Though the state’s breathtaking Green Mountains are its most well-known feature, Vermont is also home to a number of alluring islands that provide a distinctive diversion from the mainland.
Tucked away in the state’s crystal-clear waters, these undiscovered treasures provide chances for leisure, discovery, and an absolutely remarkable encounter. Come explore the alluring splendor of Vermont’s island getaways with us.
North Hero Island
North Hero is made up of the town of North Hero and is located to the north of South Hero. There are less than 1,000 people living on the island/town, which has a land area of more than 13 square miles.
Gazing across the picturesque Lake Champlain, locals and visitors dine at Bravo Zulu Lakeside Bar and shop at Hero’s Welcome. The two state parks in North Hero are the destination for those seeking a bit more adventure.
At the northernmost point of the island, North Hero State Park spans around 400 acres, while Knight Point State Park occupies 54 acres at the southernmost point.
Burton Island
Of the three Vermont islands, this one is the largest and fully protected as a state park. Breathtaking landscape and life-saving utilities may be found on all 253 of its acres, which are managed as Burton Island State Park.
These include of cabins, campsites, hiking paths, bike rentals, a museum, a disc golf course, a marina, and even a restaurant/store named Burton Island Bistro. The fact that Burton is the only “state park island” in Vermont with ferry service is particularly noteworthy.
It transports pedestrians between the mainland and St. Albans. If you own a boat, you may spend a fantastic weekend exploring Woods Island State Park, Knight Island State Park, and Burton Island State Park.
Isle La Motte
The Grand Isle County island chain’s third-largest island is Isle La Motte. It is situated to the west of North Hero Island and the Canadian-born Alburgh Tongue peninsula, covering an area of roughly 8 square miles.
Along with a variety of natural and historical attractions, it is home to the world’s oldest known diversified fossil reef, the Chazy Fossil Reef, which dates back about 450 million years.
Rising above Lake Champlain, roads and biking paths connect all three of major Isle County’s major islands and its peninsula with mainland Vermont. Examples of these routes are Vermont Route 2 and the Champlain Bikeway.
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Juniper Island
Since 1956, when it was purchased from the federal government for an estimated $7,000, this 13-acre Lake Champlain sanctuary has been privately owned.
Prior to being under private control, Juniper Island provided service to the Juniper Island Light, which was constructed about 1846 and shut down in 1954. America’s oldest cast iron lighthouse, according to legend, is a 30-foot antique.
It’s not possible to land on Juniper, although you can sail around it. There are tours available along the outer reaches of the island, where you should be able to make out through the dense foliage the old lighthouse and keeper’s quarters.
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South Hero Island
The largest island in Lake Champlain is South Hero, with a land area of about thirty square miles. Grand Isle State Park, which spans 226 acres and 4,150 feet of beachfront, The Island Hub, Ellison Estate Vineyard, Hyde Log Cabin & Schoolhouse, and other breathtaking locations are all accessible to the town’s more than 2,000 residents.
South Hero features a sizable RV park called Apple Island Resort even though it lacks a state park. Indeed, you can get to South Hero Island by car, foot, or bicycle.
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To Conclude
For those looking for a peaceful getaway, a trip to Vermont’s islands is something special and unforgettable. Every island has an own personality, from the natural beauty of Burton Island to the historic charm of Isle La Motte.
Certain islands, like Juniper Island, are best viewed from a distance, but other islands, like North Hero and South Hero, provide chances for leisure and exploration.
The islands of Vermont have enough to offer everyone, whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a history buff, or just trying to relax.
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