Location: Montpelier
Top Things to do in Montpelier
Top 10 Things to do in Montpelier, United States
The smallest state capital in the United States, Montpelier's humble appearance belies the abundance of activity and culture humming under its surface. Hubbard and North Branch Parks offer a wealth of outdoor activities, from cross country skiing in the winter to hiking and mountain biking in warmer months. The Winooski River offers challenging whitewater rafting and canoeing. Montpelier also offers a number of cultural pursuits, from numerous galleries and museums to the gold-domed State House.
Restaurants in Montpelier
1. Bragg Farm Sugar House & Gift Shop
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 223 reviews
Reviewed By Bluemax36 - Bedford, Texas
We had the opportunity to visit BSH during our recent foliage tour of Vermont in October 2017. BSH is a pleasant stop along our day where we learned the hosting and work behind Maple syrup and the tapping of the trees. Unfortunately we were not there during the approximate six weeks in late winter, early spring when the sap is harvested. No problem, via video tour and live narration, the staff showed us the basics. Their gift shop is adequately stocked with the necessary Vermont memorabilia except for the inventory zI replaced with my dollars. Doug runs a fine place and when I later realized I left a hat I bought elsewhere on the counter I called him. His staff secured my hat and when is going to ship it to me. I need to return. A sweater we bough in the wrong size and they will return my hat with it. Make a point of stopping here. It was a great experience.
2. Vermont State House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 376 reviews
Gold dome building located in Montpelier.
Reviewed By Wtrav77 - Saylorsburg, Pennsylvania
This is one of the few, if any, state capital buildings where you can walk around by yourself (If the legislature is not in asession at the time - we visited on Saturday).However, I recommend taking the tour, which lasts about 45minutes and is very informative. Our guide was great, with numerous stories. On the tour, you can actually go into both the house and senate chambers, as well as the ceremonial governor’s office. A must do if in Montpelier.
3. Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 361 reviews
Free sugar house tours and tasting, multimedia displays in a real woodshed theater, a nature trail, country store, and an outdoor Vermont farm life museum make up the Morse Farm experience, and sprinkled throughout, are whimsical carved folklife characters created by Burr Morse.
Reviewed By wjmay
My daughter found this place for our vacation so we went there and really enjoyed the farm. The Morse family are very entertaining & colorful as they tell of the Maple farm. The matriarchs of the family give tours and educate the workings of the farm with their story telling style of talk. You can see the "network " piping of the Maple trees how all the trees are tied together.
The farm is nestled among the Vermont hills with it's scenic views surrounded by the colorful hardwoods in the Fall. They have a nice gift shop that sells the syrup and even maple ice cream as well as books they have written plus novelty gifts & crafts. I highly recommend if you're in that neck of the woods to visit the Morse Farm.
4. Camel's Hump
Overall Ratings
5 based on 69 reviews
At 4083 feet high, this peak is connected to Mount Mansfield by the Long Trail.
Reviewed By risk802 - Essex, Vermont
This is a hike you do not want to miss. On a clear summer day, there is no other place to be to feel like you are on top of the world. Green trees and meadow for miles. You can see to Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks in the west to the Jay and Mount Washington in the North and the beautiful Green Mountain and White Mountain range in the east. Please plan your hike early in the day. Watching the sunset on top is a beautiful idea but you don't want to trip and fall in the dark. It would turn a glorious day into a bummer! Don't forget a light jacket even in the summer. You will want it at some point in the climb.
5. Vermont Historical Society Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 82 reviews
Museum of history in Montpelier Vermont.
Reviewed By Richard G - Punta Gorda, Florida
We visited the museum which is next door to the State Capitol building. It is small but we enjoyed learning more about the history of Vermont. It is free for Military, Retired or Veterans and is $5 for retired folks. It is a few bucks more for regular adults. Vermont was not part of the original 13 colonies but it was the 14th State to join the US. This museum helps you understand how all of that happened.
6. Hubbard Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 61 reviews
Reviewed By Kevin A - Mexico City, Mexico
Went to the park after a light dusting of snowfall in December. Obviously December is not the ideal time to take a hike, but we had no complaints about the beautiful and peaceful tranquility. The air was crisp and clean and the other nature-loving hikers were friendly. The snow actually added an ambiance that made for a distinctly "Vermont" feel.
7. Lost Nation Theater
Overall Ratings
5 based on 33 reviews
About"One of the best regional theaters in America" -NYC Drama LeagueMissionLNT's founder, Kim Bent, grew up in Braintree, Vermont on a hill farm that looks across the East Granville Valley toward the Braintree Mountains.One particular part of the range is known locally as "Lost Nation." For locals it is a special place. A place to dream and reflect. There's a lovely view, but it's mainly a place to camp, hike, and hunt-a challenging place to get to and to come back from.As Kim traveled the country he realized there are many "lost nations" throughout America. Almost always rural, often remote and almost never on maps, they are known only by the people who live near them.So "Lost Nation" says something real to us about our vision and our mission. It locates us out there, on the frontier, breaking boundaries, doing dramatic and courageous things. Yet it grounds us, identifies us as belonging to a place and to a community.We work hard at integrating our programs with the community. We feel privileged to have been able to make a strong positive contribution toward the "good life" here in Vermont. Despite the on-going long hours, the journey continues to be a deeply satisfying one.Commitment to Community is fundamental to Lost Nation:The Theater with Heart in the Heart of Vermont.Company OverviewLost Nation Theater prides itself on being a professional theater committed to community. Named One of the Best Regional Theaters in America by the NYC Drama LeagueDescriptionLocated in the City Hall of Vermont's capital, Montpelier, this unique 3/4 thrust stage brings unique and thought provoking theater to Vermont!General informationLNT's office hours are Tuesdays-Fridays Noon-4pm.
Reviewed By Thomas M - waterbury center, United States
Lost Nation Theater in downtown Montpelier! Even the name conjures intrigue. This theater offers a very diverse selection of plays throughout their season. Their shows are expertly done in an intimate space. It is professional actors creating a real human experience. Don't miss whatever show...MoreThank you! We think your review is "wicked good" and appreciate you taking the time to write and your unabashed enthusiasm for our work. It's very humbling to see you call attention to in your writing, just what we strive to do. So Thanks!
8. Ethan Allen Statue
Overall Ratings
4 based on 22 reviews
Located at the front of the Vermont State House.
Reviewed By Afoodie65 - Cold Spring, New York
Whether he is welcoming visitors or keeping an eye on the legislature to be sure they are not up to any hanky-panky, the rather large impressive VT granite statue of Ethan Allen graces the entrance to the VT state house. The statue is at the top of a long series of steps and overlooks the grassy pedestrian friendly park in front of the capitol building.
9. Ceres
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Statue of the Roman goddess of agriculture stands atop the dome of the Capitol.
Reviewed By KayTee9 - New England - USA
Ceres is perched atop the Statehouse dome in Montpelier, Vermont's capitol city. As you drive into Montpelier, you can't miss her. Ceres is the (Greek?) goddess of agriculture, and a famous landmark in Vermont. Appropriate for such a rural state. Locals get a kick out of all the tourists clustered in the same spot at the foot of the State House walkway to photograph her.
10. Pavilion Building
Overall Ratings
4 based on 9 reviews
This frontier-style architecture building houses the Vermont Historical Society Museum.
Reviewed By MontpelierGuy - Montpelier, Vermont
The old building burned down. The state built a replica of the old building and attached a modern brick and mortar office building to it. There's not much to see unless you're a fan of government office buildings, fluorescent lighting, and bland paint combinations. The governor's office is on the fifth floor, the floors below house the state treasurer and the office of the attorney general.
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