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Burlington Sights and Landmarks Guide, Vermont

Standing on the eastern shore of Lake Champlain amidst the lake’s 80-odd islands, the city of Burlington is indeed a natural paradise. There is no hint of doubt that viewing the scenic beauty of the surrounding areas is what brings flocks of tourists to Burlington, however, the city has other attractions – historic sites, old buildings, museums, etc. You can explore these Burlington sights and places of interest on your own or opt for available tours.

Burlington Sights – Historic Sites and Museums

Shelburne Farms, the 3800-acre agricultural estate established in the late 19th century, is a historic site of interest. Hugely popular among tourist-circles, the estate has now become more of a model for its superior management.

The Burlington VT area has two museums – the Shelburne Museum and the Robert Hull Fleming Museum. The former, spreads over 45 acres of land and encompasses 37 buildings; it is much more than a museum as it safeguards New England’s historic treasures and its traditions. Among the exhibits, the attractions of this museum are notable structures like the old Lake Champlain lighthouse, an archaic covered bridge, old carriages and sledges and even antique furniture.

The Robert Hull Fleming Museum, on the other hand, presents its extensive fine-art collection as well as other artifacts; check out the paintings of Homer, Corot and Romney. The museum also lets you peep into the Ancient World as its exhibits also include an Egyptian mummy and Sumerian cuneiform tablets.

Burlington Sights – Academia Sites

The University of Vermont or "Universitas Vinidis Montis", with its lush green surroundings and its rich montage of different architectural styles pulls huge crowd almost year-round. Founded in 1791, the University boasts of a rich culture besides the majestic beauty of the campus-buildings. Musical and dramatic performances hosted in the Flynn Theatre for the Performing Arts are popular with the visitors.

Among other educational Burlington sights is the city’s largest public library, the Fletcher Free Library. The building, Carnegie Building that houses the library, has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Burlington Sights – Other Major Attractions

So far, we have spoken of Burlington sights for adults; however, the city of Burlington and its surroundings have enough to fascinate the young. So, if you are traveling with your children, you can go to the Adams Apple Orchard or to the Vermont Teddy Bear Company; pay a visit to Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Factory or tour the Lake Champlain Chocolates Company. The kids will be all charged-up and you will love to be part of their thrill and excitement. Moreover, when you feel that the children have had their eye-fills of candies and ice-creams and teddy bears, you can take them to the ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center, which houses amphibians, fish, invertebrates and reptiles of 70 different species. In addition, if you want them to get closer to Mother Nature, take them to Green Mountain Audubon Center.