We offer locally relevant and compelling environmental education programs and services to a wide audience. Our programs combine environmental science concepts with hands-on exploration to build empathy for nature and empower individuals to care for local natural ecosystems. VINS Nature Center offers special daily educational live bird programs! Admission includes entrance to exhibits, Forest Canopy Walk, Nature Trails, Outdoor Classroom, and 17 State of the Art Bird Enclosures. ADA/ABA accessible. Open picnic areas, and gifts, beverages and snacks are available at the Nature Store. The VINS Nature Center is located 1/2 mile west from the Quechee Gorge. Open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas days. For special events and classes visit web-site for full schedule. We are a non-profit since 1972. Mission: is to motivate individuals and communities to care for the environment through education, research and avian wildlife rehabilitation.See more..
5.0Montshire Museum of Science(257 reviews) - A must visit if you have younger children Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Science Museums • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Children's Museums
The Montshire is an award-winning hands-on science museum. You'll experience over 140 exciting exhibits relating to the natural and physical sciences, ecology, and technology. As a 110-acre museum on the Connecticut River, there's always plenty to explore, both indoors and out! Open daily 10-5. Summer Admission (May 17-September 7) $19 for adults, $16 for children 2-17. Regular Admission: $17 for adults, $14 for children 2-17 Two day passes available. Free for members and children under 2 years of age. Water exhibits in outdoor Science Park are on mid-May through early October.See more..
4.5Equinox Preservation Trust(180 reviews) - Laid back walk in the woods with family Nature & Wildlife Areas
We were interested in a fairly easy, mostly level, woodland walk we could take together as a family with a view of the local mountains. This fit the bill. We visited in winter when snow was on the ground.See more..
5.0New England Falconry(62 reviews) - Excellent experience! Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas
I was very satisfied with the experience my family had at New England Falconry in May 2022. My 11 y.o. daughter was thrilled at the up-close interactions with "Audubon" the Harris Hawk and "Alba" the Barn Owl. I wanted to give a particular shoutout to Jessica, the truly wonderful trainer who worked with us. Not only was she extremely knowledgeable about the birds, but she was clear to understand and added humor to make the experience even more memorable. She was an absolute joy to work with!!See more..
Scenic area offering picnicking, nature trails and waterfalls.See more..
4.0Southern Vermont Natural History Museum(44 reviews) - Worth a Trip, Great Value, Close-up Experiences with Both Live and Taxidermy Animals Natural History Museums • Nature & Wildlife Areas
Museum devoted to Southern Vermont's wildlife.See more..
This park is a popular spot for viewing migrating birds.See more..
5.0Birds of Vermont Museum(34 reviews) - A place for all ages Temporarily closed - Closed until May 1, 2023 Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails
** Winter hours are By Appointment. Please call to schedule your visit. ** Where natural history meets art: we are a small museum featuring life-like woodcarvings of Vermont (and more) birds. Discover, learn, and relax: indoors with the carvings, art shows, or activities for kids and adults; and outdoors on trails, in pollinator sanctuary "gardens", and in our walk-in tree house. Includes gift shop, restrooms, bird blinds, picnic areas, and frequent special events and birding programs. ** Open Wed-Sun, May - October, 10am-4pm [Closed July 4] ** Open by appointment November - April.See more..
4.5Goodsell Ridge Preserve(18 reviews) - Fascinating bit of Geology that anyone can appreciate Nature & Wildlife Areas
We took the white blazed trail on July 28, 2012. The path is very well maintained and marked. The history provided is an incredible look at the geology of the area an can be fully appreciated by a layperson. We saw dozens of fossils in the rock at our feet. Unfortunately we arrived after the visitor center was closed, but still found the available information on the trail highly informative. If you are planning a visit to any of the Lake Champlain Islands, the Goodsell Ridge Preserve is well worth the visit. Their website is at: http://www.ilmpt.org/ilmpt/The_Goodsell_Ridge_Preserve.htmlSee more..
A woman in Burlington VT told us about this when we told her we were staying in North Hero. So cool! You can put it in your GPS as Fisk Quarry and it comes right up. The fossils are outlined with circles of rocks so you can see them and if you follow the little paths you can find them all around the little preserve. There are some informational posters there as well. It's free and a fun way to spend an hour or so!See more..
We took a mini-vacation to Vermont to enjoy some outdoor time with our almost 8 year old and almost 3 year old and decided to rent kayaks one day. Pete of Wilderness Trails was extremely helpful and accommodating. He was very honest and didn't try to upsell us into anything just to make a few extra dollars. He took the kayaks down to the launch and picked them up when we were done, all we had to do was paddle. We had an awesome time and would highly recommend him and Wilderness Trails if someone is looking to rent some kayaks and get out on the water for a few hours.See more..
4.5Snake Mountain Trail(14 reviews) - Hiked the trail Spent 2-3 hours Mountains • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails
What a beautiful vista once you reach the top. I say it's an intermediate hike but my 3 year old granddaughter hiked to the top with no difficulty.See more..
4.5D.A.R. State Park(11 reviews) - Beautifully managed public space Spent < 1 hour State Parks • Beaches • Nature & Wildlife Areas Kudos to park manager James and his outgoing helpful assistant. We found this a delightful place to camp and appreciate very much clean bathhouses and grounds. Sites are well separated with terrific greenery surrounding each site. We enjoyed walking the grounds with our two dogs and enjoyed the rocky beach with beautiful view of Lake Champlain.See more..
4.5Eshqua Bog Natural Area(10 reviews) - Nice bog, great lady slippers Spent < 1 hour Nature & Wildlife Areas
Very interesting bog, very nice boardwalk across the heart of it. Nice trails through the woods, though they could be marked a little better. But the best are the lady slippers and we happened to hit them at their peak. They are amazing.See more..
4.5West Rutland Marsh(3 reviews) - Prime Birding Spot in Rutland County Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas
We heard about this marsh through the Rutland County Audubon Society and joined the monthly walk. It was a great experience. We could only stay for part of the walk (they ring the entire marsh on foot (its a road and a boardwalk, not wet) and that takes a couple hours. In the time we were with them, they identified 29 distinct types of birds. And this was August- a slow birding time. Would be great to join in Spring, early summer or fall migration time. The boardwalk is short, but in good maintenance, and there is seating. If we had been alone we would not have known what many of the species were, but by being quiet and slow, we would have seen or heard most of them. But take a look at the West Audubon website and join a walk if you can. (Or at least download the list of birds they saw in their last visit, to help you with your identification.)See more..
We stopped at the Visitor Center and picked up a trail map, then moved to a different parking area. I just had a few hours to spend, so we chose a loop that included parts of the Beaver Pond Trail, Brook Trail and River Trail. There are a lot of excellent trails to choose from. We had some nice stops along the brook and the river that gave my kids a chance to explore along the banks. I didn’t see many birds, but we also weren’t there for long. The trails are well marked, but some could be maintained a little better.See more..
What a great place! We hiked the area. Such a well kept venue. Trails are fantastic. So many song birds!See more..
5.0Vermont Woods Studios(2 reviews) - Great staff Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality & Gift Shops • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Forests
At Stonehurst we showcase the world's largest selection of beautiful, eco-friendly Vermont made furniture. All of our wood furniture is carefully crafted by local woodworkers & made to order just for you. Take it with you or we'll deliver it right to your door and set it up in your home. We also offer the entire line of Polywood outdoor furniture. It's beautiful & sturdy. We back it with a lifetime guarantee, just like our wood furniture. Polywood is made of recycled milk jugs and comes in traditional and vibrant colors. When you visit us, bring a picnic lunch and a bottle of wine. Enjoy our 100 acres of lovingly cared for woodlands and meadows. We've got a gorgeous view of the Connecticut River valley where you can hike or relax for an hour or a day. Keep an eye out for local wildlife too. We have a couple families of deer and several other cute critters plus many beautiful birds. Come join us in furnishing a greener world! We can't wait to meet you.See more..
4.5Union Village Dam(2 reviews) - Beautiful place to stroll among the fall foliage Nature & Wildlife Areas
My local friend brought me here during my visit to the area in the fall. Despite the gate being closed, there were other people around enjoying the beautiful area. We enjoyed walking up to the dam and taking in the views all around!See more..
4.0Ward's Marsh Wildlife Management Area(1 review) - Excellent Birding location near Whitehall NY-especially if you have a canoe or kayak Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas
Technically this birding area is at the border between Whitehall, NY and West Haven, VT. You approach it from East Bay Road just north of Whitehall. There are two ways to explore. One is by taking many of the several paths in the area - which are outlined by Nature Conservancy. The trails are well marked. You also can drive all the way west on Garlick and take a peak at the old farm that the Conservancy has saved. We explored the other way- by water. There is a pull off by the bridge over the river, but we drove over onto Garlick Road, continued west for a while, and found one of a couple places to put in our canoe. Once in the water we paddled both ways. Significant amount of bird sightings- from ducks, to warblers, to kingfishers. It was slow and easy paddling so easy to stop and watch. We went in September so it was also full of migrants. You can also enjoy fishing on the river.See more..
5.0C.C. Putnam State Forest(1 review) - Hiked Mt. Hunger via Waterbury Trail Nature & Wildlife Areas • Forests
This is a fantastic but challenging hike! The climb is unrelenting but doable for most abilities. Check the conditions before you go, not great when wet. The views were the best! Not to mention the waterfall is a great reprieve right when the climb gets tough . Not heavily trafficked if you go early. See more..
4.0Chaffee Falls Trail(1 review) - ADVENTURE WALKING THROUGH SEMI-STRENUOUS TRAIL NEAR PITTSFORD, VT Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails Chaffee Falls Trail is a fun and challenging place to hike if you are physically fit and agile. There are steep slippery areas so take your time. The trails is about: 1.7 miles with a cross connector and another (0.7 mi.) rather steep winding branch off the north side of the trail. You park Just off Hitchcock Road, approximately 0.7 miles north from the Plains Road intersection. The trail meanders through mostly wooded land along Furnace Brook with views of Chaffee Falls and rapids below.See more..
5.0Kent Pond(1 review) - Famous fall foliage site Spent < 1 hour Nature & Wildlife Areas This is probably the most frequently photographed place for fall foliage - the leaves are gorgeous and the reflections in Kent Pond are spectacular. There is a walk about half way around the pond- on your right as you face the pond. The walk can be squishy if it has rained recently - sneakers or e en boots advised. It is slightly up hill in places, but well marked. Beautiful views and a peaceful walk/commune with nature. There is also a view of the pond from Thundering Book road, but this spot is preferred for photos and walks.See more..
5.0Bonnyvale Environmental Eduction Center(1 review) - Amazing Views and family friendly trails Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails • Forests Bonnyvale Enviro Ed Center is a great destination for a ramble in the woods that includes a multi-state view from the top of Heifer Hill. Great woods, hardwood forests and programing. We watched the eclipse from the meadow...See more..
