Attractions and Places To See around Lake Champlain - Top 20

The Lake Champlain region is rich in history. You can visit Fort Ticonderoga in New York, a crucial site during the French and Indian War and the American Revolution, offering ruins, a museum, and reenactments. Also in New York, explore the ruins of French Fort St. Frederic and the British fort at Crown Point State Historic Site. On the Vermont side, the Chimney Point State Historic Site, located at the foot of the Lake Champlain Bridge, showcases Native American, French Colonial, and early American cultures. The Shelburne Museum in Vermont also offers a diverse collection of historical exhibits.

Yes, Lake Champlain offers excellent paths for cycling and walking. The Colchester Causeway is a popular recreational trail, once a railroad line, providing stunning views of the lake and mountains. It's suitable for all ages and fitness levels. The Burlington Greenway – North Beach Section is another highlight, part of an eight-mile paved path along the Lake Champlain shoreline, connecting parks and neighborhoods. During warmer months, a seasonal bike ferry operates across a gap in the causeway, allowing you to continue your journey into the Champlain Islands.

Beyond the lake itself, you can explore several natural areas. Ausable Chasm in New York, known as the 'Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks,' offers various outdoor activities. In Vermont, the Fisk Quarry Preserve on Isle La Motte features an ancient fossilized reef. Numerous state parks line the shores, including Grand Isle State Park, Alburgh Dunes State Park (known for its sandy beach), and Sand Bar State Park in Vermont, as well as Point Au Roche State Park and Cumberland Bay State Park in New York.

Many attractions cater to families. The sandy beaches at Alburgh Dunes State Park and Sand Bar State Park are popular for swimming and shallow waters. The Burlington Greenway – North Beach Section and the Colchester Causeway are great for family bike rides or walks. The Shelburne Museum offers diverse exhibits that can engage all ages, and Ausable Chasm provides adventurous outdoor experiences.

Yes, the region offers a variety of hiking trails. For easy options, consider the Mount Independence Trail or the Pelots Natural Area Loop. If you're looking for something more challenging, the Valcour Island Primitive Area loop offers a moderate hike. You can find more details and routes in our dedicated guide to Hiking around Lake Champlain.

The best time to visit Lake Champlain largely depends on your interests. Summer (June to August) is ideal for water activities like boating, swimming, and kayaking, with many attractions and state parks fully operational. Spring and Fall offer beautiful scenery, especially for hiking and scenic drives, with fewer crowds. Fall foliage around the Adirondacks and Green Mountains is particularly stunning. Some historical sites and visitor centers may have seasonal hours, so it's always good to check ahead.

Absolutely. The Shelburne Museum in Vermont is a large and diverse museum offering historical education and changing exhibitions. The Lake Champlain Maritime Museum in Vergennes, Vermont, preserves and shares the history and archaeology of the lake, including shipwrecks. Many historic hamlets and towns along the shores also feature local history museums and sites, showcasing the region's 400-year history.

For picturesque journeys, consider routes like 9N in New York and Route 2 in Vermont. These offer stunning views along the lake and through charming towns. A road trip is an excellent way to discover hidden gems along the Adirondack Coast and experience the vastness of the lake and its surrounding landscapes.

Many locations offer beautiful views. The Granite Steps along the Burlington Greenway provide easy access to the water and are a popular spot to take a break and enjoy the scenery. The Colchester Causeway also offers expansive views of Lake Champlain and the surrounding mountains. Additionally, ferry rides across the lake provide unique perspectives of both the New York and Vermont shores.

Lake Champlain is a hub for water activities. You can enjoy boating (motorboats, sailboats, kayaks, canoes), fishing for species like trout, bass, and salmon, and swimming at various state park beaches. The vastness of the lake, stretching 120 miles long with nearly 600 miles of shoreline, provides ample space for all types of aquatic recreation.

Yes, the region boasts some fascinating geological sites. Ausable Chasm in New York, often called the 'Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks,' is a spectacular natural gorge. On Isle La Motte in Vermont, the Fisk Quarry Preserve is home to an ancient fossilized reef, representing one of the oldest geological formations on Earth.

Visitors frequently praise the stunning natural beauty and the diverse recreational opportunities. Many appreciate the peaceful settings, like the small park near the Colchester/Burlington bridge for kayaking and fishing. The transformed Granite Steps along the Burlington Greenway are also loved for providing easy water access and breathtaking scenery. The combination of historical significance and outdoor adventure makes the region highly appealing.