Barton VermontATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Barton, Vermont.
1. Crystal Lake State Park
PRISTINE LAKESIDE RECREATION
Crystal Lake State Park invites visitors to swim, boat, fish, picnic, or simply relax by the beautiful waters. The park features stunning mountain views surrounding the crystal-clear lake that serves as the centerpiece of Barton. Guests can enjoy public beaches and designated picnic spots while taking in the breathtaking natural scenery.
2. Wheeler Mountain
SCENIC MOUNTAIN HIKING
Wheeler Mountain offers hikers rewarding trails with spectacular views of the surrounding Northeast Kingdom landscape. The mountain trail system provides varying levels of difficulty, making it accessible for both casual walkers and experienced hikers. At the summit, visitors can enjoy panoramic vistas that showcase Vermont's natural beauty.
3. Barton Golf Club
SCENIC GOLF EXPERIENCE
Barton Golf Club features a challenging 6000-yard par 70 course nestled in the heart of Vermont's Northeast Kingdom. The club offers discounted golf rates for guests staying at their fully furnished on-site accommodations. Golfers can enjoy the picturesque surroundings while navigating this well-maintained course that caters to players of all skill levels.
4. Maple Hill Farm
AUTHENTIC VERMONT MAPLE
Maple Hill Farm offers visitors an authentic Vermont maple syrup production experience in Barton. The farm showcases traditional and modern maple sugaring techniques, allowing guests to learn about this iconic Vermont industry. Visitors can purchase fresh maple products directly from the source while experiencing rural Vermont charm.
5. Pierce House Museum
LOCAL HISTORY PRESERVED
The Pierce House Museum, operated by the Crystal Lake Historical Society, preserves Barton's rich history in an 1820s house on Water Street. The museum houses photographs and artifacts from Barton's industries and schools, including a model of the 200-year old Barton Mill Hill known as the "Brick Kingdom" factory site. Summer exhibits provide additional historical insights for visitors interested in the town's heritage.
6. Clyde River Recreation
SCENIC RIVER ADVENTURES
Clyde River Recreation offers river trips and rentals of kayaks, canoes, and small boats for exploring Northern Vermont's waterways. The operation is open daily from 8:00 AM until dark, including holidays, providing flexible scheduling for water adventures. Visitors can experience the natural beauty of Vermont from a unique perspective while paddling along the scenic Clyde River.
7. Pageant Park
COMMUNITY RECREATION SPACE
Pageant Park serves as a beloved community gathering space in Barton, offering recreational facilities for locals and visitors alike. The park provides a peaceful setting for picnics, community events, and outdoor activities throughout the warmer months. Its convenient location makes it an ideal spot for families looking to enjoy quality time outdoors in Barton.
8. May Pond
TRANQUIL FISHING SPOT
May Pond offers a serene fishing and boating experience in Barton's picturesque countryside. The pond attracts anglers seeking a variety of freshwater fish species in a peaceful setting away from crowds. Nature enthusiasts can also enjoy wildlife viewing opportunities around the pond's shoreline.
9. Willoughby River
SCENIC FLOWING WATERS
The Willoughby River flows through Barton, offering scenic views and recreational opportunities for visitors and locals. The river provides excellent fishing spots, particularly during seasonal fish runs that attract anglers from throughout the region. Its peaceful banks create perfect settings for nature photography, picnicking, or simply enjoying Vermont's natural beauty.
10. Glover Historical Society Museum
PRESERVED LOCAL HERITAGE
The Glover Historical Society Museum, located above the town clerk's office next to the library, houses a collection of artifacts and documents preserving the area's heritage. Formed in 1990 as an outgrowth of Glover's Bicentennial celebration, the society is committed to gathering and maintaining historical records. The museum offers visitors insight into local history through its carefully curated exhibits and published historical texts.
11. Lake Willoughby
DRAMATIC GLACIAL LAKE
Lake Willoughby features dramatic cliffs forming the iconic Willoughby Gap, creating one of Vermont's most spectacular natural landscapes. The glacial lake, often compared to Norwegian fjords, offers crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming, fishing, and boating. Visitors can enjoy public beaches, hiking trails with stunning vistas, and unparalleled opportunities for nature photography.
12. Smugglers' Notch State Park
HISTORIC MOUNTAIN PASS
Smugglers' Notch State Park preserves a historic mountain pass once used by smugglers moving goods between the United States and Canada. The park features massive boulder formations, caves, and dense forests creating a unique landscape for exploration and photography. Hiking trails of varying difficulty wind through the park, offering visitors access to some of Vermont's most dramatic mountain scenery.
13. Bread and Puppet Theater
ICONIC RADICAL ART
Bread and Puppet Theater, founded on the principle that "art is food," offers unique performances and exhibits featuring puppetry, dance, and music that often address social and political themes. The theater's Cheap Art program makes art accessible with prices ranging from 5 cents to 50 dollars, encouraging wide participation. Visitors can explore the theater's museum housing decades of puppets, masks, and artwork that represent the theater's influential history in avant-garde performance art.
14. Old Stone House Museum
HISTORIC EDUCATIONAL LANDMARK
The Old Stone House Museum preserves a four-story granite building constructed in 1836 as a boarding school by educator Alexander Twilight, the first African American to graduate from an American college. The museum complex includes several historic buildings filled with artifacts showcasing 19th-century rural Vermont life and education. Visitors can explore the museum's extensive collections, beautiful grounds, and gain insight into the region's educational heritage.
15. Kingdom Trails
PREMIER MOUNTAIN BIKING NETWORK
Kingdom Trails offers over 100 miles of non-motorized, multi-use trails considered among the best mountain biking networks in North America. The trail system winds through beautiful Northeast Kingdom landscapes, featuring routes for all skill levels from beginners to advanced riders. Beyond biking, visitors can enjoy hiking, trail running, Nordic skiing, and fat biking depending on the season.