Vermont - Science and Nature

Green Mountain Perkins Academy
Route 106
South Woodstock, VT  05071
Phone: 802-457-3779

Open: July-August, Sunday, 2-5 p.m.

See Map

The 3-story, 19th-century school in original condition serves as a repository and archival center for material related to the academy and 19th-century community activities in South Woodstock. Admission is free.

Montshire Museum of Science
One Montshire Road
Norwich, VT  05055
Phone: 802-649-2200

Open: Year-round, daily, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas, and New Year’s Day

See Map

This hands-on museum offers dozens of exhibits relating to the natural and physical sciences, ecology, and technology. The building is located on a 110-acre site near the Connecticut River, and the museum’s outdoor environment is a large part of the visitor experience. Science Park is a two-acre exhibit area in a park-like setting. Also outside is a network of easy-to-moderate walking trails for visitors of all ages and fitness levels. Cost: Adults, $9; children age 3 to 17, $7.

Morse Farm Sugarhouse and Museum
Main Street
East Montpelier, VT  05651
Phone: 802-223-2740

Open: year-round, daily

See Map

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 whimsical carved folklife characters.

New England Maple Museum
Route 7
Rutland, VT  05763
Phone: 802-483-9414

Open: Daily, 8:30 a.m.-5:30 pm.

See Map

Visitors to this museum will learn all about the manufacture of Vermont maple syrup. Exhibits include demonstrations of sap collecting, candy-making, and syrup making. A slide show and tastings are included, and a gift shop is open on the premises.

Quechee State Park
Woodstock Road (Route 4)
White River Junction, VT
Phone: 802-295-2990

Season: Memorial Day Weekend - October 19

See Map

The focal point of the park is Vermont’s deepest gorge, formed by glacial activity approximately 13,000 years ago. Visitors can look down at the Ottauquechee River, flowing 165 feet below viewing points along Route 4.
The park contains 45 tent/trailer sites and 7 lean-to sites which are located in the camping area. Two bathrooms with showers ($) serve the campground. Most sites are large enough to accommodate large RVs. There is a sanitary dump station, but no hookups. A large field and play area are also in the campground. Located next to Quechee Gorge is a picnic area with a pit toilet and a hiking trail along the gorge. Day use hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

Robert Frost National Forest
Middlebury, VT
Phone: 802-388-4362

This small forest, named for Vermont's greatest poet, offers nature trails, picnic areas and a rest facility. In the winter, the trails are available for cross-country skiing.

Vermont Institute of Natural Science Nature Center
6565 Woodstock Road (Route 4)
Quechee, VT  05059
Phone: 802-359-5000

Open: Year round, daily, May 1-October 31, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; November 1-April 30, Wednesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day

See Map

Outdoor exhibits of owls, eagles, falcons and other birds of prey, flight demonstrations, ecology programs about the landscape and wildlife of Vermont, walking trails, and a nature shop featuring science kits, field guides, binoculars, toys and gifts. Cost: Adults: $8; children 3-16, $6.50.

Birds of Vermont Museum
900 Sherman Hollow Road
Huntington, VT  05462
Phone: 802-434-2167

Open: May 1 - October 31, daily, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.; in winter by appointment

See Map

Exhibits feature carvings of over 450 species of birds, including an archaeopteryx and other extinct and endangered species. There is a wild bird observation area, as well as nature trails, carving demonstrations and a gift shop. Cost: Adults, $6; seniors, $5; children age 3-17, $3; family, $15.

Burton Island State Park
Box 123
St. Albans Bay, VT  05481
Phone: 802-524-6353  802-524-6353

See Map

Burton Island is a 253-acre park off the southwestern tip of St. Albans Point in Lake Champlain’s 'Inland Sea'. The park is accessible only by boat, with the state’s passenger ferry making the 10-minute trip from Kill Kare State Park.

Echo at the Leahy Center for Lake Champlain
1 College Street
Burlington, VT  05401
Phone: 802-864-1848

Open: Tuesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

See Map

Discover 60 species of fish, amphibians, invertebrates, and reptiles, over 100 hands-on experiences, traveling exhibits, and the Awesome Forces Theater. Live animal feedings. The 2.2-acre site also includes the Lake Champlain Navy Memorial, Eclectic Gift Shop, and seasonal café. Cost: Adults over age 18, $9; seniors over age 62 and students, $8; children age 3-17, $7.

Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium
1302 Main Street
St. Johnsbury, VT  05819
Phone: 802-748-2372

Open: Year-round, Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 1 - 5 p.m.; also open Monday, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m., April- October. Call for planetarium show times.

See Map

Natural science collection of 160,000 objects housed in a landmark Victorian building. The historical collections contain examples of 19th-century agricultural, industrial, and household life. The natural history collection houses New England mammals and birds, rocks and minerals, shells, butterflies, insects, bird nests and egg sets, and hummingbirds. Exhibits on astronomy and rural history. Cost: Adults, $6; seniors and children age 5-17, $5; family, $18; planetarium show, $5.

Lake Carmi State Park
460 Marsh Farm Road (Route 236)
Enosberg Falls, VT  05450
Phone: 802-933-8383

See Map

The waterfalls at Enosberg are the centerpiece of this park, which features a public campsite, beach, canoeing, fishing and picnic areas.

Woods Island State Park
St. Alban's Bay, VT
Phone: 802-524-6353

Season: Memorial Day-Labor Day

On an island in the middle of Lake Champlain, this remote park is accessible only by private boat. On the island there is a perimeter trail system, fishing, and ample opportunity to observe wildlife. A public campsite requires prior reservation, and has no facilities. Kill Kare State Park is the best place to park and get directions on boating to Woods Island, Knight Island or Burton Island.

American Museum of Fly Fishing
Route 7A
Manchester, VT  05254
Phone: 802-362-3300

Open: Year-round, daily, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; closed major holidays

See Map

The American Museum of Fly Fishing, home to the world’s largest collection of angling art and angling-related items, brings the history of fly fishing alive for anglers and others. The museum contains an impressive exhibit gallery space, a library and reading room, a museum store, and other resources. The exhibit’s opening section contains an illustrated timeline, which takes the visitor from Aelian’s comments on fly fishing in 200 A.D. to the developments and issues surrounding the sport today. Cost: Adults, $5; children over age 10, $3.

Ball Mountain
Jamaica, VT
Phone: 802-874-4881

The US Army Corps of Engineers Ball Mountain Dam Flood Control project has mountain and lakeside scenery. Visitors will enjoy hiking and nature trails, and cross-country skiing in the winter. Hunting for big and small game, as well as waterfowl, is permitted.

Jamaica State Park
48 Salmon Hole Lane
Jamaica, VT
Phone: 802-874-4600

Season: May 8-Columbus Day

See Map

Every spring and fall, on one weekend in late April and late September, there is a water release on the West River from Ball Mountain Dam. This is a semiannual event for many kayakers and canoeists from all over New England. The West River is also a favorite spot for many fishermen. The combination of deep slow running water and shallow fast ripples makes for some fine fishing.
There are 41 tent/trailer sites and 18 lean-to sites that are spread out through the campground. Two rest rooms, complete with hot showers ($), are located in the campground. A picnic shelter and nature center are located near the picnic area and swimming hole. A hiking trail follows the West River and branches off toward Hamilton Falls.
ALERT: The weight limit for the town's bridge leading into Jamaica State Park has been downgraded to 8 tons. Campers with large RV or trailer units should check their total weight to ensure they meet the reduced weight limit.

Lake Shaftsbury State Park
262 Shaftsbury State Park Road (Route 7A)
Shaftsbury, VT  05262
Phone: 802-375-9978

Season: Memorial Day Weekend - Labor Day Weekend

See Map

Lake Shaftsbury State Park is on an 84-acre parcel surrounding the small but picturesque Lake Shaftsbury. A furnished waterfront cottage sleeps six, with deck and grill. Lake Shaftsbury also operates a group camping area with 15 lean-tos available throughout the year for scouts, church groups, and other organizations. Port-a-let facilities are available. There is also a developed beach, play area, and picnic area. There is an open picnic shelter/pavilion available for large group gatherings. The snack bar concession has rental canoes, kayaks, rowboats, and pedal boats. Day use hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

Southern Vermont Natural History Museum
Route 9
Marlboro, VT  05344
Phone: 802-464-0048

Open: Late October through Memorial Day; hours vary; please call ahead.

See Map

This natural history museum in the foothills of the Green Mountains offer mounted specimens of 600 native New England birds and mammals as well as live hawks and owls. The museum presents an amphibian and reptile exhibit and a wildflower exhibit in the summer and fall. A good side trip is a hike up nearby Mount Olga. The museum has one of the largest collections of mounted birds to be found in New England, containing over 600 birds in 100 small dioramas. Raptor center has live exhibits of owls and hawks. Cost: Adults, $5; children, $2; seniors, $3.