A historic side-wheel steamboat, Tiffany glass windows, and nature trails offer different points of interest in Shelburne. As you plan, consider whether you are more interested in engineering history, art and architecture, creating something yourself, or the landscape. The attractions also differ in how you can engage with each topic.
Engineering history aboard the Ticonderoga
The Ticonderoga steamboat is a National Historic Landmark and the last surviving passenger side-wheeler with a walking beam engine. It brings together historic status and a distinctive engineering design. Visitors can freely explore its four decks, large engine, pilothouse, galley, and crew quarters. The spaces range from the engine and pilothouse to the galley and crew quarters, allowing you to explore both the ship’s technical features and aspects of everyday life aboard. Those interested in engineering history will find both a distinctive type of shipbuilding and a variety of rooms and decks to explore.
Trails and water at Shelburne Bay Park
Shelburne Bay Park has a bike and recreation path for hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. These activities include walking as well as two winter pursuits. The recreation path also connects to the Ti-Haul Trail and Harbor Road, west of Shelburne Community School. The park also provides fishing access on the La Platte River, Shelburne Bay, and Lake Champlain. The options fall into two categories: trail activities on the one hand, and fishing access at three named bodies of water on the other.
Landscape along the trails
LaPlatte Nature Park offers a different focus. Its trails pass through land managed as a hayfield, through woods, and along the LaPlatte River. Here, the landscape features along the route provide the points of reference: an open, managed area, woods, and riverbank. By comparison, Shelburne Bay Park offers specific trail activities and fishing access. When planning, you can therefore choose between a route defined by its landscape and a park with several named activities.
Art, architecture, and creative activities
Trinity Episcopal Church has Tiffany glass windows in the nave and choir. These are two distinct parts of the church, each providing a setting for artistic and architectural details. Vermont Teddy Bear’s Design Studio offers another kind of activity: visitors can create their own customized stuffed animal there. The studio’s offerings may change, so it’s best to check whether this activity is available before your visit. Your options therefore include two different points of interest: a specific feature of the church and a hands-on creative activity.
Views from Shelburne Farms
The highest point at Shelburne Farms offers views of the Inn, Lake Champlain, the Adirondack Mountains, and the Green Mountains. The panorama includes a named building, a lake, and two mountain ranges. This viewpoint differs from the trails at LaPlatte Nature Park, which pass through hayfields and woods and along the river.
Explore more destinations: Burlington, Essex Junction, Underhill, South Burlington, Williston, Colchester
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