What to do and see in Montpelier, Vermont (VT): The Best Free Things to do

August 7, 2021 Moriah Teneyck

The smallest state capital in the United States, Montpelier's humble appearance belies the abundance of activity and culture humming under its surface. Hubbard and North Branch Parks offer a wealth of outdoor activities, from cross country skiing in the winter to hiking and mountain biking in warmer months. The Winooski River offers challenging whitewater rafting and canoeing. Montpelier also offers a number of cultural pursuits, from numerous galleries and museums to the gold-domed State House.
Restaurants in Montpelier

1. Camel's Hump

Montpelier, VT http://www.vtstateparks.com/htm/camelshump.htm
Excellent
82%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 82 reviews

Camel's Hump

At 4083 feet high, this peak is connected to Mount Mansfield by the Long Trail.

Reviewed By G2258YKpaulp - Montpelier, United States

Ok-- it's a mountain-- be prepared for that. Don't listen to the "average times" to get to the top. Even in shape it's a slog up a varied surface trail with changeable weather conditions. Be prepared for that and bring a lot of water. HOWEVER, once up, you'll not want to come down. The views are fantastic on a clear day and the vegetation is protected and beautiful. I managed to hit the summit on a clear day during foliage and it was spectacular. On the downward leg, look for the wing of the B-24 Liberator that crashed into the mountain during WWII, killing the entire crew. Amazingly enough, that's all that's up there. The rest, including four huge Wright Cyclone engines were brought down for scrap by some local farmer years ago, probably by mule.

2. The Quirky Pet

5 State St, Montpelier, VT 05602-4900 +1 802-229-1211 [email protected] http://www.facebook.com/The-Quirky-Pet-230604616994289/
Excellent
88%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 17 reviews

The Quirky Pet

Reviewed By KirbyQ - Monticello, United States

We stopped off in Montpelier today, after reading all of the glowing reviews for The Quirky Pet on TripAdvisor. As a huge dog person, I wanted to see a Bergamasco Sheepdog in person and of course, purchase some things for my three dogs that are traveling with us. There was a good selection of healthy treats as well as other dog items. Friendly, fun place with cute dogs!

3. Vermont State House

115 State St, Montpelier, VT 05633-0004 +1 802-828-2228 http://legislature.vermont.gov
Excellent
65%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 455 reviews

Vermont State House

Gold dome building located in Montpelier.

Reviewed By DWoerner - Georgetown, United States

The Vermont State Capitol Building in Montpelier is a stunning and classic building in a beautiful setting. The building dates to 1859, is finely detailed, and contains a small state museum which features Montpelier native Admiral George Dewey from the Spanish American War of 1898. The surrounding area is also picturesque, across the street from the Capitol Building is a string of about 5 or 6 fine old Victorian-era houses, many of which now house Vermont state departments and a visitor center with free coffee and restrooms. The entire area is surrounded by nice trees with fall color.

4. Hubbard Park

Winter Street, Montpelier, VT +1 802-223-7335 http://www.montpelier-vt.org/group/246/Hubbard-Park.html
Excellent
51%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 68 reviews

Hubbard Park

Reviewed By m1k3wxm

Beautiful place to go and spend a few hours hiking and the views from the top of the tower are stunning especially at sunset this place will always be special to me too as I proposed to my fiancé here

5. Bragg Farm Sugar House & Gift Shop

1005 Vt Route 14 S, Montpelier, VT 05651-9765 +1 802-223-5757 [email protected] http://www.braggfarm.com/
Excellent
69%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 291 reviews

Bragg Farm Sugar House & Gift Shop

Reviewed By MasterMaineGuide - Brunswick, United States

This is a maple sugar house that sells maple syrup, maple candy, and so forth plus VT made and themed products. In my husband's opinion just go for the intense robust maple syrup creemies that are created there. Noone is better in VT and he has tried many.

6. Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks

1168 County Rd, Montpelier, VT 05602-8135 +1 800-242-2740 [email protected] http://www.morsefarm.com/
Excellent
58%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 458 reviews

Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks

Free sugar house tours and tasting, multimedia displays in a real woodshed theater, a nature trail, country store, and an outdoor Vermont farm life museum make up the Morse Farm experience, and sprinkled throughout, are whimsical carved folklife characters created by Burr Morse.

Reviewed By Fearless33849358752

If you live in Central Vermont, Morse Farm is one of those iconic family businesses to visit with out-of-town family or friends; to buy your Christmas tree and wreath; to buy your fall mums and pumpkins; to buy your fresh berries, corn, apples or whatever the seasonal produce might be. They make their own excellent maple syrup in all grades, maple sugar candy, maple kettle corn, and offer maple creemees year round. They have a great gift shop with whimsical items for folks of all ages plus maple syrup tasting. They stock Vermont cheeses and other local products in the frig and local grass-fed beef in their freezer. Situated just outside of Montpelier, it's a major stop for tour buses during leaf-peeper season. It's a charming place to sit in the sun, take in the views, and have a nice chat with family or friends over one of those delicious creemees.

7. Three Penny Taproom

108 Main St, Montpelier, VT 05602-2906 +1 802-223-8277 http://www.threepennytaproom.com
Excellent
61%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
0%
Terrible
6%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 18 reviews

Three Penny Taproom

8. Ethan Allen Statue

Montpelier, VT
Excellent
35%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
15%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 26 reviews

Ethan Allen Statue

Located at the front of the Vermont State House.

9. Ceres

Montpelier, VT
Excellent
50%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
11%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 18 reviews

Ceres

Statue of the Roman goddess of agriculture stands atop the dome of the Capitol.

10. Cocoa Bean of Vermont

30 State St, Montpelier, VT 05602-2919 +1 802-225-6670 [email protected] http://cocoabeanofvermont.com
Excellent
56%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
0%
Terrible
11%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 9 reviews

Cocoa Bean of Vermont produces fine handmade chocolates and truffles. Our chocolates are made daily at our Montpelier, Vermont retail location. We add the freshest all natural ingredients, including Vermont cream, sweet butter, maple syrup, honey, seasonal jams, and Vermont roasted coffee. Chocolates can also be purchased as corporate gifts, wedding favors, or custom ordered.

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