Montpelier is the state capital of Vermont and a charming example of the New England landscape. It’s a modern city with a small-town vibe, which is perfect for a laid-back city break. Today I’ll be taking you through the 15 best things to do in Montpellier, to help you plan a perfect travel itinerary.
While Montpelier may be small, it is bursting with charm and has plenty to keep visitors occupied. If you want to be able to indulge in the beauty and tranquillity of nature without straying to far from the comfort and convenience of a bustling town centre, this is the article for you.
Montpelier At A Glance
With a population of around only 8,000 people and covering just 10.25 square miles (27 square kilometres), Montpelier is America’s smallest state capital. Its history as a settlement dates back to 1787, and it was founded as a town just over 30 years later, in 1818.
Montpelier straddles the Winooski River and is surrounded by hills and forests. The local area is rich with granite, founding a prosperous granite processing industry. Another major export from the area is maple syrup, with several maple farms surrounding the city.
The city has distinct seasons. Summers are warm, averaging 77.6°F (25.3°C) in the hottest month, June, and just 16.6°F (−8.6°C) in the coldest month, January. Plentiful snow in the winter makes this a popular destination for Nordic skiers, with many of the walking routes prepped as ski trails.
Best Time To Visit Montpelier
Montpelier is a city that celebrates all seasons, but each has its own perks. Picking the best time to visit Montpelier is all down to how you personally prefer to spend your time.
Late spring through summer lets you take advantage of the beautiful landscape around Montpelier. Relax on tucked away beaches, go wild swimming in lakes and rivers, and explore the forested parks. Hitting hiking trails or taking a canoe out on the river is always better when the sun’s shining warm.
For many, fall is when Montpelier really shines. The trees turn a startling array of reds and golds, washing the city in a cosy glow. Around late September you can usually catch the fall festival held on the front lawn of Vermont State House, and the city is a great stop on a New England fall road trip.
Winters in Montpelier are chilly, often dropping below freezing. If you can’t handle cold weather, it’s best avoiding November to March. However, the historic sights and scenic surroundings are very pretty in the snow. Wrap up warm and you’ll find plenty to love in Montpelier’s darker months, too.
The 15 Best Things To Do In Montpelier, Vermont
Appreciate The Works At T.W. Wood Gallery & Arts Centre
The T.W. Wood Gallery and Arts Centre is an unassuming showroom celebrating the varied works of local artists and creators. The gallery comprises four exhibition spaces, two featuring permanent displays, and two hosting the special, rotating exhibitions.
One of the permanent galleries is dedicated to the works of T.W. Wood, the founder of the gallery and once head of both the American Watercolour Society and National Academy of Design.
Along with their various shows, the arts centre also runs frequent workshops and classes for visitors to get hands on and make their own masterpieces.
46 Barre St, Montpelier, VT 05602, United States
Admire The Splendour Of The Vermont State House
Nestled against the backdrop of leafy Hubbard Park, Vermont State House cuts a striking image. The brilliant white columns of the State House’s neoclassical façade are accented by a gilded dome perched on top. Standing atop the gold dome is a statue of Ceres, the Roman goddess of agriculture.
The Current building is the third iteration of the Vermont State House, having been constructed in 1858. Whilst it is still a working legislative seat, the Vermont State House also serves as a museum and art gallery.
Visitors can take a self-guided tour or enjoy a free guided tour of the Vermont State House during the summer. The summer months also often see the front lawn playing host to live events from orchestral concerts to dance shows.
115 State St, Montpelier, VT 05633, United States
Leave No Stone Unturned At Vermont Granite Museum
Want to learn about a rather niche aspect of Vermont’s heritage and industry? Head over to the Vermont Granite Museum to learn all about the region’s history with granite production, along with the process and tools involved in it.
The museum is housed within an old granite processing plant, adding an extra element of immersion to the exhibits. Along with the displays, there are also workshops, tours, and various events to get you investing in learning about this unique artistry.
7 Jones Brothers Way, Barre, VT 05641, United States
Brush Up On History At The Vermont Historical Society Museum
Located at the south corner of the Vermont State House gardens, the Historical Society Museum lets you dive deeper into the state’s history. Housed within the beautiful Pavilion Building – which is also home to the Governor of Vermont’s main office – you’ll have no trouble spotting the museum.
The Vermont Historical Society Museum hosts a varied collection of fascinating exhibits, utilising a variety of creative mediums to educate visitors on the heritage of the state and city. Frequent events and special exhibitions mean there’s always something for you to get involved with.
109 State St, Montpelier, VT 05609, United States
Wander Through Hubbard Park
Right behind the Vermont State House is the expansive Hubbard Park. Covering 194 acres of land, Hubbard Park boasts over 7 miles (11 kilometres) of walking trails winding through the forest. In the winter the trails are primed for cross country skiing too.
Along the trails you can find plenty of picnic areas and rest spots. There are even some barbeque facilities. Towards the middle of the park, you can find the ruins of the older campgrounds and firepits, known as Seven Fireplaces.
Ponds, sports fields, and a historic observation tower round out the list of amenities and attractions you can find in Hubbard Park.
400 Parkway St, Montpelier, VT 05602, United States
Enjoy The View From Hubbard Tower
Nestled in the trees at the south end of Hubbard Park is the old, stone Hubbard Tower. Perched atop the highest hill in the park and standing an additional 52 feet (16 metres) tall, Hubbard Tower offers stunning views across the park, city, and Vermont State House, which sits at the base of the hill.
Fruit trees have been planted around the base of the tower specifically to draw in wildlife to the area. When you’re done enjoying the view from the top, settle down on one of the surrounding benches and picnic tables and watch the local critters scurry around for their dinner.
58 Tower Loop, Montpelier, VT 05602, United States
Relax At Wrightsville Beach Recreation Area
If you visit in the summer, you definitely want to spend a day at Wrightsville Beach Recreation Area. The little beach is found at the north end of Wrightsville Reservoir, a few miles north of Montpelier. Relax on the soft white sand, go for a swim in the water, and let the kids enjoy making sandcastles.
There’s plenty of space on the grass, along with picnic tables, for anyone who doesn’t want to get sand in their shoes. If you want something more active, you can rent a boat or kayak to take out onto the lake. There are also more than 5 miles (8 kilometres) of trails leading around the area.
Wrightsville Beach, 369 VT-12, Middlesex, VT 05602, United States
Sample The Sweet Life At Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks
Vermont produces more maple syrup than any other U.S. state, so it’s little surprise that its capital will have somewhere for you to sample the sweet sap. Morse Farm is a family run business that works to keep the old traditions alive, both in practice and in the atmosphere of the farm.
Visitors can enjoy tours of the sugarhouse, complete with samplings of some of the products. Once you’ve got a taste for it, head into the farm shop, where you can pick up a wide variety of maple-themed souvenirs. The maple ice-cream is particularly highly recommended.
There are also walking trails, friendly goats, and art displays to enjoy.
1168 County Rd, Montpelier, VT 05602, United States
Go Wild At North Branch Nature Centre
Get out into the fresh air and explore the 28 acres of preserved wilderness of the North Branch Nature Centre. Tucked into a curve of the Winooski River, the nature centre boasts miles of trails for you to follow along the waters edge and through the trees.
Along with just getting out into the wild, the Nature Centre aims to educate visitors on the natural world. Frequent nature watching and science programmes teach guests about everything from conservation and research to what species you should keep an eye out for in the trees and rivers.
713 Elm St, Montpelier, VT 05602, United States
Enjoy Local Produce At Bragg Farm Sugar House & Gift
If you’ve got time to visit two maple syrup farms, why wouldn’t you? Bragg Farm is another family run maple syrup farm just outside of Montpelier. Bragg Farm is dedicated to preserving the traditional art of sugaring, using time tested methods to create their delicious product.
You can learn all about the production of maple syrup, from tree to bottle, with a guided tour and tasting session. The attached museum displays vintage maple crafting tools in an old carriage barn.
Along with plenty of maple flavoured treats, the gift shop offers a variety of local crafts and produce. A petting zoo and play area offer the chance for little ones to work off their sugar rush.
1005 VT-14 N, East Montpelier, VT 05651, United States
Enjoy A Sip At North Branch Vineyards
For a sampling of Montpelier’s more mature offerings, head out to North Branch Vineyards. This is another small, family run business, showcasing the impeccable local produce.
Spend an afternoon in their tasting room to sample some excellent varieties. You can learn all about the wines you are drinking and what they pair well with, from the very people who crafted them.
82 Trillium Hill Rd, Montpelier, VT 05602, United States
Catch A Show At Lost Nation Theatre
Nestled away in Montpelier City Hall, Lost Nation Theatre is a cosy venue running a varied calendar of shows and performances. The theatre showcases local talent and productions, hosting everything from unique interpretations of Shakespeare to fresh plays developed by local writers.
Tickets are typically very reasonably priced, so it’s certainly worth catching a show to soak in the local artistry.
39 Main St, Montpelier, VT 05602, United States
Cosy Up At The Savoy Theatre
If theatre’s not your thing, perhaps film is more up your alley. Just across the street from Lost Nation, the Savoy Theatre is a charming little two-screen movie theatre showing indie and arthouse films. They also host special screenings of older classics.
Featuring armchairs and sofas, along with traditional flip-down seating, the Savoy Theatre is designed to let you cosy up and enjoy an intimate cinematic experience.
26 Main St, Montpelier, VT 05602, United States
Cross Over Northfield Falls Covered Bridge
A classic feature of Vermont’s landscape is its picturesque, covered bridges. There are a few of these close to Montpelier, but some of the best are found in the nearby town of Northfield Falls.
Just a couple of miles south of Montpelier, Northfield Falls is home to two covered bridges, both painted in their classic vibrant red. Their bright colour casts a charming contrast against the surrounding trees and rivers.
Cox Brook Rd, Northfield, VT 05663, United States
Take A Break At Challenger Memorial Park
Challenger Memorial Park is a quaint little city park tucked away in a bend of the Winooski River. It is named for the monument dedicated to the seven who died in the Challenger space shuttle disaster.
Just across the river from Vermont State House, it’s the perfect place to take a quick break in between sightseeing. A trail runs from the path along the river’s edge, making the park a great stopping or starting point for a walk.
Challenger Memorial Park, Montpelier, VT 05602, United States
The Best Place To Stay In Montpellier - The Inn at Montpelier
Montpelier is a charming, cosy little city, so to get the full experience you should stay in a charming, cosy little hotel. The Inn At Montpelier offers a delightful blend of historic ambience and modern comfort and convenience, right in the heart of the city centre.
Rooms are styled with vintage flair, with antique furnishings and period features. Each room has a flatscreen television and private bathroom. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in the communal areas.
