21 Amazing Field Trips Every Vermonter Took As A Kid… And Should Retake Now
Between its beautiful scenery and its deep rooted history, there is no shortage of Vermont field trips. From historical landmarks to art museums to working farms, there is something for everyone to enjoy while learning in the process. Here are 21 iconic things to do in Vermont that will entertain both kids and adults.
This museum is one of North America’s finest and most diverse and unconventional museums of art, design and Americana. Plenty to see and wide open spaces to play or have a picnic.
For an hour or so, visitors are taken back to life during Colonial times in this historic gem. The museum is only open on weekends and holidays during the summer, but is well worth a visit.
The UVM Morgan Horse Farm is a gorgeous piece of horse heaven. Beautiful animals and scenery combined with learning experiences make a great family or individual outing for anyone who enjoys horses.
Here is a site of great historic significance to all who are interested to learn about the Battle of Bennington. The monument stands at the top of a tree lined street with many historic homes and it's all worth the ride to the top of the monument!
There's no way a child should miss a visit to this extraordinary place which includes all kinds of science, both live and not. In winter they have three levels of interactive exhibits and a really helpful staff. In the fall and spring you will enjoy acres upon acres of hiking trails and outdoor exhibits. In summer the kids will spend all day in the water park, playing in the waterfalls and building water plumbing sculptures. Learn more about the museum HERE.
Park McCullough House is a beautifully preserved historic property built by Trenor Park in 1864. President Harrison stayed in the home during his visit in 1890 when he dedicated the Bennington Battle Monument. The house is a must-see for anyone who loves historic homes.
You'll enjoy a visit to the Fleming Museum, located on the UVM campus. Varied exhibits of interest within the small, but beautiful, museum. A great idea for a rainy day in Burlington!
If your field trip brings you to New York and back, the Lake Champlain Ferries are a great way to get across the Lake and back. The ferries run very frequently so you don't wait too long and the loading is extremely efficient and you're right on your way. It's lovely to watch the water and scenery.
You will enjoy this tour either self guided or with a knowledgeable guide. Be sure to watch the short video and visit the gift shop. Also check out the bowling lane before visiting the Hope Cemetery, an interesting and beautiful cemetery which uses stone from the quarry. Check out this article about the epic scenery at the Rock of Ages in Vermont.
This museum gives visitors a unique view into Vermont History through it's various forms of craftsmanship. Rather than a chronological view of history, visitors stroll through rooms dedicated more to the crafts of the people who lived here. Pottery, furnishings, paintings, quilting, metalwork, etc. are just some of the pieces assembled and on display.
The building, barns, and grounds are all lovely at the Billings Farm and the horses are simply majestic. The dairy cow barns are upscale barns, and a great way to see a working dairy enterprise. You'll love seeing the beautiful Victorian caretakers home with all the modern amenities. Don't miss the short informational film at the beginning!
It's fascinating to be able to imagine yourself in the home of such an inspired writer. The exhibits are contained within the few rooms of this lovely little house and bring back memories of grammar school days reciting poems in iambic pentameter. Head over HERE for more info about this great place.
From a very vocal screech owl to a pair of noble bald eagles, VIMS is home to a range of raptors that it has rehabilitated. You can see a presentation with live birds that is geared to children but also interesting for adults. After check out the area where the rehabbed birds live, where you will see up-close some amazing birds.
16. Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium, St. Johnsbury
Located in Southern Vermont, this art center is far from the typical. The museum space is lovely and the grounds are gorgeous. Outdoor exhibits are impressive against the backdrop of beautiful Vermont.
18. President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site, Plymouth
This amazing historical gem showcases the life and times of Calvin Coolidge from childhood to adulthood as President of the United States. The homestead is a wonderful reminder of times gone by and the preservation of such a site is not to be missed. A great visit to see how things used to be 100 years ago.
Lake Champlain is beautiful all year long. The colors in the fall, winters of desolate beauty and springs and summers of boaters enjoying the pristine waters. There are major fishing tournaments, wonderful ferry rides and continuous activities throughout the year. Don't forget to look for Champ!
Hildene is beautiful historic home with the original furniture giving you a true sense of what it was like to live back in time.
Don't let the weather hinder you from enjoying the beauty of the landscape and you'll want to come back to see the gardens in full bloom. The peonies are spectacular. Also on the estate is an impressive Pullman train car beautifully restored and gives you an idea of what traveling in style was like long ago.
Before visiting any of these wonderful places, make sure to visit them online to see current information regarding hours of operation, new protocols, and events.
What are some other Vermont attractions that should be on everyone’s bucket list?
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Shelburne Museum, 6000 Shelburne Rd, Shelburne, VT 05482, USA
Address: 6656 VT-17, Addison, VT 05491, USA
Address: 74 Battell Dr, Weybridge, VT 05753, USA
Address: 15 Monument Cir, Bennington, VT 05201, USA
Address: Montshire Museum of Science, 1 Montshire Rd, Norwich, VT 05055, USA
Address: Park-McCullough Historic Governor's Mansion, 1 Park St, North Bennington, VT 05257, USA
Address: 61 Colchester Ave, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
Address: Lake Champlain, Lake Champlain
Address: Vermont, USA
Address: Rock of Ages Granite Quarry, Barre, VT 05641, USA
Address: 75 Main St, Bennington, VT 05201, USA
Address: 4472 Basin Harbor Rd, Vergennes, VT 05491, USA
Address: Billings Farm & Museum, 69 Old River Rd, Woodstock, VT 05091, USA
Address: 121 VT-7A, Shaftsbury, VT 05262, USA
Address: VINS Nature Center, 149 Natures Wy, Quechee, VT 05059, USA
Address: Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium, 1302 Main St, St Johnsbury, VT 05819, USA
Address: 930 Southern Vermont Arts Center Dr, Manchester, VT 05254, USA
Address: Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home, 1005 Hildene Rd, Manchester, VT 05255, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
iconic things to do in Vermont
December 16, 2020
Luke
What are the best things about living in Vermont?
There are certainly plenty of things to love about our green state. Vermont has access to pristine and natural areas and parks, organic and healthy food, environmentally and socially aware residents, friendly locals, and a relaxed and casual way of living life. If you love the outdoors and want to live a healthy and relaxed way of life, Vermont is simply one of the best spots to live in the U.S.
What stereotypes are there about Vermont?
Vermont is an awesome small state that has some of the best natural areas in the U.S. But some think that Vermont only has nature and nothing else. So, one stereotype about Vermont is, therefore, that there’s not much else in the state except for mountains, forests, lakes, cows, maple trees Vermont also has held the stereotype of being the holiday spot for city people from New York, Boston, and Montreal. Those from out-of-state think of Vermont sometimes as a little getaway, a cute and charming place that doesn’t resemble their busy and hectic city lives.
Is Vermont a great place to live?
Of course! Not only does Vermont have beautiful landscapes and endless natural areas to visit and live in, but Vermont also has exquisite food, safe cities, great schools, and amiable people. Vermont is an environmentally conscious place that focuses on healthy living styles and good social and environmental principles, which all make Vermont a welcoming and prosperous place to live.
Vermont In Your Inbox
Thank you! You'll receive your first newsletter soon!