Vermont was pivotal during the formation of the United States.
After the American Revolution, it was admitted in 1791 as the 14th state.
Home to American heroes such as Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys.
Massachusetts, New York, and New Hampshire border Vermont.
And it is the only New England state not touching the Atlantic Ocean.
Quebec, a Canadian province, sits immediately to the north.
Sparsely populated, Vermont is known as the Green Mountain State, where even the mountains are covered in evergreen forests.
However, the mountains and forests are not the state’s only ecosystems.
This small state has many rivers and over 800 lakes, providing an underwater world for study and appreciation.
Contents
6 Best Zoos & Aquariums in Vermont
ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain
ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, is a Burlington favorite.
It is an excellent multi-exhibit compound on the shores of Lake Champlain.
It holds a large aquarium with dozens of local fish, reptiles, and amphibians.
An immersive, hands-on learning champion, that combines a one-of-a-kind aquarium with a natural science museum.
ECHO is an acronym that stands for the center’s mission – Ecology, Culture, History, and Opportunities.
Its rotating exhibits include a life-sized recreation of the General Butler shipwreck at the bottom of Lake Champlain and an active NOAA weather station.
There is also an exhibit highlighting the area’s indigenous peoples and resources.
Open daily.
This unique learning experience is an excellent afternoon for all ages.
Montshire Museum of Science
Montshire Museum of Science is located in Norwich, near the Connecticut River and the border of New Hampshire.
It is known for its hands-on approach to science and learning.
In addition to roughly 150 natural and scientific exhibits, the Montshire Museum of Science houses a freshwater aquarium featuring local fish, reptiles, and amphibians, including frogs and turtles native to the New England region.
Several Montshire aquarium’s tanks depict local fish and micro-environments, including fish that thrive in flowing water, shallow ponds, and warm-water environments.
There is also an incubator for newly hatched snapping turtles.
Montshire Museum of Science is an educational and immersive experience for young and old.
Vermont Reindeer Farm
The Vermont Reindeer Farm sits in Orleans near the Canadian border.
While not a traditional zoo, this unique combination of working farm and conservatory is home to the state’s only Reindeer Farm and sanctuary.
Free roaming animals, hiking, and snowshoeing trails circle the site.
Once there, visitors can help feed the reindeer.
And these incredible winter animals always love a good pet.
However, public tours are only allowed by appointment because it is a working farm and sanctuary.
The Vermont Reindeer Farm also holds a comprehensive Reindeer School providing all who visit with a Caribou Primer.
Retreat Farm
Retreat Farm, located in Brattleboro in the central southern part of Vermont, is a unique combination of animal preservation and artistic celebration of the natural world.
All animals on the farm love to be petted, and the garden and open fields offer a peaceful afternoon.
The hiking trails are immersive, providing something of value for all ages.
There is also a storytime for children and regular performances.
One of the most unusual is the Farm to Ballet performance, during which farm vegetables dance, twirl, and hop.
And real food trucks are on hand for a quick snack.
Retreat Farm is free and open daily to the public from dawn to dusk.
VINS Nature Center
Several educational exhibits in the Visitor Center celebrate the area’s biodiversity.
Visitors can experience close encounters with modern reptiles and discover ancient birdlike dinosaurs.
Outside, separate areas for indigenous raptors and songbirds.
The Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) Nature Center has an adventure playscape for children.
Located in Quichee along the eastern border, the VINS Nature Center is a conservation and bird rehabilitative sanctuary.
Natural learning and hiking trails crisscross the site, and a self-guided Forest Canopy Walk details the local plants and tree cover.
VINS Nature Center is open daily to the public and groups from 10 AM to 4 PM.
Behind the scenes, tours are also possible with advanced scheduling.
Shelburne Farms – Farm Barn
Shelburne Farms is located in central Vermont.
This historic Shelburne location is a 3800-acre agricultural estate.
The estate’s Farm Barn is the heart of Shelburne Farms.
While primarily a children’s activity and education center, the Farm Barn also contains a handful of agricultural and community-focused artisans and activities.
These include a petting zoo, a Children’s Farmyard or petting zoo, a cheesemaking facility, and the organic O-Bread Bakery.
There is also a furniture maker, an adult learning center, and a private elementary school.
Tours and educational offerings are by appointment only.
6 Best Zoos & Aquariums in Vermont – Summary Table
| Zoos & Aquariums | Address |
|---|---|
| ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain | 1 College St, Burlington, VT 05401, USA |
| Montshire Museum of Science | 1 Montshire Rd, Norwich, VT 05055, USA |
| Vermont Reindeer Farm | 3108 Chilafoux Rd, Orleans, VT 05860, USA |
| Retreat Farm | 45 Farmhouse Sq, Brattleboro, VT 05301, USA |
| VINS Nature Center | 149 Natures Wy, Quechee, VT 05059, USA |
| Shelburne Farms - Farm Barn | 1611 Harbor Rd, Shelburne, VT 05482, USA |
Vermont Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Vermont Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Vermont part of New England?
Vermont sits in the upper northeastern United States within an area of the country known as New England.
This region is mainly defined by its geography and climate.
It comprises six diverse states: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
Is the fall a good time to visit Vermont?
The fall, September, and October is the best time to visit Vermont.
In early fall, temperatures cool, dropping to between 46°F and 69°F.
This is when the leaves turn, and the area explodes with color.
The fall is relatively dry and sometimes windy.
For skiers, Vermont is best in January and February when the snowfall is heaviest.
If you are looking for a bargain, the best time to visit is spring and early summer.
Does Vermont have covered bridges?
Vermont has roughly 100 19th-century covered wooden bridges.
This is more than any other state.
The original Pulp Mill Bridge in Middlebury was built in 1820, and most of these historical structures are of contemporary construction.
What is Vermont known for?
This small mountainous New England state is known for over 800 lakes and an alpine landscape that is covered in evergreen forest.
Major hiking trails and pristine skiing slopes make Vermont an outdoor enthusiast’s playground.
Vermont is also a major producer of maple syrup and is famous for its dairy cows.
