Top 15 Fall Activities in Vermont: Must-See Attractions

Every season offers an excellent opportunity to visit Vermont. In addition to skiing and snowboarding during the winter, outdoor enthusiasts can engage in hiking, biking, and fishing during the warmer months. Throughout the year, the state boasts a vibrant cultural scene that encompasses performing arts, museums, and galleries.

A pioneer of the locavore movement, Vermont stands as a significant culinary destination. The Green Mountain State’s farmers and chefs—proud producers of meat, cheese, ice cream, chocolates, wine, and spirits—craft farm-to-table meals that compete with the best across the United States.

One could dedicate an entire week to scenic drives across the state, appreciating the stunning vistas, covered bridges, lakes, and state parks. Should you take the time to explore all of the towns and cities, you may find yourself as the next esteemed member of the 251 Club, an organization that celebrates each of Vermont’s 251 towns and cities.

Here are the premier activities to partake in during your visit to Vermont this fall. Allow them to inspire your upcoming journey.

1. Visit Shelburne Farms

Situated along the shores of Lake Champlain, Shelburne Farms is regarded as one of Vermont’s most enchanting destinations. Formerly the country estate of railroad magnate William Seward and Lila Vanderbilt Webb, this sprawling 1400-acre working farm is now accessible to the public.

Officially designated a National Historic Landmark in 2001, the site features a grass-based dairy with Brown Swiss cows utilized for producing the farm’s award-winning cheddar cheese, an organic garden market, as well as maple sugaring and lumber operations.

Guests are encouraged to visit the Farm Barn, which is home to animals, a bakery, and a cheesemaking facility, as well as the Coach Barn, which primarily accommodates events and meetings. Revel in the miles of stunning walking trails that traverse the property and lead down to the waterfront.

Planning tip: Guests can stay and dine at The Inn, the original summer residence of William and Lila, which has been transformed into a 24-room hotel, operating from May through October.

2. Learn about Vermont’s role in the Underground Railroad

Located in Ferrisburg, the Rokeby Museum is recognized as a National Historic Landmark. The Robinson family resided and worked on this 90-acre Merino sheep farm for over two centuries, encompassing four generations.

As ardent abolitionists, the Robinsons extended refuge in the 1830s to two individuals who had escaped slavery. The museum’s exhibit titled “Free and Safe” vividly illustrates Vermont’s contributions to the Underground Railroad.

The historic farmstead comprises nine outbuildings, the original family residence, and walking trails, all situated on the expansive 90 acres of land.

Planning tip: The museum welcomes visitors from mid-May through late October.

3. Watch out for “Whales Tails”

When traveling along Interstate 89, be alert for “Whales Tails” situated between exits 12 and 13. Crafted from 36 tons of African black granite, the sculpture officially titled Reverence is prominently visible. You can approach the two 13-foot high tails via a 1.3-mile walking path located in South Burlington’s Technology Park. During the holiday season, the tails are illuminated with Christmas lights.

However, what is the rationale behind these outdoor sculptures representing whale tails in a landlocked state? Historical geological contexts reveal that Vermont’s Champlain Valley was once submerged and part of the Champlain Sea, an extension of the ocean. Evidence of this aquatic past was substantiated when a beluga whale fossil was discovered in the town of Charlotte in 1849.

4. Sample a creemee

What is commonly referred to as soft-serve ice cream across the country is known as a creemee in Vermont. Slightly creamier than traditional hard ice cream, this delightful treat is available in classic flavors such as chocolate and vanilla, with maple being the most sought-after option. An entire Maple Creemee Trail is even established to assist in discovering the best creemee in the state.

Creemees can be sampled at snack shacks, roadside stalls, and gas stations—all of which offer delightful options. Nevertheless, some of the best choices are found at Little Gordo in Burlington, the Village Creeme Stand in Bristol, and the Creemee Stand in Wilmington.

Local tip: Innovative creemees are available at Canteen Creemee Company in Waitsfield. Try the Bad Larry, an astonishing cone of maple adorned with maple crystals and topped with maple cotton candy.

5. Roll up your sleeves at Billings Farm

Established in 1871, Billings Farm is among the oldest registered Jersey dairy farms in the nation. Guests can immerse themselves in authentic rural farm life at this still-operating farm. Beyond Jersey cows, the farm is home to draft horses, steers, oxen, sheep, pigs, chickens, and goats.

This outdoor history museum encompasses 200 acres for exploration, so allocate half a day to visit the educational exhibits, the barn, and the 1890 Farm Manager’s House. The Dairy Bar serves as the ideal spot to obtain ice cream, cider donuts, and warm apple cider during the fall.

6. Stroll in the middle of a lake

A rare opportunity exists in Vermont for a leisurely walk into the center of a lake, exemplified by the Colchester Causeway. Constructed from white marble quarried in Rutland, this former railroad bed has become a 10-foot-wide gravel path featuring some of the most picturesque views in the state.

The segment of the Island Line Trail that connects Colchester to South Hero is ideal for both biking and walking. Apropos of two-thirds of the way into the journey, a 200-foot cut allows for boat traffic, including access to the Island Line Trail Bike Ferry, enabling pedestrians and cyclists to transit and continue on to South Hero.

7. Buy local produce at weekly farmers markets

Initially developed as a means to purchase local produce, farmers markets have evolved into comprehensive community gatherings. Beyond providing fresh vegetables, meats, cheeses, and baked goods, they foster community interaction.

With nearly 85 weekly farmers markets throughout Vermont, aficionados of farm-to-table products can wander through open-air markets and sample some of the finest culinary offerings in the state. This presents a wonderful opportunity to connect with the farmers cultivating local foods.

Planning tip: The Waitsfield Farmers Market, Craftsbury Farmers Market, and Burlington Farmers Market rank among the largest and most popular markets in the state.

8. Sing in the hills at the Trapp Family Lodge

The hills of Stowe resonate with the echoes of music. Over 70 years ago, Georg and Maria von Trapp discovered Vermont and ultimately made it their home. Currently, the Trapp Family Lodge serves as an Austrian-style hotel adorned with family photographs and memorabilia. Begin your visit with a 90-minute historical tour to recognize the authentic narrative of the von Trapp family, which significantly diverges from the narrative presented in The Sound of Music.

Throughout the years, the resort has expanded, now featuring a beer hall, a brewery, and a coffee house supplying fresh-baked Austrian pastries. The property also offers numerous trails suitable for mountain biking, hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.

Planning tip: During the fall, the lodge hosts Oktoberfest, and in winter, visitors can experience a horse-drawn sleigh ride across the picturesque pastures.

9. Stop by a Vermont general store

A number of historic general stores continue to thrive in Vermont, serving as central hubs for accessing provisions and fostering community ties. The acclaimed Warren Store is among the most recognized, housed in a structure dating back to 1839, featuring shelves filled with local goods and Vermont specialty foods.

It is an excellent location to explore for souvenirs. Options include maple syrup, spicy sauces, gourmet cheeses, jams, jellies, craft beer, home goods, and fashionable accessories.

Planning tip: Relish sandwiches from the deli on the deck overlooking the Mad River.

10. Explore ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain

Located just steps from Burlington’s waterfront, ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain is dedicated to deepening the understanding of Lake Champlain and its ecosystems.

This science museum operates like an aquarium, allowing visitors to explore a life-sized replication of a significant shipwreck, understand the history of other wrecks in Lake Champlain, and discern whether the Legend of Champ is a fact or fiction.

More than 100 interactive exhibits await exploration, as well as 70 diverse species of fish, reptiles, and amphibians, including snapping turtles, black rattlesnakes, and pumpkinseed fish.

11. Drink up Vermont’s craft beer scene

Even though Vermont is not the birthplace of craft beer, it has been producing expertly crafted home-brewed pints for an extensive period. When Vermont Pub and Brewery launched in Burlington in 1988, it sparked a brewing revolution in the state.

The proliferation of brewpubs, microbreweries, and independent craft brewers has surged to over 60 establishments, equating to approximately 11.5 breweries for every resident—an impressive figure for such a small state.

The question then becomes how to sample them all while visiting. Names such as Magic Hat and Heady Topper are synonymous with Vermont craft beer, yet many smaller craft breweries deserve recognition as well. A great way to discover them is through a craft brew tour, allowing you to enjoy while someone else manages the driving.

12. Discover Vermont’s islands

Although Vermont is recognized for its mountainous terrain, it is also home to a well-regarded archipelago located within Lake Champlain worth exploring. Because the islands predominantly feature flat landscapes, they are ideal for cycling. The islands house numerous state parks, such as Grand Isle and Knight Point, presenting fantastic opportunities for waterfront camping.

Cross over from the mainland via Route 2 and visit South Hero to experience Allenholm Farm, the state’s oldest commercial orchard, which boasts a petting paddock, maple creemees, and a farm store. Following your time there, consider visiting Snow Farm Vineyard and making dinner reservations at Blue Paddle Bistro.

As you head further north, make sure to stop by Hero’s Welcome, a legendary general store praised for its delightful sandwiches and picnic tables that overlook the lake. It also serves as an exceptional skating location during winter. Accommodation options include North Hero House or embark on a boat tour around the islands.

Planning tip: Before crossing into Canada, consider spending an afternoon at Alburgh Dunes State Park, which is noted as one of Vermont’s largest beaches.

13. Hit the slopes at Vermont’s Ski and Snowboard Museum

Vermont has garnered a reputation for producing numerous Olympic-caliber skiers and snowboarders, thus it is fitting that a museum is dedicated to the historical aspects of these sports. The Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum in Stowe boasts a collection that exceeds 8,000 items, encompassing hundreds of pairs of skis, snowboards, bindings, and even machinery linked to ski operations, such as snowmaking and competitive racing.

Exhibits focus on skiing and snowboarding’s history, showcasing influential figures, slopeside fashion through the decades, and the evolution of these recreational activities over time.

14. Sample some maple syrup

No product symbolizes “made in Vermont” quite like maple syrup. With over 1,500 sugarhouses, Vermont yields nearly 2 million gallons of syrup annually. If visiting the state during spring, make a point to visit a sugarmaker.

Most sugarhouses open their doors to the public during March and early April, coinciding with warming temperatures and the sap’s flow. Visitors are welcomed to observe the maple syrup production process, gain insights into the various grades, and partake in sampling.

Additionally, many sugarhouses offer Sugar on Snow, a delectable treat consisting of hot syrup drizzled over packed snow, which solidifies into a taffy-like consistency. It is typically served alongside a donut and dill pickle.

15. Tour the Lincoln family’s summer home

Make plans to visit Hildene, the summer residence of Robert Todd Lincoln, Abraham Lincoln’s only son to reach adulthood. This estate located in Manchester provides ample exploration opportunities. Robert Todd Lincoln, who served as the president of the Pullman Company, along with his wife, Mary, developed this family estate during the turn of the century.

The property remained with the Lincoln lineage until 1975, when Abraham Lincoln’s great-granddaughter, Peggy Lincoln Beckwith, passed away.

Today, the estate encompasses an 8,000 square foot family mansion and 14 historic buildings. Visitors may explore the mansion, carriage barn, a 1903 Pullman car, goat dairy, and cheese-making facility.

Planning tip: If peonies are of particular interest, the late spring or early summer is the ideal time to visit, as thousands of these fragrant flowers bloom in the formal garden.

This article was first published on September 13, 2021, and updated on September 27, 2023.