On Isle La Motte, you can explore Earth’s history at named sites: the Chazy Fossil Reef formed about 460 million years ago, and trails and preserves focus on fossils and their interpretation. Also here are Saint Anne’s Shrine, with places for reflection, and Fort Ste. Anne, with its French military history. Geology, pilgrimage traditions, and the history of the fort offer different focuses to help you plan your trip.

Chazy Fossil Reef and Fisk Quarry

The Chazy Fossil Reef on Isle La Motte formed about 460 million years ago during the Ordovician Period. The island contains the best and most complete fossil record of this reef. A trail running from south to north tells the story of its development.

The former Fisk Quarry is now a nature preserve owned by the Isle La Motte Preservation Trust. Fossils in the bedrock at Fisk Quarry Preserve include spiral-shaped snails; stromatoporoid fossils can be found in the quarry walls. While the trail tells the story of the reef’s development, Fisk Quarry focuses on specific fossil forms in the rock.

Trails in Goodsell Ridge Preserve

Goodsell Ridge Preserve has seven fossil Discovery Areas with signs about the fossils in the rock outcrops there. The nearly one-mile-long Walk Through Time Trail also has signs that tell the story of life on Earth. They are installed seasonally. The two offerings have different focuses: the Discovery Areas highlight fossils in specific rock outcrops, while the trail tells a broader story of life. If you’re deciding between the topics, this distinction can help you choose what you’d like to focus on.

Saint Anne’s Shrine and Fort Ste. Anne

The 32-acre grounds of Saint Anne’s Shrine border Lake Champlain and offer a view of the Adirondack Mountains. A Stations of the Cross and rustic grottos provide places for reflection and prayer. The Shrine thus connects the landscape with religious sites that offer a distinct focus alongside the island’s geological features.

The first organized pilgrimage to Saint Anne’s Shrine took place in 1893 and drew nearly 2,000 people. Fort Ste. Anne was built in 1666 on the northwestern shore of Isle La Motte by French soldiers under the command of Captain Sieur de La Motte of the Carignan. The fort served as a starting point for several French military expeditions against the British and the Mohawk Nations. The island thus presents two distinct historical perspectives: the fort’s military history and the Shrine’s organized pilgrimage tradition.

Directions and Access

The official route from Burlington to Saint Anne’s Shrine crosses the North Hero Bridge, follows Route 129, and then crosses the Isle La Motte Bridge. This sequence provides specific guidance for traveling from Burlington.

The Holcomb Bay access area has a concrete ramp and a pier. Seasonal conditions may affect access. If you plan to visit this location, take seasonal conditions into account before your visit.

Discover more destinations: South Hero, Alburgh, North Hero

Return to the main travel overview: Grand Isle County.