25 Vermont Experiences Worth The Trip 

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You don’t have to look far in Vermont to find something real. One moment, it’s maple syrup bubbling in a sugarhouse; the next, it’s wind on your face as you glide down a mountain trail. Each season brings its own magic, so if you’re ready to explore deeper, here are 25 fun things you can do in Vermont.

Hike To The Summit Of Mount Mansfield 

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The trail climbs to 4,393 feet, topping out at Vermont’s highest point. Along the way, you pass hardwood forest, rocky paths, and views that stretch to Lake Champlain. The summit looks like a face from the side, and near the top, you’ll spot rare alpine tundra.

Tour The Ben And Jerry’s Factory In Waterbury 

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This is where the ice cream brand started in 1978. On the tour, you’ll watch the machines mix and fill pints, and you get a sample at the end. Outside, there’s a Flavor Graveyard with real headstones for old flavors, and yes, some are pretty weird.

Stroll Through The Shelburne Museum 

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Spanning 39 buildings, this museum seamlessly blends history and architecture in one location. You can step inside a 220-foot steamboat and see carousel animals next to Impressionist paintings. Every exhibit feels different, which makes exploring it feel more like a scavenger hunt than a museum tour.

Attend The Vermont Maple Festival In St. Albans 

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This springtime event is all about maple syrup and not just tasting it. You can watch how sap is boiled at working sugarhouses, then join the crowds downtown for a big parade. Maple season only happens when nights are freezing and days are warm, and that’s exactly when the festival hits.

Bike The Island Line Rail Trail Across Lake Champlain 

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The trail runs 13.4 miles and includes a marble path that cuts right through the lake. It’s open to bikers and anyone ready for lake views in all directions. When the trail meets a 200-foot gap, a short bike ferry carries you across. It’s part ride, part adventure.

Visit The Trapp Family Lodge In Stowe 

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Owned by the real-life von Trapp family from “The Sound of Music,” this lodge mixes mountain views with Austrian-style details. The family settled here in 1942 after fleeing Austria and still owns and operates the property. Guests here can hike or simply relax by the fire.

Explore Quechee Gorge 

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The gorge drops 165 feet and was carved by glaciers about 13,000 years ago. You can walk across the bridge or follow trails to the river at the bottom. Locals call it “Vermont’s Little Grand Canyon” for a reason: it’s rocky and stands out from anything else nearby.

Catch Fall Foliage Along The Route 100 Scenic Byway 

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This road cuts through the eastern edge of the Green Mountains, making it a prime spot for fall colors. As the leaves change, the view shifts by elevation—bright reds appear high up first, then drift down through the hills. It’s one of the best drives to see the change unfold.

Ski Or Snowboard At Killington Resort 

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Known as the largest ski area in the East, Killington has 155 trails and six mountain peaks. People come for steep runs, wooded paths, and its early opening in the season. It also hosts the FIS World Cup, drawing top athletes to Vermont’s busiest slopes each winter.

Experience Dog Sledding In The Northeast Kingdom

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Riding behind a team of Alaskan huskies through snow-covered woods is a full-body experience. You hear the sled runners glide, and the forest stays quiet. This part of Vermont, known as the Northeast Kingdom since 1949, offers guided tours, and some even let you try steering.

Visit The Birthplace Of President Calvin Coolidge In Plymouth Notch 

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This small village is where Coolidge became president in 1923. He took the oath by lamplight, read by his father in their own home. You can still walk through the general store and homestead where he lived. The town feels like it’s been carefully frozen in time.

Wander Through Church Street Marketplace In Burlington

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Four blocks in downtown Burlington are closed to vehicles and allow pedestrians to walk safely. Shops and street performers line the walkway year-round. In winter, trees are wrapped in more than 100,000 lights, giving the whole street a glow. It’s a spot where you can grab a snack and stay for hours.

See A Performance At Weston Theater Company 

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Based in a small village barn, this is Vermont’s oldest professional theater. Each production is fully staged and feels close to the action. It began with actors performing on a hay wagon, and the theater still capitalizes on that local charm. Julie Andrews even vacationed nearby during its early years.

Paddleboard On Lake Willoughby 

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This glacier-made lake sits between two high cliffs that feel almost vertical. The water is clear, sometimes down to 40 feet, and calm enough for beginners. People call it “Vermont’s Lake Lucerne” for the way it reflects the green hills around it. You might spot loons or falcons while you paddle.

Explore ECHO, Leahy Center For Champlain

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Located right on the Burlington waterfront, this science center delivers hands-on experiences with live animal exhibits and nature displays. You’ll see turtles, sturgeon, and playful otters that draw a big crowd. The whole building is designed with green energy in mind and certified for sustainability.

Take A Cheese Tasting Tour Along Vermont’s Cheese Trail

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The trail connects over 40 artisanal cheese makers, many of whom use milk from their own herds. You can stop at spots like Grafton Village Cheese, founded in 1892, and try samples fresh from the source. Some aging rooms even run on solar power.

Ride The Green Mountain Railroad 

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Scenic trips run through valleys, rivers, and mountain views that shift with every season. Some rides have themes, like mystery dinners or fall foliage specials. The tracks follow the Winooski River for parts of the journey, and on night rides, guides sometimes tell local ghost stories to keep things lively.

Camp In Groton State Forest 

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The forest spans over 26,000 acres and encompasses seven state parks. Campsites are hidden between trails and scenic lookouts. One fire tower offers a full 360-degree view if you’re up for the climb. Moose sometimes appear at dawn, so it’s worth waking up early and staying quiet.

Attend A Bread-Baking Class At King Arthur Baking School 

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Part of a company dating back to 1790, the school teaches everything from kneading dough to folding croissants. Most classes fill up quickly and conclude with warm bread that students make themselves. Everyone leaves with flour on their clothes and a loaf or two in hand.

Pay A Visit To The Rock Of Ages Granite Quarry In Barre 

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This working quarry, which drops 600 feet, produces stone for buildings and memorials across the U.S. Visitors can watch giant slabs being polished or try bowling on a lane made of granite. It’s loud, dusty, and unlike any other tour in Vermont.

Tour The Vermont State House In Montpelier 

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Topped with a gold leaf dome, this historic building is easy to spot. Inside, you’ll find Greek Revival architecture and a statue of Ceres on top, symbolizing farming. Montpelier is also the smallest capital city in the country, so everything feels close and walkable.

Fish On the Battenkill River

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The Battenkill is one of Vermont’s best-known rivers for trout fishing. Some sections are catch-and-release, while others allow a keep. The current moves gently, which makes it popular with fly fishers. Conservation work in recent years has helped bring more fish back to the area.

Discover Art At The Brattleboro Museum And Art Center 

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Housed in an old train station, the Brattleboro Museum and Art Center features changing exhibits by local and national artists. Some artwork even spills into the nearby alleys as murals. Trains still pass by the building, so you might feel a rumble during your visit.

Zipline At ArborTrek In Smugglers’ Notch 

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This zipline setup includes fast runs, sky bridges, and a few rappels in the Green Mountains. Speeds can reach up to 30 miles per hour, and every instructor undergoes safety training before leading a tour. It’s a good choice for anyone who wants to be active but stay above the trails.

Take In The Stowe Hot Air Balloon Festival 

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Each summer, colorful balloons rise over the Green Mountains in one of Vermont’s most scenic events. On the ground, there’s live music and food stands. Some rides are tethered, while others lift off at sunrise or just before sunset for golden-hour views.

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