What are Some Outdoor Activities in Burlington, Vermont?

Finding plenty of outdoor activities in Burlington, Vermont is not hard to do. With the beautiful countryside and the expanse of Lake Champlain nearby, Burlington offers some of the greatest outdoor activities in Vermont. Here are a few examples of outdoor activities in Burlington that the whole family can enjoy.

A good place to begin the exploration of outdoor activities in Burlington is at the Main Street Landing. Here, you can enjoy a park that is ideal for picnics, tossing around a football with the kids, and also enjoying biking and roller blading. Sidewalk dining provides a chance to enjoy your meal with the lake and a great view of the Adirondack Mountains in the background. Cool breezes off the water keep the landing area comfortable even on the hottest summer day. There is also a hiking trail into the foothills if you feel like going for a walk for an hour or two. There are stations along the hiking trail to rest and also catch some breathtaking views of the water.

For anyone that wants to try their hand at boating and skiing on Lake Champlain, drop into the Winds of Ireland at the Burlington Boathouse. As one of the most popular outdoor activities in Burlington, the lake offers plenty of water recreation, including swimming. You can enjoy a half day or full day cruise around the lake, get in some fishing, and enjoy plenty of sun and water-skiing. The United States Coast Guard licenses all captains with Winds of Ireland, so you can focus on having fun while the professionals take care of handling the boat.

One of the outdoor activities in Burlington that you do not want to miss is the Vermont Flower Garden, located along U.S. Route 7. Here you can enjoy six acres of carefully cultivated tracts of wildflowers. While most of the wildflowers are indigenous to Vermont and the New England area, there are also varieties from around the country. Paths that weave through the garden are marked with signs that give the name of the wildflowers in the immediate area, plus some background on the tending of those particular blooms. In some cases, anecdotes about the history of the flowers or their use in herbal combinations are sometimes included as well. No matter what time of year you visit Vermont, there is something in bloom at the gardens.

If you are in the mood to take in a baseball game, drop in on the city’s Lake Monsters at Centennial Field. As a class A minor league team, the Lake Monsters constitute one of the most popular outdoor activities in Burlington during the short season. Along with seeing a good game and getting plenty of fresh air, there is also plenty to see around the University of Vermont campus, where Centennial Field is located.

While the city may not be a large metropolitan area, there are plenty of outdoor activities in Burlington to enjoy. From fun in the water to hiking in the hills to watching a baseball game in the afternoon sunshine, Burlington offers a lot of fun that is great for the entire family.