Posted in Vermont Attractions June 09, 2022 by

7 Fun And Interesting Things To Do In The Champlain Islands This Spring And Summer In Vermont

The Champlain Islands are hidden with gems. Well, not real gems. But there are, in fact, many fun and interesting things to do on the Islands, from fresh apple picking to visiting the oldest log cabin in the U.S.! You will want to plan a trip to the Lake Champlain Islands this spring or summer ASAP. Here is a list of seven great things to do in the islands to get the fullest Champlain Island experience.

1. Hyde Log Cabin (Grand Isle)
Hyde Log Cabin & Schoolhouse, Grand Isle, VT 05458, USA
Floydian Slip/googlemaps
On Route 2 in Grand Isle, you will find the historic Hyde Log Cabin. The single-story structure, built in 1783, is considered one of America's oldest log cabins.
2. Hero's Welcome (North Hero)
3537 US-2, North Hero, VT 05474, USA
Hero's Welcome General Store/facebook
One of the wackiest and most unique shops and general stores in Vermont, Hero's Welcome is a treasure-trove for anyone who is looking to browse a magnificent selection of interesting odds and ends. Hero's Welcome is open every day of the week.
3. Saint Anne's Shrine (Isle La Motte)
92 St Annes Rd, Isle La Motte, VT 05463, USA
Saint Anne's Shrine/facebook
This Roman Catholic Shrine on Isle La Motte is the perfect spot to come for a beautiful, calm, and spiritual getaway. Dating back to the middle 18th Century, Saint Anne's Shrine has a long and important history in the community.
4. The North Hero House (North Hero)
3643 US-2, North Hero, VT 05474, USA
management/tripadvisor
The North Hero House, pictured here, is a lakefront restaurant serving fresh and delicious cuisine in a friendly and warm renovated Vermont townhouse. If you are in the islands, this is a fabulous dinner or Sunday brunch option.
5. Hackett's Orchard (South Hero)
86 South St, South Hero, VT 05486, USA
Hackett's Orchard/facebook
A great activity on the Champlain Islands is apple picking at Hackett's Orchard. Their beautiful and quaint orchard is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon outside. The orchard also makes delicious apple products. Their apple cider and donuts are not to be missed.
6. Apple Island Resort (South Hero)
71 US-2, South Hero, VT 05486, USA
Paula Lockenwitz/googlemaps
If you are interested in or have already decided to make a longer visit to the Champlain Islands, consider staying at or visiting the Apple Island Resort. This premier RV camping site has a nine-hole golf course, a marina, a general store, and it is located in a great spot for exploring more of the Champlain Islands.
7. A Picturesque Drive Along E Shore N (Grand Isle)
East Shore North, E Shore N, Grand Isle, VT 05458, USA
Google Maps
If you want to witness some of the most amazing views in Vermont, take a ride along E Shore N in Grand Isle. This picturesque drive along the edge of the island has stunning views of Lake Champlain and the Green Mountains in the distance.

Have you visited the Champlain Islands before? What are your favorite things to do there? Let us know by leaving a comment! We love hearing from you.

Address: Hyde Log Cabin & Schoolhouse, Grand Isle, VT 05458, USA
Address: 92 St Annes Rd, Isle La Motte, VT 05463, USA
Address: 3537 US-2, North Hero, VT 05474, USA
Address: 3643 US-2, North Hero, VT 05474, USA
Address: East Shore North, E Shore N, Grand Isle, VT 05458, USA
Address: 86 South St, South Hero, VT 05486, USA
Address: 71 US-2, South Hero, VT 05486, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

Champlain Islands

June 13, 2022
Tori Jane

Are there any islands in Vermont?  

There are! Vermont is a gorgeous state known for things like its totally surreal fall foliage, but there’s something lots of folks who aren’t from here don’t know: Vermont has islands! Some of them are privately owned, but others are open to visitors in some way or another. Grand Isle is the largest island off Vermont and is comprised of about 30 square miles. It’s incredibly scenic – one of the most scenic places in Vermont – and well worth a trip. You’ll find all kinds of magic there, including mini castles! Be sure to also check out Isle La Motte, a Vermont island with a population of about 500 people and a very photogenic lighthouse (among other things).  

Where is Lake Champlain in Vermont and how large is it?  

Lake Champlain is a stunning natural lake that spans both in Vermont and parts of Canada. It encompasses 490 square miles total and extends an impressive 124.9 miles long. At its widest point, it is 12 feet wide. At its deepest, it reaches depths of 400 feet deep, though the average depth is 64 feet. To put it into a somewhat humorous perspective, Lake Champlain is about a third the size of Rhode Island! It’s no small potatoes, though it is absolutely beautiful and well worth a visit. It’s one of the most beautiful lakes in Vermont, and it’s one of our favorite scenic places in the United States as well.  

What are some of the largest Vermont islands?  

There are several islands off Vermont, and some of them are pretty small. That being said, the larger ones are impressively large, like Grand Isle, which, as we mentioned above, is the largest Vermont island. Cedar Island is another, though privately-owned; it’s just ten acres in size, but it’s beautiful, and can usually be accessed by boat. Other notable islands of Vermont include Sunset Island, North Hero, and Neshobe Island.  

Address: Hyde Log Cabin & Schoolhouse, Grand Isle, VT 05458, USA
Address: 92 St Annes Rd, Isle La Motte, VT 05463, USA
Address: 3537 US-2, North Hero, VT 05474, USA
Address: 3643 US-2, North Hero, VT 05474, USA
Address: East Shore North, E Shore N, Grand Isle, VT 05458, USA
Address: 86 South St, South Hero, VT 05486, USA
Address: 71 US-2, South Hero, VT 05486, USA