museums to visit this summer in vermont’s champlain valley
whether you are visiting vermont for the first time, or are a seasoned local here in the champlain valley- we are incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by a number of wonderful museums. they each weave together history, art, and a sense of place with the surrounding region in their own uniquely beautiful way. here are a few of our favorites in the area. if you are looking for more guidance on where to go or would like suggestions for other things to add to your itinerary during your stay, please come find us and we would love to help!
shelburne museum | shelburne
if you are a lover of folk art, you won’t want to miss the shelburne museum! at a young age, its female founder became enamored with the beauty of the utilitarian objects seen in rural early-1900s vermont. she opened the museum in the 1950s to house (what became) one of the countries most impressive collection of americana folk art. when you visit the shelburne museum, it is much like that of a small village- located on 45 acres, there a number of restored historic buildings peppered throughout. for example, a 1783 stagecoach inn that she had moved from charlotte, vermont…or the iconic 1901 shaker round barn that was moved from east passumpsic, vermont…and notably, the restored 220 foot steamboat ticonderoga, which was a day boat built in 1906 that carried passengers up and down lake champlain along the ports on vermont and new york and now sits on the grass (where you can walk aboard and get a feel for what it was like in use). from antique quilts, decorative arts, and paintings to a working antique carousel, collection of sleighs and horse-drawn vehicles, and inspiring history behind many of the buildings…there is something for everyone. the museum tells a wide-ranging story of the beauty and artistry of rural vermont life during a different time.
they are open daily, may 9 through october 25 (visit their website for more details).
the museum is 32 minutes from the tillerman, and we recommend carving out a good chunk of time to visit, as there is a lot to see! stop at the old brick store to bring sandwiches or picnic supplies with you, or there is a simple “snack shack” cafe to have lunch inside the museum. take the scenic route through monkton on your way home and stop at a farmstand to gather provisions for a snack or late lunch by the creek when you arrive back to the inn!
henry sheldon museum | middlebury
if you are spending the day in middlebury, the henry sheldon museum is a beautiful snapshot of everyday life in middlebury and addison county in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. henry sheldon spent his life recording, collecting, and researching different pieces of history that now make up this sweet museum right in the heart of downtown middlebury. it is also the oldest community-based museum in the country! if you are visiting in the wintertime, you won’t want to miss their annual holiday lionel model train layout.
they are open wednesday-saturday, may 20 through january 2 (visit their website for details).
middlebury is a 24 minute drive from the tillerman, and a lovely place to spend an afternoon or morning. stroll downtown, grab a coffee at little seed or lunch at the mad taco…hop into the charming vermont book shop (or monroe street books, where walls are lined with used treasures to be found if that’s more your style!)
lake champlain maritime museum | vergennes
especially if you are traveling with children, you won’t want to skip a trip to the lake champlain maritime museum. explore the 3-acre waterfront campus where you can learn all about the cultural and natural heritage of the lake champlain region. from on-site boat building and a blacksmith forge, to getting out on the water via one of their many tours (exploring shipwrecks or group rowing), indoor exhibits where you can take a closer look at historic artifacts, and even visit a replica revolutionary war boat- there is plenty for all ages and interests.
they are open daily, may 23 through october 18 (visit their website for more details).
the museum is a 34 minute drive from the tillerman in vergennes. stop for brunch or lunch at one of our very favorite spots, vergennes laundry, located right downtown. or stop for ice cream at lulu’s.
birds of vermont museum | huntington
if you’re looking for a quintessential, rural vermont adventure during your stay- look no further than the birds of vermont museum: a fascinating folk-art-meets-natural-history museum for all ages. their indoor exhibit reopens may 1st each year, and features well over 500 detailed, life-like wooden carvings of vermont birds that were made by just a small handful of vermont artists. there are surrounding trails to explore, scavenger hunts for kids, and a look inside the workshop to see how the carvings came to life.
they are open wednesday-sunday, may through october.
the museum is in huntington, a beautiful 25 minute drive from the tillerman. bring a picnic (pick up provisions at mini factory in bristol village) and take it to the green mountain audubon center, where you can walk down to peeper pond and enjoy your provisions among the elegant red-winged blackbirds.
rokeby museum | ferrisburgh
did you know many vermont dairy farms became safe havens along the underground railroad for enslaved people seeking freedom in canada in the early-to-mid 1800s? the rokeby museum was one of the better documented spaces in vermont, and is now a noteworthy museum with a mission to integrate abolition, art, agriculture, and advocacy. they weave together the history and stories of their past with current-day advocacy and spotlight artists who are continuing the conversations around abolition and community care in and around vermont.
they are open daily, may through October (visit their website for details).
the rokeby is 27 minutes from the tillerman, and right by one of the best creemee spots in the area- cookie love! the would make a wonderful morning adventure before coming back to picnic and plunge in the creek. stop at a farmstand (or two!) on your way back to gather provisions! or have lunch at another favorite of ours, the old brick store in charlotte. if you want to stretch your legs, mt philo is also right there and a lovely spot to get a birds eye view of lake champlain and the surrounding valley.
bundy modern | waitsfield
the bundy modern museum is a international style 1962 gallery and sculpture park centered around art and architecture. on june 20, their current exhibit titled “at sixes and sevens: sculpture at the bundy modern” will open- featuring site-specific sculptural works from ten acclaimed, diverse artists.
they are open weekends, late june through early september (visit their website for details).
take the scenic 30 minute drive from the tillerman on rt.17 over the appalachian gap to waitsfield, and spend the afternoon! go for a hike on the way, stroll around waitsfield’s historic village center, pick up the best donuts ever (truly!) at twisted halo, and grab lunch at the mad taco or canteen creemee! there is lots to do and see there.
