Famous Landmarks in Burlington. Attractions, Monuments, Sightseeing

Iconic Landmarks

Burlington's most recognized landmarks offer insights into its history, culture, and natural beauty.

Explore the Church Street Marketplace, the scenic Waterfront Park, and the engaging ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain.

Landmark Highlights

Church Street Marketplace: Downtown's social and commercial heart.
Waterfront Park & Lake Champlain: Stunning lake views, recreational hub.
ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain: Interactive science museum focusing on the lake.
These sites combine beauty, history, and engagement for visitors.

Church Street & Waterfront Details

Church Street Marketplace

Context: Beautifully restored Victorian-era buildings, social heart of downtown.
Visitor Info: Open 24/7 for walking. Shops and restaurants typically 10 AM - 9 PM. No entry fees.
Tips: Watch street performers, enjoy outdoor dining, explore independent shops. Lively in summer and holiday season.
This location buzzes with activity from morning until late evening.
An excellent place for people-watching and soaking in the city's atmosphere.
Parking is difficult to find and often costly.

Waterfront Park & ECHO Center

Waterfront Park: Expansive public park along Lake Champlain, stunning views of lake and Adirondack Mountains. Open dawn to dusk, free entry.
Tips: Ideal for sunsets. Walk or cycle the Burlington Greenway. Consider a cruise on Spirit of Ethan Allen III. A Compact travel tripod captures stable sunset photos.
ECHO Leahy Center: Interactive science museum on the waterfront. Typically 10 AM - 5 PM. Admission ~ $18 adults, $14 children. Check Echovermont.org.
Allow 2-3 hours for ECHO. It features aquariums, hands-on displays, and a touch tank.

This area serves as a recreational hub for residents and visitors alike.

Museums & Cultural Institutions

Shelburne Museum (Nearby): Outdoor museum of art, design, and Americana, 45 acres, 39 historic buildings. Open seasonally, May-Oct. Admission ~$28 adults. Check Shelburnemuseum.org.
Burlington City Arts (BCA) Center: Contemporary art gallery and education center on Church Street. Gallery admission is free. Check Burlingtoncityarts.org.
Fleming Museum of Art (UVM): UVM's art and anthropology museum. Collections span world cultures. Check Uvm.edu/fleming for hours/fees.
Vermont Sports Hall of Fame: Honors Vermont athletes. Located inside UVM's Patrick Gym. Free admission, limited hours. Check Vermontsportshall.com.

Unique Museum Highlights

Shelburne Museum Steamboat:
View the Ticonderoga, a 220-foot steamboat brought overland to the museum grounds.
BCA Center Exhibits:
Showcases diverse regional and national artists, serving as a community cultural hub.
Fleming Museum Collections:
Broad perspective on human creativity and history across world cultures.
Sports Hall of Fame:
Look at the state's sporting heritage, honoring recognized athletes.
Planning Your Visit:
Plan at least half a day for Shelburne Museum's vast grounds.

Historical Sites

Burlington and its immediate surroundings offer several historical sites that provide a glimpse into Vermont's past, from its revolutionary origins to its industrial growth.

Historical Locations

Ethan Allen Homestead Museum
Preserves the last home and farm of Revolutionary War hero Ethan Allen. Open seasonally, May-Oct. Admission for tours. Check Ethanallenhomestead.org.
Battery Park
Historic park on a bluff overlooking Lake Champlain, site of a War of 1812 battery. Free entry, open year-round. Panoramic lake views, playground.
Burlington Historical Society
Occasionally offers guided walking tours on Burlington's history and architectural heritage. Inquire at Visitors Center for schedules.

Waterfront Battery (remains)
Located south of the main Waterfront Park area. Foundations of a Civil War-era battery, a subtle historical marker.
Historical Significance
These sites shed light on Burlington's role in various conflicts and its early development.
Learning Opportunities
From revolutionary heroes to civil war defenses, these locations offer educational journeys through time.

Scenic Views

Historic sites often double as vantage points for picturesque landscapes.

Walking Tours

Consider a guided tour to gain context about the architectural heritage.

Preservation Efforts

These sites are a testament to local preservation work.

Natural Attractions

Burlington's location on Lake Champlain, coupled with its proximity to the Green Mountains, offers abundant natural attractions for outdoor enthusiasts.

Lake Champlain: One of the largest freshwater lakes in the U.S. Ideal for boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, and fishing. Rent a Kayak or Stand-up paddleboard.
Burlington Greenway (Bike Path): Paved, multi-use path stretching 12.5 miles along Lake Champlain. Flat terrain and scenic views. Good for walking, running, or cycling.
North Beach Park: Burlington's largest public beach, north of downtown. Sandy shoreline, swimming, picnic areas, seasonal camping. Seasonal admission fee for non-residents.

Hidden Gems

Beyond the popular attractions, Burlington offers several lesser-known spots that provide unique experiences and local flavor.

Seek out these spots for a fresh perspective on the city's character.

Parks & Views

Discover tranquil spots with impressive vistas.

Ethan Allen Park & Tower

Context: Less frequented park in New North End. Historic stone tower with panoramic views of Lake Champlain, Adirondacks, Green Mountains.
Tips: Excellent for a quiet picnic or peaceful walk away from downtown crowds. The tower has an unique vantage point for photography.
The park encompasses wooded trails and open spaces.

Unique Outdoor Elements

Experience special features within local parks.

Oakledge Park's Urban Treehouse & Rock Climbing Cliff

Context: South End park with an accessible urban treehouse, offering an elevated lake view for all abilities.
Tips: Explore park trails and lake access. A small, natural rock climbing cliff for experienced climbers.
Research local climbing groups for safe participation.

Arts & Agriculture

Dive into local culture and sustainable practices.

Pine Street's Arts & Brewery District

Context: Revitalized industrial area south of downtown. A hub for craft breweries, distilleries, artist studios, and unique shops.
Tips: Dedicate an afternoon to brewery hopping (Foam, Zero Gravity), visiting art galleries, and finding local crafts.
Many studios open to the public; meet artists.
This area a more local and less overtly touristy experience than Church Street.

Agricultural Heart

Connect with Burlington's commitment to local food and conservation.

The Intervale

Context: 700-acre agricultural and natural area within city limits. Focus on sustainable agriculture, land stewardship.
Tips: Walk or bike peaceful trails to observe farming practices and wildlife. Visit Intervale Community Farm's seasonal stand for fresh produce.
It a refreshing escape into nature within the city.

Attraction Planning Tools

Ticket Booking Platforms

For attraction tickets and tours, explore GetYourGuide to pre-book and streamline your visit.
Advance booking saves time and confirm your spot, especially during peak season.
Many platforms offer mobile tickets for entry.

Visitor Information Centers

Visit the official Burlington Visitor Center for maps, brochures, and local advice.
They often have details on current events and tour availability.
Local staff address questions and offer personalized recommendations.

Explore Beyond the City

Extend your sightseeing to nearby natural attractions for more outdoor beauty.

Red Rocks Park

City park in South Burlington, walking trails, impressive cliffs, secluded coves overlooking Lake Champlain. Free entry. Trails vary from easy to moderate.

Mount Philo State Park

Located in Charlotte (~25 mins south of Burlington). Vermont's first state park. Easy hike or scenic drive to a summit with panoramic Lake Champlain views. Small entrance fee.

Nearby State Parks

Button Bay State Park and Grand Isle State Park offer camping facilities a short drive from Burlington. Advance reservations are common.

Hiking & Outdoor Opportunities

Local Hiking Trails

Within Burlington, enjoy easier walks at Red Rocks Park, Ethan Allen Park, and Lone Rock Point. These trails often feature scenic views.

Find local hiking tours

Green Mountain Hikes

Access numerous trails in the Green Mountains within a 30-60 minute drive, offering leisurely strolls to demanding mountain climbs.

Explore mountain excursions

Trail Difficulty

Trails vary from easy, paved paths along the waterfront to challenging, rocky ascents in higher elevations. Research conditions beforehand.

Book a guided nature walk

Guided Tours

Consider joining a guided tour for insights into local ecology and history while exploring nature.

Find more outdoor activities

Nature Photography

The natural beauty of Lake Champlain and the mountains makes for fantastic photo opportunities.

Discover scenic photography tours

Lake Champlain Activities

The lake provides extensive recreational opportunities and defines Burlington's natural setting.

Water Sports & Recreation

Boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding on serene waters.
Sailing opportunities and charter tours.
Swimming at designated public beaches during summer.

Additional Outdoor Pursuits

Beyond water, discover more ways to engage with nature.

Fishing & Wildlife

Lake Champlain for bass, pike, and salmon; shore fishing or charter trips.
Bird watching; Lake Champlain is on a major migratory flyway. Bring Compact binoculars.
Look out for "Champy," the legendary lake monster, for fun.
The Burlington Greenway for flat, scenic cycling.

Planning Your Nature Excursion

Always check local weather and trail conditions before heading out.

For extensive hiking, a good quality trail map specific to Vermont's Green Mountains is recommended; online mapping apps are a good backup.

Further Exploration

Expand your visit with more insights into local culture and arts.

Museum Highlights

Explore unique collections and historical contexts.

Shelburne Museum Unique Features

The Ticonderoga, a steamboat brought overland, rests on the museum grounds.
Circus memorabilia and extensive collections of textiles.
Folk art, impressionist paintings, tools, and decorative arts.

Art & Community

Engage with contemporary art and local creative expressions.

Burlington City Arts & Fleming Museum

BCA Center showcases diverse regional and national artists; free gallery admission.
Fleming Museum of Art (UVM) features collections spanning world cultures.
Both offer various exhibitions and programs throughout the year.

Unique Spots for History

Beyond main attractions, smaller sites offer historical interest.

Historical Markers

Look for plaques and informational signs throughout downtown Burlington.
These describe the history of remarkable buildings and areas.
Self-guided historical walking tours are sometimes available via apps.

These small details paint a fuller picture of Burlington's past.

Architectural Beauty

Admire the diverse architectural styles throughout the city.

Victorian & Modern Mix

The Hill Section features grand Victorian homes.
Downtown blends historic facades with modern developments.

A walk through different neighborhoods showcases this variety.

Lakeside Leisure

Beyond active pursuits, Lake Champlain offers peaceful moments.

Relax by the Water

Find a bench at Waterfront Park for quiet reflection.
Enjoy reading or simply watching the boats pass by.
Picnic with lake views for a relaxing afternoon.

The lake offers a peaceful retreat for all.

Cultural Experiences Summary

Diverse Art

Galleries like BCA Center showcase contemporary art. UVM's Fleming Museum features world cultures.

Historical Depth

From Revolutionary War sites to War of 1812 batteries, Burlington's history unfolds across its landmarks.

Outdoor Blending

Natural beauty integrates with cultural and historical sites, providing rich experiences.

Maximize Your Sightseeing

Plan your day by grouping attractions in proximity. Consider a City pass or tour if available to save on multiple entries.

Famous Landmarks in Burlington