Lake houses in Lake Champlain

Nestled in the Adirondack Mountains on the border of Vermont and New York, Lake Champlain serves as a boundary between the two states. During the warmer months, the lake is dotted with swimmers, fishers casting their lines, and kayakers and paddleboarders skimming the lake’s surface. In the surrounding parkland, you will find ample opportunities for hiking and biking.

Many historical sites are located along Lake Champlain, including Fort Ticonderoga, the Crown Point State Historic Site, and the Ethan Allen Homestead, and the region’s many museums will help you learn about the past of this unique area. The lake is dotted with small towns and hamlets like Charlotte, where you can hike up Mount Philo to get great views of the lake, and Ferrisburgh, where you can visit a stop on the underground railroad. As you go, you can take in notable houses, churches, libraries, and lighthouses, shop in locally-owned boutiques, and eat at one of the many independent restaurants or taprooms.

Although the weather varies drastically throughout the year, Lake Champlain can be considered a year-round destination. The summer is a great time to visit the area if you want to take advantage of the many outdoor activities or visit some of the historic sites thanks to the beautiful warm, sunny weather. Late spring and early fall are mild and although it may be a little too cold to swim, you can get temperature ranges that are perfect for hiking or cycling. By mid to late fall, the leafy trees will turn into a collage of red, orange, and yellow, which is a spectacular site to see. The winter months can get downright chilly but this is also a great time to soak up the region’s picturesque wintertime scenery and attend the Christmas bazaars. You may also be able to score some great deals on Lake Champlain vacation rentals, including cabins, cottages, and apartments mid-week and during the off-season.

Fort Ticonderoga

Fort Ticonderoga was the location of the first American victory during the Revolutionary War. Although the Battle of Fort Ticonderoga was small, it gave the army the artillery that they needed to continue the fight. Today, you can visit the well-preserved remains of the fort, see an impressive collection of 18th-century weapons, watch a weapons demonstration, and learn more about what life was like in the 1770s.

Point au Roches State Park

Located on Lake Champlain’s western shore, the Point au Roches State Park consists of both forested and open areas. There are miles of hiking and biking trails, a sandy beach, and boat mooring sites. It’s also a great place for kayaking, fishing, and swimming.

Burlington

Burlington is a vibrant little city on the eastern shore of Lake Champlain. It hosts the Church Street Marketplace, an outdoor commercial district with more than 150 kiosks, restaurants, and shops, and the Burlington Greenway offers eight miles of bike paths. The city also hosts an array of unique festivals like the Maple Open House Weekend, where you can visit sugaring factories to see how this delicious condiment is created. There are some world-class museums located nearby, including the ECHO Leahy Science Center and the Ethan Allen Homestead, which takes visitors back in time to the 18th century to learn more about the legendary statesman who helped found Vermont.