Tourist Attractions In Vermont: 5 Must-See's

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5 Must-See Tourist Attractions For Your Trip To Vermont

Vermont is a state in the New England region of the United States known for its stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and quaint small towns. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a history buff, or a foodie, there's something for everyone to see and do in Vermont. In this blog, we'll take a look at the 5 best tourist attractions to see in Vermont.

Ben & Jerry's Factory Tour

Ben & Jerry's is a popular ice cream brand that was founded in Vermont in 1978. The Ben & Jerry's Factory Tour, located in Waterbury, Vermont, allows visitors to see how their favorite ice cream is made. During the tour, visitors can watch as the ice cream is churned, mixed, and packaged. The tour also includes a stop at the Flavor Graveyard, where retired ice cream flavors are memorialized. And, of course, visitors get to taste some of the delicious ice creams.

Ben & Jerry's factory sign in Waterbury, Vermont.

Lake Champlain

Lake Champlain is a natural freshwater lake located between Vermont and New York. It is the sixth-largest freshwater lake in the United States and is known for its scenic beauty and recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, kayaking, and swimming in the lake. There are also several parks and beaches along the shore, including the popular Waterfront Park in Burlington. The lake is also home to the ECHO Leahy Science Center, and several historic sites, including Fort Ticonderoga and the Champlain Maritime Museum.

Lake Champlain in Vermont at sunset.

Shelburne Museum

The Shelburne Museum is a museum located in Shelburne, Vermont, that features art, Americana, and history. The museum's collection includes over 150,000 works, including folk art, quilts, furniture, and textiles. The museum also includes several historic buildings, including a lighthouse, a covered bridge, and a jail. Visitors can explore the museum's 45-acre campus, which includes gardens, walking trails, and a working farm.

Meeting house at the Shelburne Museum in Vermont.

Montpelier

Montpelier is the capital city of Vermont and is known for its small-town charm and historic architecture. The city is home to several notable buildings, including the Vermont State House, which is considered one of the most beautiful state capitol buildings in the country. Visitors can also explore Hubbard Park, a 185-acre park located in the heart of the city. The park features hiking trails, picnic areas, and a tower that offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Montpelier, Vermont at sunset with the capital building illuminated from across the river.

the green mountains

The Green Mountains are a range of mountains that run the length of Vermont, and they offer some of the most breathtaking views in the state. The mountains are known for their scenic hiking trails, including the Long Trail, which is the oldest long-distance hiking trail in the country. The Green Mountains are also home to some of Vermont's most popular ski resorts, including Stowe, Killington, and Sugarbush.

Landscape of layered green mountains in Vermont.

Vermont may be a small state, but it has a lot to offer tourists. From the scenic Green Mountains to the unique Shelburne Museum, there is something for everyone to see and do in Vermont. Whether you're a nature lover, history buff, or ice cream aficionado, Vermont has something to offer you. So why not plan a visit to Vermont and see all that our beautiful state has to offer?

Snow-covered forest trail winds through bare trees on a sunny day.

From Snow to Dirt

By Jenifer O • March 14, 2026
How the NEK Transitions Between Seasons
Orange boots in a puddle, reflecting a blurry figure and the sky.

Best Mud Season Adventures in the NEK

By Jenifer O • March 7, 2026
(Yes, They Exist)
Woman and child in red raincoats jump in a puddle, smiling, on a rainy day outdoors.

Mud Season Isn’t a Secret

By Jenifer O • March 2, 2026
In Vermont, mud season often gets whispered about—spoken of as something to avoid, endure, or escape. But in the Northeast Kingdom, mud season isn’t a flaw in the calendar. It’s a transition , and an important one. At The Wildflower Inn, we see mud season not as downtime, but as a pause—a chance for the land to rest, reset, and prepare for what comes next. What Mud Season Really Means Mud season happens when winter loosens its grip, but spring hasn’t fully arrived. Snow melts. The ground thaws. Trails soften. Roads tell stories. It’s not messy by accident—it’s the natural result of a landscape waking up after months of snow and cold. And while it may change how we move through the NEK, it doesn’t mean adventure stops. It just looks different. Why Mud Season Matters This season is essential for the health of the land. When trails are given time to dry: Soil structure stays intact Erosion is minimized Trail systems last longer Future seasons are better for everyone Choosing patience now means better riding, hiking, and exploring later. Adjusting Expectations (Not Canceling Plans) Mud season isn’t about cancellation—it’s about adaptation. This is the time to: Trade technical trails for gravel roads Swap long hikes for shorter walks Explore towns, shops, and quiet corners Slow your pace and notice what’s changing The NEK has a way of rewarding those who pay attention. Beauty in the In-Between There’s something special about this in-between season. Snow still clings to shaded woods. Streams run high. The air smells like earth instead of ice. The first signs of green begin to appear. Mud season offers a kind of raw beauty—less polished, more honest. A Season for Thoughtful Travel Mud season asks visitors to be partners in stewardship. Wearing appropriate footwear, respecting closures, and choosing low-impact activities all help protect the places we love. At The Wildflower, we believe good travel means leaving places better than you found them. That mindset matters most in seasons like this. Spring Is Coming Mud season doesn’t last forever. It’s a short but meaningful chapter between winter adventure and spring energy. And when you embrace it for what it is—a season of transition—it becomes something to appreciate rather than avoid. Here in the NEK, we don’t rush the seasons. We let them happen. Stay Wild.
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