Vermont
Nature|National & State Parks

For An Outing That The Whole Family Will Love, Head To Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park In Vermont

Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park in Vermont offers a blend of nature, wildlife, and historical exploration.

Published Apr 21, 2021

Written by 

Marla S.

Are you eager to get out in nature and see some wildlife? Do you enjoy history and taking part in walking tours?  If you answered yes to these questions, include Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park on your agenda when you visit Vermont.

Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park is named after its owners and is based in Woodstock. Originally, the park was set up as a dairy farm and managed forest. Nowadays, the park brings visitors from near and far to enjoy the grounds, take part in educational activities, and explore the historical buildings within the park.

To reach Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, head to 54 Elm Street in

Woodstock, Vermont. The park is about 90 minutes south of Burlington.

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Flickr/David Fulmer

This mansion, originally built by the Marsh family in the early 1800s, sits on the grounds and is surrounded by gorgeous gardens.

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flickr/David Fulmer

Along with exploring the mansion, make time to linger in the gardens and make a wish by the fountain during your visit.

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Flickr/Amy Meredith

You'll see many animals meandering around in their natural habit when you visit the park. This includes deer, chipmunks, squirrels, and even bears!

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Flickr/Ken Lund

You can arrange for the kids in your family to take part in a junior ranger activity to learn about different aspects of nature. Example lessons include studying bugs and flowers in the region.

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Flickr/National Park Service Northeast Region

This 14-acre pond on the grounds is called the Poque. Spend some time here taking in the scenery and listening to some of the wildlife.

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Flickr/David Fulmer

With tons of hiking trails and much to see and do, you can easily spend the day exploring March -Billings - Rockefeller National Park.

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Flickr/Amy Meredith

To learn more about Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park's hours, schedule of events, and to plan your visit, check out the National Park Service for more information.

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Nature|National & State Parks

With A Children’s Playground And Beach, This Family-Friendly Park In Vermont Is The Best Summer Day Trip

Published Jul 16, 2024

Written by 

Marla S.

As a child, I loved making sand castles and spending time in nature during the summer. Luckily, there's so much to do in Vermont too - from hiking to going on a picnic to spending time at the beach. If you're interested in making and recapturing memories like these, we suggest spending the day at a state park frolicking in the water while the kids play. When you're near Poultney, head to Lake Saint Catherine State Park for a fun summer adventure the whole family will love. If we've piqued your curiosity, read on to learn more.

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To start your fun-filled day trip at Lake Saint Catherine State Park, take VT 30-S if you're coming from Burlington.

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Google/Bob Ricketson

This lovely state park spans 117 acres and has been operating since 1953.

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Google/Google

Unlike many state parks, Lake Saint Catherine in Vermont has two sandy beaches.

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Google/Brendan Sowerby

As you can see, there's also a massive grassy area and a fun playground along the lake. We think these amenities make Lake Saint Catherine State Park the ideal destination for a kid-friendly outing.

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Google/Fabio Caetano

If you'd like to spend some time on the water, feel free to rent a kayak, canoe, or paddle boat.

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Google/Bob Ricketson

In addition to spending the day exploring on the water, you're welcome to go fishing, too.

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Google/Brian Watson

As shown in this stunning photo, we highly recommend staying until the park closes at sunset. Make sure to have your camera on hand, too.

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Google/Jean Kunkel

If you'd like to spend more than a day at Lake Saint Catherine State Park, we suggest taking advantage of the camping facilities on the premises. To help you prepare for your adventure, we also recommend referring to AllTrails to learn of hikes in this Vermont state park. And, if you're looking for more things to do during the warmer season, take a look at our ultimate guide to summer fun in Vermont.

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Nature|National & State Parks

This Historic Park Is One Of Vermont’s Best Kept Secrets

Lake Saint Catherine State Park in Vermont is a historic and scenic park that was once a summer camp for boys.

Updated Jun 14, 2024

Written by 

Natalie Clunan

Vermont is brimming with wonderful parks and I love checking them out! Today's spotlight shines on Lake Saint Catherine State Park in Poultney, a historic Vermont park. The 117-acre park is a top-notch site for all kinds of recreation, but not many people realize this gorgeous park was once a summer camp for boys. Let's check out this hidden gem park in VT:

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Google Images/Bob Ricketson

The star of the show at this historic Vermont park is the beautiful Lake Saint Catherine. Enjoy a glorious day on the water here. A public boat launch gives access to those looking to fish or water ski. Anglers love the chance to land largemouth and smallmouth bass, rainbow and brown trout, yellow perch, and northern pike. Lake Saint Catherine State Park is open to day-use visitors as well as overnight campers.

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Google Images/Robert Gossman

Splash around in the crisp clear water or relax on the beach. Rentals of rowboats, canoes, kayaks, and pedal boats are available to tour the lake. Before the park's opening as a swimming and picnic area in 1953, this location was once a summer camp for boys. Prior to the land's development as a camp, it was farmland as much of Vermont was in the beginning. As you explore this hidden gem park in VT, you'll find remnants of those past times.

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Vermont State Parks

Stop by the nature center for one of its regularly scheduled programs. A park interpreter is on site to conduct nature activities, hikes, crafts, and more. The park also has a concession stand and playground to keep the kids satisfied. It is truly one of the best VT parks to visit!

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Vermont State Parks

Fall in love with this historic park in Vermont and you can spend the night! There are 50 tent/RV sites and 11 lean-to sites available in serene wooded settings. Once you spend the night, you can see why this spot was once a popular summer camp.

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Google Images/Deborah Hayes

Learn more by visiting the website for Lake Catherine State Park.

Have you visited this historic. park in Vermont? What are some of your favorite VT parks? Share your experiences in the comments section below.

Find some of the best trails in the state on AllTrails.

Want to see some more Green Mountain State history? Check out these iconic Vermont buildings.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/vermont/9-iconic-buildings-in-vermont/

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