appalachian Trail. The Long Trail is actually America’s first long-distance hiking trail!
Popular hikes include the tough 6 mile Mount Equinox Trail and Bromley Mountain’s moderate summit. Both deliver big views for your effort.
Why It’s a Must: Miles of wild trails, waterfalls, lakes, and more mountain views than you can count.
6. Stroll Stowe Village
Main Street in Stowe is straight out of a daydream. Shops, cafés, and galleries line the street, framed by flower boxes and mountain backdrops.
Locally owned boutiques tempt you with handmade goods and maple treats. The historic buildings and iconic church steeple make it impossible not to snap a few photos.
Why It’s a Must: Classic Vermont charm with cozy cafés, unique shops, and Green Mountain views at every turn.
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7. Discover Vermont Teddy Bear Factory
The Vermont Teddy Bear Factory in Shelburne has been handcrafting bears since 1981.
Guided tours let you watch every step, from stuffing and sewing to dressing each bear in its new outfit.
The factory tour shows the whole process, and kids especially love seeing their favorite stuffed animals come to life.
Why It’s a Must: Real craftsmanship on display, plus hands-on activities and a bit of that old-school magic.
8. Enjoy the Vermont Maple Festival
The Vermont Maple Festival in St. Albans is a spring tradition that’s all about syrup, music, and local artisans.
Three days of food demos and maple exhibits showcase Vermont’s syrup-making heritage. Thousands show up for the treats and family-friendly activities.
Watch maple candy being made, join a contest, or just sample everything from cookies to maple-infused drinks. It’s a sugar rush in the best way.
Why It’s a Must: Taste real Vermont maple products, catch live music, and soak up the spring festival buzz.
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9. Visit the Vermont State House
The Vermont State House in Montpelier draws visitors with its golden dome and stately columns. Over 160 years old, it’s a neoclassical beauty with marble details everywhere you look.
Free guided tours take you through historic chambers, where you’ll get a feel for Vermont’s political past and see some seriously intricate architecture.
The State House offers group tours by reservation, and its central spot in Montpelier means you can easily wander to other local sights.
Why It’s a Must: Free tours, gorgeous architecture, and a quick history lesson in the heart of the capital.
10. Bike the Island Line Trail
The Island Line Trail covers 14 miles along Lake Champlain’s shoreline. You’ll pedal right from Burlington’s waterfront out into the lake on a historic railway causeway.
The trail takes you three miles over the water on the Colchester Causeway. Local Motion’s bike ferry gets you across “the Cut,” a 200-foot gap in the causeway.
It’s mostly flat and easy, with public beaches and endless lake views to keep things interesting.
Why It’s a Must: Bike on the water’s edge with mountains all around and Vermont’s coolest cycling route under your wheels.
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11. Explore Hildene, Lincoln Family Home
Relive President Lincoln’s family legacy at this gorgeous Vermont estate. Robert Todd Lincoln built the Georgian Revival mansion in 1905 as a summer escape in Manchester.
The 412-acre grounds include formal gardens with over 1,000 peonies dating back to 1908. There’s also a historic Pullman train car and a working goat dairy to check out.
Why It’s a Must: Tour authentic Lincoln family rooms, wander the gardens, and explore a slice of presidential history.
12. Explore Quechee Gorge
Quechee Gorge plunges nearly 165 feet and has earned the nickname “Vermont’s Little Grand Canyon.”
Walk across the bridge for the best views, or hike the trails below if you want to get closer.
The gorge was carved out by glaciers 13,000 years ago. Hiking, fishing, and endless photo ops make it a must-see for anyone who loves dramatic landscapes.
Quechee Gorge is one of Vermont’s most photographed natural spots, and it’s easy to see why.
Why It’s a Must: Jaw-dropping views, hiking trails, and a natural wonder that’s just begging to be explored.
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13. Visit the Vermont Historical Society Museum
The Vermont Historical Society Museum in Montpelier unpacks the Green Mountain State’s story, stretching from colonial days up to the present.
Expect authentic artifacts, a few hands-on displays, and quirky exhibits that make Vermont’s past feel surprisingly close.
Set right in downtown Montpelier’s Pavilion Building, this hub for Vermont history mixes educational programs with a collection that’s more interesting than you might guess.
Why It’s a Must: Genuine artifacts and approachable exhibits shed light on Vermont’s unique history without feeling stuffy or overwhelming.
14. Savor local cheese at Cabot Creamery
Cabot Creamery churns out Vermont cheddar that makes supermarket cheese seem like an afterthought.
The Cabot Visitor’s Center is where you get to taste your way through sharp, crumbly classics and some funky specialty varieties you probably didn’t know existed.
Nibbling your way through their lineup, you’ll pick up a bit about how real cheese gets made here—the old-school way, with plenty of local pride.
Why It’s a Must: Try Vermont’s top-tier cheeses and get a peek at traditional cheesemaking from folks who know their stuff.
