There are so many great things to do in Vermont, Montpelier; it’s easy to see why it is one of the best places to live.
Besides being home to the state’s beautiful State House, many museums and restaurants are worth visiting.
One of the most prominent features of this city is its urban historic district, which is home to several local theater companies and live music venues. It is recognized as one of the best small art towns in the country.
However, the Vermont Statehouse, which is the main building in the district, is the city’s crown jewel.
With a population of only 7,500, it’s the smallest state capital in the country when it comes to people.
This article covers all the exciting Things To Do In Montpelier (VT).
Where Is Montpelier, Vermont?
It is located in the U.S. state of Vermont, Washington County’s seat and the state’s capital.
According to the census of 2020, the city’s population was 8,000. However, due to the number of jobs in the area, its daytime population has risen to around 21,000.
The city of Montpelier is in the north-central part of the state. Various hills and granite ledges surround it.
One of the city’s major attractions is the town of Towne Hill, which runs along the northern part of the city.
The city of Montpelier has a total area of around 10.3 square miles. According to a report from the U.S. Census Bureau, its land area is approximately 10.2 square miles, while its water area is 0.10%.
Things To Do In Montpelier (VT)
The beauty of the city draws people into its various natural attractions. One is Hubbard Park, which features an observation tower on the National Register for Historic Places. These are the exceptional things to do in Montpelier, Vermont;
1. Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks
One of the most exciting things to do in Montpelier, Vermont, is to visit the Morse Family’s farm, known for its maple sugar works. This business is located three miles from downtown Vermont.
This farm features an outdoor museum to educate visitors about the farm’s history. It has various other attractions, including the Vermont State House replica.
Address: This attraction is at 1168 County Rd, Montpelier, VT 05602.
2. The Camel’s Hump
A short distance away from the farm is the town of Duxbury, and this is where you’ll find the trail that leads to this destination. It starts in the heart of the city and goes through various parts.
During the colder months, this area is known for its packed-snow paths, which are ideal for skiers and other winter enthusiasts.
As a fan of the outdoors, one of the best things to do in Montpelier, Vermont, is explore the camel’s hump mountain.
Address: This attraction is at 3429 Camels Hump Rd, Duxbury, VT 05676, United States
3. The Vermont State House
The Vermont State House is the state’s official capitol building. It’s also the home of the various legislative bodies of the state.
The State House, considered one of the country’s most beautiful Greek Revival structures, has been in operation since 1859. It’s also the central hub of the city’s historic district.
The State House can be visited at any time of year, and it has various architectural features that are unique.
One of these is the dome of the building made of gold. Visiting the state house is one of the best things to do in Montpelier, Vermont.
Address: The Vermont state house is at 115 State St, Montpelier, VT 05633.
4. Bragg Farm Sugar House and Gift Shop
One of the best activities in Montpelier is visiting the Bragg Farms Sugar House and Gift Shop. This business has been around for several generations. It’s known for its maple syrup.
The Morse Family’s farm is famous for its high-quality maple syrup. It has also received numerous awards from various organizations, such as the Vermont Maple Festival.
All the syrup the farm produces uses traditional methods, such as a wood-fired evaporator.
This facility is accessible to the public all through the year. Guided tours are also available to visitors.
Address: The Gift shop is at 1005 VT-14, East Montpelier, VT 05651.
5. Vermont Historical Society Museum
If you’re interested in learning more about the history and culture of Vermont, then head over to the Vermont Historical Society’s museum. This facility showcases the state’s rich cultural heritage.
A large mural by Paul Sample to honor Vermont is inside the museum. It features various historical figures and events from the state’s history.
Various Revolutionary War artifacts are also displayed and accompanied by items that the Abenaki people made.
Address: The Vermont Historical Society’s museum is at 109 State St, Montpelier, VT 05609.
6. Lost Nation Theater
One of the best local establishments dedicated to providing the best possible theater experience is the Little Theater. This establishment has been around for over 25 years.
It’s also known for its unique approach to providing the best possible theater experience.
Through its commitment to only producing plays about human interaction, the Lost Nation Theater has received a lot of recognition.
Address: The Lost Nation theater is at 39 Main St, Montpelier City Hall, Montpelier, VT 05602.
7. Hubbard Park
One of the best public parks in this area is Hubbard Park, near the Vermont State House.
This park was established in the early 20th century after some lands were given to the state by John Hubbard.
The park’s most prominent feature is the tower. Besides the observation tower, the park also features various other facilities, such as a sledding hill and a historic shelter pavilion.
Address: The Hubbard park is at 400 Parkway St, Montpelier, VT 05602.
8. Farmer’s Market
The market started in 1900 in a small area behind City Hall. Over the years, this market has become one of the most prominent in the area.
It has a variety of food and drink options that are available at its numerous booths.
An exciting way to spend the afternoon in Vermont’s capital city is by going to the Capital City Farmer’s Market. This facility is in the heart of the town.
Address: The farmhouse is at 60 State Street, Montpelier, Vermont, 5602.
9. The Pavilion
The primary offices of the governor and various other state officials are located in the pavilion. The state’s attorney general and treasurer offices are also in this area.
The building used to be a regional hotel referred to as the third house of Vermont. It’s now reconstructed and has the informal name of the Vermont State House.
The building also features a museum dedicated to preserving the history of Vermont. In addition, this facility offers tours throughout the year.
Address: The pavillion is at 109 State St, Montpelier, VT 05609.
10. Rock of Ages
If you’re in Vermont’s capital city of Montpelier, then you should consider visiting Rock of Ages, which is the world’s largest deep-hole granite quarry.
It’s less than 20 minutes away from Montpelier. A working monument factory, this operation is worth a visit.
This facility is open to the public during the winter season. It’s also accessible by self-guided tours. The workers at the factory convert the various granite chunks into headstones and statuary.
Address: This beautiful attraction is at 558 Graniteville Rd, Graniteville, VT 05654, USA
11. Vermont College of Fine Arts
The building that houses this college was constructed in 1872 and is currently on the National Register for Historic Places. It features a pipe organ that dates back to the 19th century.
Vermont College of Fine Arts is a prominent school in the area that offers degrees in several art disciplines.
In addition, the college hosts various events throughout the year. These include symposiums and intensive conferences.
Address: The Vermont College of Fine Arts is at 36 College St, Montpelier, VT 05602, USA
12. Ski Local Mountains
One of Vermont’s most popular winter activities is going to the Bolton Valley resort. This facility is located near the Northeast Slopes and opened in 1936.
Another local ski mountain is the Sugarbush resort which features over a hundred trails that everyone can use.
Aside from winter activities, it also offers year-round recreation. Some of these include golf, sledding, and even downhill biking.
13. The Coburn Covered Bridge
One of the most significant landmarks in the area is a covered bridge that spans Coburn Road. This structure was constructed in 1851 and is the only one of its kind in the region still in use.
The Coburn Covered Bridge is currently on the National Register for Historic Places. This structure spans the Winooski River.
Address: The bridge is at Coburn Rd, East Montpelier, VT 05651.
14. T.W. Wood Gallery and Arts Center
One of the best things to do in Montpelier, Vermont, is to visit the T.W. Wood Gallery and Arts Center, dedicated to preserving the region’s artistic heritage. This gallery features works by some of the area’s top artists.
The gallery was first established in 1895 and named after Thomas Waterman Wood. It features various media and art pieces. The original deed to the building was done to honor the artist.
Wood was a prominent artist during the 19th century. He often depicted African-Americans as individuals with ordinary lives. He was known for his works that represented former slaves.
Address: The T.W. Wood Gallery and Arts Center is at 46 Barre St, Montpelier, VT 05602.
15. Kismet Kitchen
The Kismet Kitchen was opened in 2007 by Crystal Madeira, a local chef and restaurateur. The name is derived from the saying that means good karma.
The restaurant’s menu is seasonal and focuses on different types of dishes. It also features vibrant and flavorful creations during the summer and cooler months.
Address: The Kismet kitchen is at 207 Barre St, Montpelier, VT 05602.
16. Cold Hollow Cider Mill
One of the best places to get just-pressed cider in the area is the Cold Hollow cider mill, which is about 20 minutes away from the city.
Aside from apple cider, this facility also produces alcoholic hard ciders.
The Apple Core Lunchette is a local restaurant serving various breakfast and lunch options.
Address: The Cold Hollow cider mill is at 3600 Waterbury-Stowe Rd, Waterbury Center, VT 05677.
17. The North Branch Cafe
The North Branch Café was established in 2013 by local entrepreneurs Wes, Lauren, and Becky Parker.
It serves a variety of local and regional food dishes. These include the restaurant’s signature flatbread wraps and the summer sausage and spinach dish from Sweet Alchemy.
Address: The North Branch cafe is at 41 State St, Montpelier, VT 05602.
18. Ben & Jerry’s Factory
Located in Waterbury, Vermont, the North Branch Café’s on-site scoop shop is a year-round attraction that’s only 17 minutes away from the city of Montpelier.
One of the best things to do in Montpelier, Vermont, is to visit the Ben Cohen and Jerry’s Cream Factory and join a tour that takes visitors inside the facility. During this tour, they’ll sample the cream made inside the factory.
Address: This factory is at 1281 Waterbury-Stowe Rd Route 100, Waterbury Village Historic District, VT 05676.
19. Rabble-Rouser Chocolate and Craft Company
Another unique business in the area is the Rabble-Rouser Chocolate & Craft Company. It’s an employee-owned business that focuses on creating unique and forward-thinking products.
Aside from ice cream, the facility also produces various food products, such as chocolate bars, candies, and CBD confections, sold to independent retailers and food coops.
Address: The Rabble-Rouser Chocolate and Craft Company is at 64 Main St, Montpelier, VT 05602.
20. North Branch Nature Center
The North Branch Nature Center is a popular attraction within the area, which is a short distance from downtown Vermont’s capital city, Montpelier.
This facility aims to connect people with nature and environmental education.
This natural preserve features over 30 acres of forests, fields, and other natural features. It’s concealed in the Winooski River bend.
Address: The North Branch Nature Center is at 713 Elm St, Montpelier, VT 05602.
21. Bear Pond Books
Bear Pond Books has been around for over forty years. It carries a wide variety of used and new books, and this is the place to go if you’re in the market for a unique book.
Bear Pond Books is on Main Street in the heart of downtown Montpelier. This historic bookstore is an ancient establishment that features well-worn wood floors.
Address: The Bear Pond Books is at 77 Main St, Montpelier, VT 05602, USA
Best Time To Visit Montpelier, Vermont
The best time to visit Vermont’s capital city of Montpelier is from May to September.
According to the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, the best time to experience ideal weather is from May to September.
How Much Does It Cost To Visit Montpelier, Vermont?
The average cost of a seven-day trip to Vermont’s capital city of Montpelier is around $2,000.
A couple can expect to spend approximately $3,430, while a family of four can spend $6,431.
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