Best attractions and places to see around Burlington, Vermont, blend natural beauty with cultural experiences and historical landmarks. The region is characterized by its location on Lake Champlain, offering extensive waterfront access and views of the Adirondack Mountains. Burlington features vibrant urban spaces, historic architecture, and a network of multi-use paths. This area provides opportunities for exploring both natural landscapes and cultural sites.
Last updated: April 30, 2026
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The Island Line Bike Ferry at Colchester Causeway www.localmotion.org/bike_ferry During Summer service, Bike Ferry Hours are 10am-5pm Mon-Fri & 10am-6pm Sat & Sun. The Bike Ferry runs continuously throughout the day. Reservations are not required, and the boat runs by passenger's donations (cash or Venmo). The 2025 Bike Ferry season begins Memorial Day weekend, Friday May 23 - Monday May 26. Spring service on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through Sunday June 15th. Summer daily (7 days a week) service begins Monday June 16th and ends on Labor Day September 1st. Fall weekend service on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays begins Sept 5th. Last day of 2025 service is Indigenous Peoples Day on Monday October 13th.
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From this section of the Burlington Greenway you can enjoy views of the North Beach, right off the path. If you want to stop for a break, it's a good spot for a swim or picnic. It has a sandy shoreline, restrooms, and a snack bar in summer. It can get crowded on weekends, but the lake views make it a worthwhile stop.
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Waterfront Park in Burlington, Vermont, is a scenic public park on the eastern shore of Lake Champlain. Known for its breathtaking views of the lake and the Adirondack Mountains, the park offers open green spaces, walking paths, and access to the Burlington Bike Path, making it a popular spot for outdoor activities like cycling, walking, and picnicking. The park also hosts numerous events and festivals throughout the year, including the Burlington Discover Jazz Festival and the Lake Champlain Maritime Festival.
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The Burlington Greenway Bike/Walk Path is a jewel of our parks system and popular attraction all year round. Featuring eight miles of paved path, with aggregate shoulders for runners and walkers. Situated on the Lake Champlain shoreline, the path starts south of Oakledge park and runs north to the Winooski River. Along the way, the Greenway connects many major parks and facilities with residential neighborhoods and downtown Burlington commercial districts. The path is part of the Island Line Trail. The northern end of the Greenway features a few miles of packed gravel on a narrow causeway over western Lake Champlain, making for a spectacular view. Take the seasonal Bike Ferry to continue riding into the Champlain Islands. If you’re planning a bike trip, be sure to check out the helpful information on Local Motion’s website Restrooms (seasonal) are available at several points along the path: List of Public Restrooms Want to ride the path, but don’t have a bike? Check out these places for bike rentals. Be aware of ongoing construction on the Greenway, including engineering upgrades, updates for increased capacity, new “pause places”, and connections with recreation facilities. View the interactive map At certain times, the section of Path in Waterfront Park may be closed during events. Please read our official Path Closure Policy. Make sure to follow our guidelines for safe use:
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The Colchester Causeway is a popular, incredibly unique recreational trail located in Burlington, Vermont. It extends from the mainland to South Hero Island in Lake Champlain. The causeway is a narrow strip of land that was once used by the Rutland Railroad as a rail line connecting Burlington to the Champlain Islands. However, the rail line was abandoned in the 1960s, and the causeway was converted into a trail for pedestrians and cyclists. The causeway offers stunning views of Lake Champlain and the surrounding mountains. It's a popular spot for walking, jogging, biking, fishing, and birdwatching. The trail is relatively flat and easy to navigate, making it suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. One of the highlights of the Colchester Causeway is the scenic bike ferry that operates during the warmer months (check the schedule here https://www.localmotion.org/bike_ferry). The ferry shuttles cyclists across a 200-foot gap in the causeway, allowing them to continue their journey uninterrupted. This unique feature adds to the charm of the trail and provides a memorable experience for visitors.
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Waterfront Park in Burlington, Vermont, sits on the shores of Lake Champlain with a happy, friendly atmosphere and pleasant views of Lake Champlain and the surrounding area.
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The Burlington Greenway Path has undergone a stunning transformation, and these Barre granite steps are a beautiful addition to the rehabilitation of the city's trail system. These steps not only provide easy access to the water, but also serve as a popular spot to take a break and enjoy the breathtaking scenery up close.
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Burlington is rich in natural beauty, particularly around Lake Champlain. You can enjoy the scenic views and access to the lake at Waterfront Park, which offers open green spaces and walking paths. For a unique experience, explore the Colchester Causeway (Mainland to Ferry), a recreational trail extending into Lake Champlain with stunning views and a seasonal bike ferry. Additionally, Red Rocks Park offers forested trails leading to lake and mountain views, and Mount Philo State Park provides rewarding hiking opportunities with panoramic vistas.
Yes, Burlington offers several family-friendly options. The Burlington Greenway – North Beach Section is perfect for a day out, featuring a sandy shoreline suitable for swimming and picnics, along with amenities. Waterfront Park is another great spot for families, with open spaces and easy access to the lake. ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, provides interactive exhibits on the lake's ecology, making it an engaging educational experience for all ages.
Burlington has several historical sites. The Ethan Allen Homestead Museum offers insights into the life of Revolutionary War hero Ethan Allen and the region's history. Battery Park, perched on a hilltop, provides excellent lake views and features historical monuments from the War of 1812. The University of Vermont campus, founded in 1791, also boasts historic buildings and green spaces worth exploring.
Burlington is well-known for its cycling paths. The Burlington Greenway – North Beach Section is part of an 8-mile paved multi-use path along the lakefront. The Colchester Causeway (Mainland to Ferry) is another popular recreational trail for cyclists, extending across the lake with a seasonal bike ferry. For more cycling routes, including options for touring and road cycling, you can explore guides like Cycling around Burlington and Road Cycling Routes around Burlington.
Yes, there are many excellent spots for walking and hiking. The Granite Steps along the Burlington Greenway provide easy access to the water and a scenic spot to take a break. Red Rocks Park offers 100 acres of forested land with trails, and Mount Philo State Park is a short drive away with rewarding hiking trails. For more detailed hiking options, check out the Hiking around Burlington guide.
Burlington offers a vibrant cultural scene. The Church Street Marketplace is a pedestrian-only outdoor mall with historic architecture, diverse shops, restaurants, and street performers. The Flynn Center for the Performing Arts hosts live music and theater. Additionally, the Fleming Museum of Art on the UVM campus showcases a diverse collection of art and cultural artifacts, and the seasonal Burlington Farmers Market features local produce and crafts.
Many attractions in Burlington offer stunning views. Waterfront Park provides panoramic views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains. The Burlington Greenway – North Beach Section also offers great views of North Beach. Battery Park, on a hilltop, overlooks Burlington's waterfront, and the Colchester Causeway (Mainland to Ferry) provides expansive views of Lake Champlain and the surrounding mountains.
Yes, Rock Point is a prominent promontory on Lake Champlain known for its towering limestone crag and the rare Champlain Thrust Fault, a significant geological landmark. It offers accessible trails and dramatic views, making it a fascinating spot for those interested in geology and natural landscapes.
Lake Champlain is central to Burlington's appeal. You can access the water and enjoy peaceful resting spots near the Colchester/Burlington bridge, which has a small park, kayak drop, and fishing area. The Burlington Greenway – North Beach Section offers a sandy beach for swimming and picnics. Additionally, Oakledge Park features two sandy beaches and an accessible treehouse right on the lake.
During warmer months, popular outdoor activities include cycling along the Burlington Greenway and Island Line Trail, which connects parks and beaches. Boating and cruises on Lake Champlain are also popular. Hiking is available at nearby Mount Philo State Park and Red Rocks Park. Many parks, like Waterfront Park, host festivals and events, adding to the vibrant outdoor atmosphere.
Yes, Shelburne Farms, located a short drive south of Burlington, is a 1,400-acre working farm and education center. It highlights Vermont's agricultural heritage and commitment to sustainability, offering walking trails, farm programs, and producing award-winning cheddar cheese. It's a great place to experience rural Vermont.
Visitors frequently appreciate the blend of natural beauty and accessibility. The scenic views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks are a highlight, often enjoyed from places like Waterfront Park and the Colchester Causeway (Mainland to Ferry). The extensive network of multi-use paths, like the Burlington Greenway, is also highly valued for cycling and walking, providing easy access to various points of interest and a friendly atmosphere.
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