Location: Saint Johnsbury
Top Things to do in Saint Johnsbury
Countries
Top 5 Hidden Gems Things to do in Saint Johnsbury, Vermont (VT)
St. Johnsbury (known locally as "St. Jay") is the shire town (county seat) of Caledonia County, Vermont, United States. The population was 7,603 at the 2010 census. St. Johnsbury is located approximately 10 miles (16 km) northwest of the Connecticut River and 48 miles (77 km) south of the Canada-U.S. border.
Restaurants in Saint Johnsbury
1. Dog Mountain Home of Stephen Huneck Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 207 reviews
Dog Mountain is a nonprofit set on 150 acres on a private mountain top spot in St. Johnsbury, Vermont. The grounds are open from dawn til dusk to people and their dogs. Artist Stephen Huneck and his wife, Gwen, bought the property in 1995. They turned the barn into studio space. After Stephen’s unique visionary experience, the world famous Dog Chapel was built. The unspoiled haven is covered with hiking trails and dog ponds. Wildflowers abound in the summer and snow-shoeing is a favorite activity in the winter. Year after year, the Dog Chapel and the Stephen Huneck Gallery get more and more visitors from all over the world. Leashes are optional on Dog Mountain. Dogs are not just welcome here, they are cherished! Dogs are free to run, play, swim and, best of all, meet other dogs! It's great to hear from travelling visitors and local residents alike how much Dog Mountain means to them and their dogs.
Reviewed By sallyl801 - Portland, United States
was able to bring our dog off her leash and let her run free. nice well maintained trails. beautiful views.
2. The Dog Chapel
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 147 reviews
Artist and author Stephen Huneck created the one-of-a-kind Dog Chapel to be in his words, “A place where people can go and celebrate the spiritual bond they have with their dogs. It is the largest artwork of my life and the most personal.” Thousands of people from around the world visit the Dog Chapel each year. The interior walls are covered floor to ceiling with photos, drawings, letters, and keepsakes left as memorials to beloved departed pets. The chapel is a place of quiet and colorful beauty, gentle humor, and profound love. A visit there is a unique and moving experience for all animal lovers. “When you visit the Dog Chapel you are totally enveloped with messages of love. It is a very moving experience - sad, certainly, but also uplifting - to see how much everyone cherishes his or her dog. Grieving for a lost dog is one aspect of the Dog Chapel, but equally important is celebrating the joy of living and the bond between dogs and their owners.” -Stephen Huneck
Reviewed By travelingteacher51 - Pepperell, United States
For anyone who ever loved and lost their dog, this place will be a must if you are in the area. The beautiful chapel was built to honor all dogs. It was sad and heart warming to see all the notes left by dog owners for their departed pets. The store has many dog gift items to choose from. There are walking paths too. Check out the web site. The site is just off the main road where the statue is located. I hope this helps.
3. Lamoille Valley Rail Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By GlobalVillage - Burlington, United States
Background. For some reason, Trip Advisor lists the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail (LVRT) as in St. Johnsbury. While there is a smaller section of LVRT there, a larger section is open between Jeffersonville, Johnson, and Morrisville. Jeffersonville is near Smuggler's Notch and Morrisville is near Stowe, each of which are year round resorts. -If riding from Morrisville to Johnson, you will have more "uphill" on your return ride to Morrisville. One weekend we rode Jeffersonville (near Smuggler's Notch) to Johnson (and return). Another weekend we rode Morrisville (near Stowe) to Johnson (and back). Highlights. Both directions are beautiful and alternate between riding through trees and farmland. Key points are as follows: Jeffersonville Access -Access is across the road from Jack F Corse (a fuel company), 5812 VT-15, Jeffersonville, VT. -Bike rentals available right on the trail. Bootlegger Bicycle's rents the bikes. -Port-o-let, parking, and play area all next to trail. -Jeffersonville restaurants just down the road (not on trail). Morrisville -Access is at Oxbow Riverfront Park, 257 Portland St., Morrisville, VT. -Port-o-let and parking next to trail (behind Port-o-let). -At least two restaurants on the trail (one right near Oxbow Park, Lost Nation Brewery maybe a mile down the trail (towards Johnson). -If riding from Morrisville to Johnson, you will have more "uphill" on your return ride to Morrisville. Johnson -While we didn't stop at Johnson, they have a rest stop right on trail. The rest stop is on west side of Johnson. It has a port-o-let, a picnic bench, and potable water for refilling your water bottles. Plus they there is a detailed wall map. -If riding from Johnson to Morrisville, you will have more "uphill" on to Morrisville. We really enjoyed these two rides and we're sure we'll ride them again this summer!
4. Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 166 reviews
An inspired, eclectic collection that started as a "cabinet of curiosities" during the Victorian era. Displays include taxidermy, shells, tools, mummies, and artifacts from around the world. Don't miss John Hampson's "Bug Art" -- mosaics made entirely of beetles and moths -- and the seasonal native butterfly house (in the summer). Home to Vermont's only public planetarium (temporarily closed due to COVID19) and the Eye on the Sky weather center.
Reviewed By suzim461
As always the Fairbanks Museum has something for all ages....fantastic collections in “Smithsoneum” level displays. The architecture of the building inside and out make it worth the trip! Oh and the planetarium is well worth a visit, especially with children, pretty awesome! I have been going here for over 50 years and it never gets old!
5. St. Johnsbury Athenaeum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 108 reviews
A public library with an art gallery.
Reviewed By Green1Ma
This is the downtown free local library and a museum. The architecture is stunning. The staff is knowledgeable and its fun to be able to explore on your own. Everyone is welcome to sit, read, or just browse the eclectic art. One section of the painting collection is roped off and there is a $5 charge. If you like libraries, history, or art, this is well worth a visit. There is on-street parking, shopping and restaurant nearby.
