10 Best Things To Do In Montpelier, Vermont

things to do in montpelier
Anne
Anne 
Updated
| 4 min read

The capital city of Vermont, Montpelier offers a number of attractions. Montpelier is considered one of the best places to live in Vermont, with its many parks, restaurants and coffee shops. Art and culture thrive here at the Vermont State House, with its gold dome and art collections. Vermont History Museum features multimedia exhibits relating to the history of the state, while plays and musicals can be enjoyed at the Lost Nation Theater. One fascinating side of the city is that there are no McDonald’s or Burger King outlets here. While this was believed to be an urban legend, it is fact, as the city prefers to keep its food local. Scroll below to learn more about the best things to do in Montpelier, Vermont.

1. Tour the gardens at Vermont State House

Vermont State House in Montpelier
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Jonathanking used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Vermont State House is one of the oldest of the nation’s state capitols. It is also the best-preserved. Here visitors can gaze at the original interiors. The main highlights include the Governor’s Office, the Hall of Inscriptions, and the Cedar Creek Reception Room. Throughout, magnificent art hangs on the walls. Visitors can enjoy self-guided tours and a brochure and detailed map can be found in the Main Lobby. An audio tour wand is provided, or visitors can listen to the tour details on their cell phones. Free guided tours are also available between June and October that last for around half an hour per tour.

Vermont State House

Address: 115 State St, Montpelier, Vermont, USA

Website: Vermont State House

Opening hours: Nov - Jun: Mon - Fri: 8am - 4pm (closed on Sat & Sun); Jul - Oct: Sat: 11am - 3pm (closed from Sun - Fri)

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2. Browse the artwork at T.W. Wood Gallery & Arts Center

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by T.W. Wood Gallery: A Museum of American Art on Wednesday, March 14, 2018

Thomas Waterman Wood was born in Montpelier and was an artist who led the National Academy and the American Watercolor Society. Much of his work can be viewed in the T.W. Wood Gallery, which was named for him, including sketches, diaries, prints, and paintings. The gallery aims to preserve the artistic heritage of Montpelier and American art in general and many exhibitions are held here. Art classes are also available in the gallery. While entry to T.W. Wood Gallery and Arts Center is free, donations are welcome.

T.W. Wood Gallery & Arts Center

Address: 46 Barre St, Montpelier, Vermont, USA

Website: T.W. Wood Gallery & Arts Center

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 12pm - 4pm (closed on Sun)

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3. Fresh air fun and relaxation at Hubbard Park

MontpelierVT HubbardParkTower3 20170813 (36546421856)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Niranjan Arminius used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Hubbard Park has two pavilions for use by visitors. The Old Shelter Pavilion is at the top of a grassy hill, offering lovely views. Picnic tables, grills, and a water fountain are available here, as well as a composting toilet. The New Shelter Pavilion is a family and handicap-friendly pavilion, with grass, picnic tables, a water fountain, and a grill. The park’s Seven Fireplaces are located in the middle of the forest. These are perfect for campfires. Fitness trails are also available throughout the park. Pictured here is the Tower, that was built in 1915. It stands at the highest point in the park and offers panoramic views over Montpelier.

Hubbard Park

Address: 400 Parkway St, Montpelier, Vermont, USA

Website: Hubbard Park

Opening hours: 7am - 9pm (daily)

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4. Retail therapy at Capital City Farmers Market

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account


Capital City Farmers’ Market offers three markets featuring the fresh produce of more than 60 local farmers and producers. This produce includes fish and meat, fresh vegetables, and a variety of fruit, as well as cheeses, plants, maple syrup, honey, and wool. A selection of artisan crafts is also available at the market, which is held every Saturday throughout the year. Indoor markets are held in the winter months.

Capital City Farmers Market

Address: 60 State St, Montpelier, Vermont, USA

Website: Capital City Farmers Market

Opening hours: Sat: 9am - 1pm (closed from Sun - Fri)

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5. A cultural evening at Lost Nation Theater

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Lost Nation Theater on Friday, August 27, 2021

Lost Nation Theater is a performing arts venue offering more than 125 performances each year, including poetry, stage plays, and musicals. Five Mainstage Shows are held each year. Special performances are available for the children. Special events include the Edgar Allan Poe Spooktacular Halloween event. The theater also hosts a professional theater training program and youth theater and runs special workshops for schools.

Lost Nation Theater

Address: 39 Main St, Montpelier, Vermont, USA

Website: Lost Nation Theater

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6. Sample the wines at North Branch Vineyards

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account


North Branch Vineyards is a small family-owned and operated winery nestled on the North Branch River in Montpelier’s picturesque valley. The winery produces unique wines using locally and regionally grown grapes. Visitors can sample the wines in the Tasting Rooms and purchase bottles to take home. Among their wines, is the 2012 Frontenac Gris, dry white wine with white peach aromas and enticing hints. Another popular wine is the 2011 Seyval Blanc, semi-dry white wine with a crisp green apple and citrus aroma.

North Branch Vineyards

Address: 82 Trillium Hill Rd, Montpelier, Vermont, USA

Website: North Branch Vineyards

Opening hours: Apr - Dec: Thu - Sun: 12pm - 6pm (closed from Mon - Wed)

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7. Learn about the state at Vermont Historical Society Museum

Vermont Historical Society Museum (6235367051)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Tony Hisgett used under CC BY 2.0

Vermont’s history community is made up of over 190 historical societies, museums, and cultural organizations. VHS is committed to recognizing and supporting local history efforts; understanding that local societies are an integral part of sharing and preserving Vermont’s story. The center runs a variety of history programs and services, where locals and visitors can learn more about the history of Montpelier and the State.

Vermont Historical Society Museum

Address: 109 State St, Montpelier, Vermont, USA

Website: Vermont Historical Society Museum

Opening hours: Vermont History Museum Exhibits & Store: Tue - Sat: 10am - 4pm; Vermont History Center, Leahy Library & Galleries: Tue - Fri: 9am - 4pm; 2nd Sat: 9am - 4pm (closed on Sun & Mon)

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8. Explore the Montpelier Historic District

Montpelier ID Historic District
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user UltraSparky used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Dating back to the 19th century, the Montpelier Historic District features 450 buildings in 19th-century architectural styles. The Vermont State House is the main focus of the district. However, other significant buildings include the State Street Federal-style residences, the Pavilion Building, the Italian Renaissance Revival Kellogg Hubbard Library. The 1820’s Federal-style Vogue Shop was damaged by fire but was successfully restored. Basically, this area of town is a true reflection of the major architectural styles of the 19th century.

Montpelier Historic District

Address: 7-31 Court St, Montpelier, Vermont, USA

Website: Montpelier Historic District

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9. Experience beauty at North Branch Nature Center

North Branch of the Winooski River
Source: Photo by Flickr user Michael Martine used under CC BY 2.0

North Branch Nature Center is set on 28 acres (11.3 hectares) of fields and forest nestled on the North Branch of the Winooski River, 2 mi (3.2 km) from the center of town. The park is run by a group of naturalistic and offers the chance of bird and insect watching, swimming in summer, and skiing in the winter months. It is also the perfect place to relax beside the river in the fresh air while appreciating the wonders of nature.

North Branch Nature Center

Address: 713 Elm St, Montpelier, Vermont, USA

Website: North Branch Nature Center

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 4pm (closed Sat & Sun); Nature trails: 24 hours (daily)

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10. Have a sweet time at Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks on Tuesday, April 5, 2016

Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks offers free sugar house tours and tasting. Multimedia displays can be viewed in the woodshed theater, while a country store sells the farm’s produce, including maple syrup, kettle corn, and candy. A variety of gift items are also on sale. Visitors can enjoy an outdoor Vermont farm life museum, with whimsical carved folklife characters, or explore nature trails through the farm.

Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks

Address: 1168 County Rd, Montpelier, VT

Website: Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks

Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)

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Explore the beautiful and historic Montpelier, Vermont

Whether exploring the city’s historic districts, browsing the art galleries and museums, heading out to the farms and vineyards, dining on local cuisine, or enjoying an evening of culture, there is much to see and do in the capital of the state of Vermont. Here we list the best things to do in the city.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Anne Sewell was born in England, but has spent most of her life in Africa - Malawi, Zimbabwe and South Africa - and now resides on the beautiful Costa del Sol in southern Spain. She loves writing...Read more

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