20 Best Things to do in Montpelier!

Montpelier in Vermont, the smallest state capital in the United States, is a charming destination that boasts a peaceful ambiance, historic landmarks, and beautiful natural scenery. Despite its small size, Montpelier offers visitors a delightful mix of history, culture, and outdoor adventure, making it a great spot for a relaxing getaway. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll showcase the best things to do in Montpelier during your visit to Vermont.

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1. Must-See Attractions

Vermont State House

The Vermont State House in Montpelier is one of the oldest and preserved state capitol buildings in the country. Built in 1859, it stands out with its gold dome, which shines brightly against the surrounding hills. The building is home to the Vermont General Assembly, where lawmakers gather to discuss and pass state laws. The House and Senate chambers have remained largely unchanged for more than a century, giving visitors a glimpse into the past. During the legislative session, visitors can take guided tours and watch proceedings from the gallery to see Vermont’s government in action.

Kellogg-Hubbard Library

Opened in 1895, Kellogg-Hubbard Library has been a gathering place for readers and learners for generations. The building has a classic brick design, giving it a historic charm that fits well with Montpelier’s small-town feel. Visitors can find a wide collection of books, including events in local history, fiction, and non-fiction. The library offers public computers and meeting rooms, making it a useful place for both individuals and groups. Storytime sessions are held for children, while book clubs and lectures bring the community together. It hosts special programs focused on reading, writing, and local history.

Lost Nation Theater

Located inside City Hall Auditorium, the Lost Nation Theater has been a part of the community for years, offering plays, musicals, and other live performances. It focuses on local talent and produces shows that range from classic plays to original works. The intimate space allow audiences to feel close to the performers and enjoy the experience. The theater hosts workshops and educational programs, giving visitors a chance to learn about acting and stage production. Most performances highlight Vermont’s history and culture, making it a great place to experience storytelling in a live setting.

Barr Hill by Caledonia Spirits

The Barr Hill by Caledonia Spirits is a craft distillery known for its unique approach to spirits, using raw honey as a key ingredient in its production. It produces Barr Hill Gin, Tom Cat Gin, and Barr Hill Vodka, each crafted with a focus on quality and natural flavors. Visitors can take tours to see the distillation process, learn about the ingredients, and enjoy tastings of their handcrafted spirits. The cocktail bar offers drinks made with fresh ingredients, showcasing the distinct taste of Barr Hill’s creations. The distillery hosts events, live music, and cocktail-making classes, to make the visit engaging.

Historic Coburn Covered Bridge

Built in 1908, the Coburn Covered Bridge is located away along the Winooski River and standing for more than a century, serving as both a crossing and a symbol of Vermont’s covered bridge tradition. The bridge features a queen post truss design, which was commonly used in smaller covered bridges across the state. Measuring 69 feet long, it is one of the last surviving covered bridges in the area. It is no longer used for regular traffic, but visitors can walk across, capture photos and admire the craftsmanship. The bridge is easy to access, located just a short distance from Vermont Route 2.

2. Outdoor Adventures

Hiking and Biking Trails

Montpelier has great hiking and biking trails that let visitors explore the natural beauty of the area. Hubbard Park is a favorite spot for locals, offering 7 miles of wooded trails that lead to an old stone tower with great views of the city. It is perfect for walking, jogging, or biking on quiet paths. North Branch Park has trail loops along the North Branch River, making it a relaxing place for outdoor activities. The North Branch Nature Center Trails connect to nearby areas and are popular for walking and biking.

Paine Mountain Trail offers a wooded paths, making it good for both short hikes and longer treks. For mountain biking, the Sparrow Farm Trail and North Branch Park trails provide good options, with routes that suit different skill levels. In the fall, these trails have colorful foliage, creating a scenic atmosphere for outdoor activities. The Montpelier Bike Path is great for cycling, running along the river and connecting key parts of town. Many trails are open year-round, making them good for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in winter.

Kayaking and Canoeing

In Montpelier, the Winooski River runs through the city, providing a gentle waterway for paddlers looking to take in the scenery. The river is perfect for beginners, along with stretches that offer a little more challenge for experienced paddlers. North Branch River, a smaller waterway, perfect for a quiet paddle, that takes you through wooded areas with plenty of birdwatching opportunities. Many people launch their boats near the Montpelier Recreation Field, which has easy access to the water. Rentals like Umiak Outdoor Outfitters are available nearby for those who don’t have their own equipment.

Golfing Courses

Montpelier has a few good options for golf, with courses that offer a mix of challenge and relaxation. Elks Club, Capital City Country Club Course is the only golf course in Montpelier itself, featuring nine holes and a par 35 layout. It has been around since 1902, making it one of the older courses in the area. Just outside Montpelier, Country Club of Barre in Barre is a popular 18-hole course with a par 71 layout. Founded in 1924, it has a full-service restaurant and lounge, making it a good spot for a full day of golf.

Northfield Country Club, located in Northfield, is another nine-hole course with a par 35 layout, offering a relaxed setting for golfers. For those interested in disc golf, Beckley Hill Disc Golf Course and The Quarries Disc Golf Course in Barre provide free public courses with 18 holes. Several other golf courses are within 20 miles of Montpelier, including Blush Hill Country Club in Waterbury and Stowe Country Club in Stowe.

Scenic Drives

Montpelier has several scenic drives that take travelers through rolling hills, quiet forests, and charming small towns. Route 2, running east-west, passes through Montpelier and offers views of the Winooski River, with spots to stop and take in the scenery. Route 100, one of Vermont’s most famous scenic roads, runs near Montpelier and leads to mountain views and peaceful lakes. In fall, this route is especially popular as trees turn bright red, orange, and yellow.

Route 12 heads north from Montpelier, goes through farmland and forests toward Elmore Provincial Park, where visitors can take a break for a short hike or picnic. Montpelier-Worcester Road offers a drive through wooded hills and small villages, perfect for a relaxed trip. East Montpelier back roads lead past historic farms and open fields, showing off Vermont’s rural landscape. For those looking for a longer drive, heading toward Stowe or Waterbury gives access to scenic highways with views of the Green Mountains.

3. Iconic Landmarks

Montpelier City Hall

The Montpelier City Hall is a key part of the town’s history and daily life, standing in the center of Vermont’s capital. The building is home to city offices and serves as a space for public meetings, local events, and performances. The hall’s classic brick architecture gives it a historic feel, fitting well with Montpelier’s small-town charm. Inside, the building has offices where city officials work on planning, community projects, and local government decisions. The City Hall Auditorium hosts variety of concerts, theater productions, and special events, making it a cultural hub for the community.

Vermont Granite Museum

Located in a restored factory along the Barre-Montpelier Road, the Vermont Granite Museum is a place that tells the story of the state’s granite industry, showing how this strong stone has shaped communities and landmarks. Visitors can see old tools, machines, and sculptures that highlight the skill involved in shaping stone. The museum also shares the history of Vermont’s granite industry, which became one of the largest in the country and helped build important monuments. The museum hosts workshops, lectures, and community events, making it an active part of the local culture.

Vermont Historical Society Museum

The Vermont Historical Society Museum has displays that cover everything from early Native American life to modern Vermont culture. Visitors can see artifacts, photographs, and stories that show how the state has changed over time. One section focuses on the history of farming, explaining Vermont’s strong connection to agriculture. Another area highlights important moments in the state’s political and social history. The museum also has exhibits on industry, showcasing tools and objects used in past trades. Interactive displays help visitors to understand the life in different time periods.

Vermont College of Fine Arts

The Vermont College of Fine Arts (VCFA) is focused on creative education and has a mix of historic and modern buildings, creating a space for artists, writers, and performers. The college offers graduate programs in fields like writing, visual arts, music composition, and film, attracting students from all over the country. It follows a low-residency model, meaning students come to campus a few times a year for intensive workshops while completing most of their studies remotely. The campus hosts events like readings, performances, and art exhibitions, bringing students and community together.

T.W. Wood Gallery

Named after Thomas Waterman Wood, a famous 19th century artist, the T.W. Wood Gallery holds a collection of his paintings along with works from other artists. It focuses on Vermont’s art history while also supporting contemporary artists through changing exhibits. Visitors can see pieces from Wood’s personal collection, including portraits and scenes of daily life. The gallery also displays works from the Federal Art Project, a program from the 1930s that supported artists during the Great Depression. Workshops and events are often held here, giving visitors a chance to learn about art techniques.

4. Family-Friendly Activities

Montpelier Recreation Center

The Montpelier Recreation Center has a gymnasium for basketball, volleyball, and other sports played throughout the year, along with places for fitness classes, yoga, and dance programs. Outside, visitors can use fields and playgrounds, making it a good spot for families and groups looking to enjoy outdoor activities. Seasonal programs, including summer camps and sports leagues, keep the community engaged. While wellness events offer many ways to make the residents to stay active. People use the facility for open gym sessions, giving them a place to exercise regardless of the season.

Capital City Farmers Market

Held on Saturdays, Capital City Farmers Market is a local spot where farmers, artisans, and food vendors come together to sell handmade goods. The market is filled with stalls offering fresh produce, baked goods, meats, cheeses, and handmade crafts. Most of the vendors are from nearby farms, giving visitors a chance to buy directly from the people who grow the food. Seasonal fruits, local honey, maple syrup, and homemade jams are popular items that many people buy to home. Fresh breads and pastries from small bakeries add to the variety, along with cheeses made in Vermont dairies.

Camping Sites

Montpelier has several camping spots that offer a quiet escape into nature. Anderbell Acres, located in East Montpelier, provides a peaceful setting with open fields and wooded areas, making it a great place for tent camping and small RVs. Meadowcrest Campground, in Marshfield, sits along the Winooski River, offering grassy sites with mountain views. The campground is easy to reach from Interstate 89 and 91, making it a convenient stop for travelers.

New Discovery State Park, in Marshfield, has wooded campsites and connects to the Cross Vermont Trail, making it a good choice for hikers. Ricker Pond State Park, in Groton, offers lakeside camping, where visitors can enjoy fishing, kayaking, and quiet evenings by the water. Kettle Pond State Park, also in Groton, is a simple camping area with basic sites surrounded by forest. Many of these campgrounds have picnic tables, fire rings, and access to trails, making them great spots for outdoor activities.

5. Natural Attractions

Hubbard Park

Covering 185 acres, the Hubbard Park features 7 miles of trails that take you through wooded areas, leading to quiet spots where people can relax and enjoy the surroundings. One of the most popular places in the park is the stone tower, which sits on a hill top and provides a nice view of Montpelier below. The trails are easy to follow, making them good for both casual walks and longer hikes. Wildlife is common in the park, with birds and deer are often spotted along the paths. In winter, the park is open for activities like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, making it a year-round destination.

Winooski River

Stretching for 90 miles, the Winooski River is flowing from the Green Mountains down to Lake Champlain, offering a peaceful spot for outdoor activities. Many visitors walk along the riverbanks, stopping at parks and trails that follow the water. Fishing is common, with trout and bass found in different sections of the river. Kayaking and canoeing are popular when water levels are steady, giving paddlers a chance to explore the waterways surrounded by trees. The river plays an important role in Vermont’s history, once used for mills and industry before becoming a natural space for recreation.

North Branch Nature Center

Located along the North Branch River, the North Branch Nature Center has trail loops that takes you through forests and wetlands, making it a great spot for birdwatching and outdoor activities. The area is also home to deer, beavers, and variety of birds species. The center offers guided nature walks, educational talks, and hands-on programs for all ages, including summer camps and winter tracking workshops. It houses exhibits on Vermont’s natural history, where visitors can learn about local plants and animals. Families often come for seasonal events that focus on conservation and ecology.

Little River State Park

Located near Waterbury Reservoir, the Little River State Park is surrounded by trails, that take you through wooded areas and streams, offering spots for relaxation. Some paths pass by old cellar holes and historic remnants, giving visitors a glimpse into Vermont’s past. Camping is available with tent and RV sites, along with picnic tables and fire rings for simple outdoor meals. The reservoir is perfect for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing, with calm waters that make paddling easy. In the winter, visitors can enjoy snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, keeping the park active throughout the year.

Camel’s Hump State Park

The Camel’s Hump State Park is a great place for hiking, offering trails that take visitors through forests, streams, and up to stunning mountain views. The park surrounds Camel’s Hump, one of Vermont’s tallest peaks, known for its unique shape. Many hikers take the Burrows Trail or Long Trail, both leading to scenic overlooks and, for those who reach the summit, wide views of Vermont’s Green Mountains. The hike can be tough, but the reward is the sweeping landscape stretching into neighboring states. Wildlife is common along the paths, with birds, deer, and small animals often encountered.

How to Reach Montpelier

Montpelier is easy to reach by road, rail, or air, making it a convenient destination for travelers. Interstate 89 runs through the city, connecting Montpelier to larger towns like Burlington and White River Junction. Visitors coming from Boston or New York City often take Interstate 91, which connects to Interstate 89 for a smooth drive. U.S. Route 2 is another option, offering a scenic route through small towns and countryside. Those traveling by bus can use Greyhound and other regional services that stop in Montpelier.

Amtrak’s Vermonter line has a station in nearby Waterbury, about 20 minutes away, with connections to cities in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and beyond. The nearest airport is Burlington International Airport (BTV), located about 45 minutes from Montpelier, offering flights to major hubs like Boston, New York, and Washington, D.C. Rental cars, taxis, and rideshare services are available from the airport for an easy trip into the city. Montpelier’s downtown is compact, making it simple to explore on foot.

Local Transportation

The Montpelier is small, so many people choose to walk, with downtown streets offering short distances between shops, restaurants, and attractions. Green Mountain Transit (GMT), the local bus service, connects Montpelier to nearby towns like Barre and Waterbury, providing an affordable way to travel. Buses run on fixed routes, with stops near key locations, including government buildings and shopping areas. Taxis and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are available, though they may be less frequent than in larger cities.

Many visitors choose biking, using paths and roads designed for cyclists, including the Montpelier Bike Path, which runs along the river. Parking is available in downtown areas, with metered spots and public lots, though spaces can fill up quickly during busy hours. The Montpelier Train Station offers Amtrak service through the Vermonter line, connecting the city to destinations in nearby states. Rental cars are an option for those needing more flexibility, with agencies available at nearby airports and larger towns.

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FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions)

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