Barnard VermontATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Barnard, Vermont.
1. Silver Lake State Park
SERENE LAKE PARADISE
Silver Lake State Park is an 84-acre lake nestled in the hills surrounding the village of Barnard. The park features a public beach with picnic area and boat launch, directly across from the Barnard General Store. With no motorized watercraft allowed, it offers a peaceful experience for swimming, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and ice fishing in the winter.
2. Feast and Field Market
LOCAL FARMERS MARKET
Feast and Field Market is a charming farmers market in Barnard featuring local produce and crafts. Visitors can enjoy the opportunity to connect with local farmers and artisans while experiencing Vermont's agricultural heritage. The market exemplifies Barnard's burgeoning movement of arts and agriculture.
3. Fable Farm Fermentory
ARTISANAL FERMENTED BEVERAGES
Fable Farm Fermentory is a unique attraction in Barnard producing artisanal fermented beverages. The fermentory represents the entrepreneurial spirit and craftsmanship that Barnard is known for. Visitors can experience the intersection of traditional methods and innovative approaches to fermentation.
4. Barnard General Store
HISTORIC VILLAGE HUB
Barnard General Store is a charming specialty and gift shop located in the heart of the village. The store serves as a community gathering place directly across from Silver Lake. It offers visitors a taste of authentic small-town Vermont life while providing essentials and unique local goods.
5. Appalachian Trail
LEGENDARY HIKING PATH
The Appalachian Trail passes near Barnard, offering exceptional hiking opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Hikers can experience breathtaking views of Vermont's Green Mountains and surrounding landscapes. The trail provides access to some of the most beautiful natural scenery in the region, making it perfect for day hikes or as part of a longer journey.
6. Killington Ski Resort
PREMIER MOUNTAIN ADVENTURE
Killington Ski Resort is a world-class ski destination located within an hour's drive from Barnard. The resort offers extensive skiing and snowboarding options across multiple peaks and terrain varieties. During non-winter months, it transforms into an adventure center with mountain biking, hiking, and other outdoor activities.
7. Sugarbush Resort
SCENIC MOUNTAIN RECREATION
Sugarbush Resort is a premier ski and recreation area within driving distance of Barnard. The resort features diverse terrain for skiing and snowboarding in winter, plus summer activities including golf, hiking, and mountain biking. From its peaks, visitors can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the Green Mountains and surrounding valleys.
8. Okemo Mountain Resort
FAMILY-FRIENDLY MOUNTAIN DESTINATION
Okemo Mountain Resort is a popular year-round destination known for its family-friendly atmosphere and accessibility from Barnard. In winter, the resort offers excellent skiing and snowboarding across varied terrain suitable for all skill levels. Summer activities include mountain biking, hiking, golf, and a mountain coaster for visitors seeking warm-weather adventures.
9. Woodstock Cross-Country Skiing
NORDIC SKIING PARADISE
Woodstock offers exceptional cross-country skiing opportunities within easy reach of Barnard. The area features well-maintained trails winding through picturesque Vermont landscapes and forests. Skiers of all abilities can enjoy the peaceful Nordic experience in this quintessential Vermont setting.
10. VAST Snowmobile Trails
WINTER ADVENTURE NETWORK
The Vermont Association of Snow Travelers (VAST) maintains an extensive network of snowmobile trails that pass through Barnard. These trails connect to a larger system spanning thousands of miles across Vermont. Winter enthusiasts can explore the snow-covered countryside and experience the thrill of snowmobiling through Vermont's beautiful terrain.
11. Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park
HISTORIC CONSERVATION ESTATE
Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park in nearby Woodstock is one of Vermont's cultural and historical treasures. The park encompasses a managed forest, a Victorian mansion, and gardens that tell the story of conservation history in America. Visitors can enjoy guided tours, hiking trails, and educational programs about sustainable land management and Vermont's natural heritage.
12. Billings Farm & Museum
LIVING AGRICULTURAL HISTORY
Billings Farm & Museum is a working dairy farm and museum that showcases Vermont's rural heritage near Barnard. Visitors can experience authentic 19th-century farm life through interactive exhibits, demonstrations, and seasonal activities. The farm features Jersey cows, draft horses, sheep, and other heritage livestock breeds in a picturesque setting.
13. Quechee Gorge
VERMONT'S LITTLE GRAND CANYON
Quechee Gorge is Vermont's deepest gorge, formed by glacial activity and the Ottauquechee River, located a short drive from Barnard. Visitors can view the spectacular 165-foot deep chasm from the Route 4 bridge or hike down to the river below on well-maintained trails. The surrounding Quechee State Park offers picnic areas, camping, and further hiking opportunities to explore this natural wonder.
14. Vermont Institute of Natural Science
WILDLIFE REHABILITATION CENTER
The Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) is a wildlife rehabilitation and education center featuring rescued birds of prey. The facility includes a forest canopy walk, nature trails, and educational exhibits about Vermont's ecosystems and wildlife. Visitors can attend live raptor programs and witness the rehabilitation of injured birds while learning about conservation efforts.
15. Simon Pearce Glass Blowing Workshop
ARTISANAL GLASS CREATION
Simon Pearce Workshop offers visitors the chance to observe master glassblowers creating exquisite handcrafted pieces in a restored mill overlooking the Ottauquechee River. The facility includes a restaurant with spectacular views of the waterfall below and a retail store featuring their handmade glassware and pottery. This attraction exemplifies Vermont's rich tradition of craftsmanship and artisanal production not far from Barnard.