City Guides: Things to do While Boating in Burlington, Vermont

Boating is big in Burlington. And is it any wonder? Burlington is situated on Burlington Bay along the eastern shores of Lake Champlain, one of the largest freshwater lakes in the U.S. With 435 square miles of surface area, the natural lake sits between New York and Vermont and extends north into Quebec in Canada. It offers islands, sandy shorelines, secluded bays and the beauty of the Adirondacks.

Residents and travelers can enjoy a host of lake-related activities such as fishing, boating, sailing, waterskiing and sightseeing. Rent schooners, pontoon boats, center consoles or cuddy cabins to explore the region at your own pace, or book cruises aboard the Spirit of Ethan Allen to let someone else do the navigation.

Whether you’re in town for a week, two days or an extended private boat dock rental, you’ll find a wide array of attractions, activities and local favorites like farmer’s markets and open-air shopping areas. Let’s get started!

Ethan Allen Homestead Museum and Historic Site

Photo:  Ethan Allen Homestead Museum and Historic Site

The Green Mountain State is famous for its ties to Ethan Allen, a soldier, frontiersman, leader of the American Revolution’s Green Mountain Boys and the state’s founder. The Ethan Allan Homestead Museum and Historic Site give a look into what life was like in New England during the 18th century.

Tour Allen’s house (built in 1787), visit the recreated 18th-century garden, watch a short film and check out exhibits on toys, apparel, uniforms and other artifacts. The kids can try on Colonial-style costumes and play with era-specific toys and games. Visit the gift shop for local products and artisan crafts before returning to a private boat lift for rent. The museum is located inside the Ethan Allan Homestead Park, which has gardens, a picnic shelter, historic markers and bicycling and hiking trails along the Winooski River.

Shelbourne Museum

Photo: Wikimedia

Art and history enthusiasts will want to pay a visit to the Shelbourne Museum. Founded in 1947, it features four centuries of American folk art, textiles, decorative arts, antique decoys, horse-drawn carriages, firearms and French impressionism art by Monet, Manet and Degas. The collection reflects the interests of museum founder Electra Havemeyer Webb.

Exhibits are housed in a series of 39 historic buildings on 45 acres of landscaped gardens, so you’ll have a fun time exploring and viewing traditional New England architecture while perusing the exhibits. Buildings include barns, a one-room schoolhouse, a general store, a jail and the 220-foot steamboat Ticonderoga. We think it’s an incredibly cool way to spend the day from a boat lift for rent in Burlington.

Waterfront Park

Photo: Wikimedia

Located near the Community Boathouse Marina, Waterfront Park offers activities and watersports along the shore of Lake Champlain. The marina is a convenience factor for transient boaters (and anyone else) as it offers marine services, hourly slips and a restaurant for docking and dining. The park is home to the Burlington Bike Path and several food and music festivals. There are restrooms, a dog park, a fishing pier and public art sculptures. Check it out the next time you’re looking for something to do from a private boat slip rental.

The World’s Tallest Filing Cabinet

Photo: Wikimedia

Quirky sites are everywhere! Be sure to visit the World’s Tallest Filing Cabinet while exploring Burlington from private boat dock rentals. This roadside attraction is composed of several real filing cabinets welded on top of each other. Built in 2002 by Bren Alvarez, it’s 40 feet and 38 drawers high. It’s located on Flynn Avenue between Pine and Foster streets. Interesting note: Some of the drawers at the top are open and seem to be home to birds.

Burlington Farmers’ Market

Photo: Pixabay

A Burlington staple since 1980, The Burlington Farmers’ Market is open on Saturdays from late spring through fall. Spend the morning discovering and buying local food and products like strawberries, fresh vegetables, artisan bread, organic honey, jewelry, pottery, soap, crafts and more. Located on Pine Street near Lake Champlain, it’s a terrific way to stock the galley at your private boat slip rental.  

Church Street Marketplace

Photo: Wikimedia

Church Street Marketplace is an open-air mall with dining, shopping, entertainment and events. It’s located along four blocks of Church Street between Pearl and Main streets. Enjoy street entertainers, cart vendors and a variety of shops that include bookstores, jewelry stores, chocolate shops and local businesses as well as brand-name stores like Banana Republic, Athleta, Earthbound Trading and Helly Hanson. Feeling hungry? check out kettle corn, an Asian noodle shop, the Burlington Bagel Bakery, coffee shops and pizza pubs.

We hope you’ve found some things to see or do out the next time you’re boating in Burlington.