Shelburne Farms isn’t your average mom & pop farm that you find throughout the Vermont countryside; it is one of the finest examples of a late 19th – 20th Century model farm and country estate in the nation. Just because this farm is underrated doesn’t mean it’s unpopular, because it is certainly well-known. However, many people may not know how rich the farm’s history is and the massive amounts of agricultural education that Shelburne Farms gives back to the community and the entire state of Vermont.
Check out this video from Dreamlike Pictures about the history of this amazing farm in Shelburne and how hard work, dedication and volunteers made it the wonderful place it is today.
Whether you spend the day browsing at this beautiful lakeside farm, or go for a specific class or event, this is one place in Vermont that should not be missed!
When people think Shelburne, the first thought that often pops into their mind is the Shelburne Museum. This museum is wonderful and definitely worth a visit, but Shelburne Farms is an entirely different operation.
Shelburne Farms was built in 1886 when Dr. William Seward and Lila Vanderbilt Webb began acquiring farmland on the shores of Lake Champlain to create a model agricultural estate.
Shelburne farms had a rebirth in 1972 when family descendants created a non-profit organization which was dedicated to conservation education. Over the last 40 years they have been offering educational opportunities for children and adults to learn about sustainability and agricultural practices.
Today, over 1,400 acres of pastures, hiking trails, woodlands, gardens and historic buildings make up this unique campus which helps students build a healthy future for their communities and planet.
The property and buildings make Shelburne farms a one-of-a-kind environment for inspirational learning, and in 2001 the property became a National Historic Landmark.
Positioned right on the shore of Lake Champlaigne, this huge estate would certainly have a castle on it if it were in Europe. Lucky for us, it is open to educate and be enjoyed by everyone right here in Vermont.
