Charleston VermontATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Charleston, Vermont.
1. Clyde River Recreation
RIVER ADVENTURES AND RENTALS
Clyde River Recreation offers visitors the opportunity to explore the scenic Clyde River through kayaking and canoeing adventures. The outfitter provides gear rentals and guided experiences for all skill levels to enjoy the natural beauty of Vermont's waterways. Visitors appreciate the peaceful river setting and excellent service, as evidenced by its 4.6/5 rating from previous guests.
2. Jed's Maple Products
VERMONT MAPLE SYRUP EXPERIENCE
Jed's Maple Products is a beloved local producer showcasing authentic Vermont maple syrup and related products. Visitors can tour the facilities to learn about the maple syrup production process from tree to table. The shop's 4.8/5 rating reflects its popularity among tourists seeking a taste of traditional New England craftsmanship.
3. Old Stone House Museum
HISTORIC VERMONT ARCHITECTURE
The Old Stone House Museum preserves the region's history through its impressive granite structure and educational exhibits. Built in 1836 as a dormitory for the Orleans County Grammar School, the museum now houses collections that tell the story of Vermont's Northeast Kingdom. With a 4.6/5 rating, visitors appreciate the well-preserved artifacts and historical significance of this cultural landmark.
4. Haskell Free Library
INTERNATIONAL BORDER LIBRARY
The Haskell Free Library straddles the US-Canada border, offering visitors the unique experience of being in two countries at once. This historic building serves as both a library and opera house with an international border line marked on the floor inside. Visitors are drawn to this architectural curiosity for its distinctive position and cultural significance in the region.
5. Primitive Place
RUSTIC CRAFTS AND COLLECTIBLES
Primitive Place is a charming shop specializing in rustic crafts, antiques, and handmade Vermont souvenirs. The perfect 5.0/5 rating indicates visitors' appreciation for the authentic artisanal products and warm atmosphere. Shoppers can find unique gifts and mementos that capture the spirit of rural Vermont.
6. Sentinel Rock State Park
GEOLOGICAL WONDER AND VIEWS
Sentinel Rock State Park features impressive geologic formations and panoramic views of the surrounding Northeast Kingdom landscape. The 4.6/5-rated park offers hiking trails that lead visitors to the massive rock formation that gives the park its name. Nature enthusiasts appreciate the diverse plant life and opportunities for photography throughout the changing seasons.
7. Lake Willoughby
PRISTINE GLACIAL LAKE
Lake Willoughby is a striking glacial lake known for its crystal-clear waters and dramatic mountain backdrop. Often compared to a Nordic fjord, the lake is framed by Mount Pisgah and Mount Hor, creating one of Vermont's most picturesque landscapes. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, boating, and hiking the surrounding trails that offer spectacular views of the water.
8. Echo Lake
TRANQUIL FISHING DESTINATION
Echo Lake is described as a gorgeous, clean hillside lake known for excellent fishing opportunities and peaceful surroundings. The lake provides a tranquil setting for kayaking, swimming, and boating activities during the warmer months. Local fishermen prize the lake for its healthy fish population and the serene environment perfect for a day on the water.
9. Northwoods Stewardship Center
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION HUB
The Northwoods Stewardship Center serves as an educational facility dedicated to environmental conservation and outdoor skills development. Programs range from forest management workshops to wilderness survival courses, all designed to foster appreciation for Vermont's natural resources. The center maintains trails and facilities that allow visitors to experience the Northeast Kingdom's diverse ecosystems firsthand.
10. Pensioner Pond
PEACEFUL WATER RECREATION
Pensioner Pond offers visitors a quiet alternative to larger lakes in the region with opportunities for fishing, paddling, and wildlife observation. The pond's shoreline provides habitat for various bird species, making it popular among birdwatchers and nature photographers. Local residents and visitors enjoy the pond's accessibility and relative seclusion compared to more trafficked water bodies.
11. Northeast Kingdom Artisans Guild
LOCAL ART COLLECTIVE
The Northeast Kingdom Artisans Guild showcases work from over 100 local artists in a cooperative gallery setting near Charleston. Visitors can browse and purchase paintings, pottery, jewelry, textiles, and woodwork that reflect the region's natural beauty and cultural heritage. The guild also offers workshops and exhibitions that connect guests with Vermont's vibrant artistic community.
12. Kingdom Trails
MOUNTAIN BIKING PARADISE
Kingdom Trails is a renowned network of over 100 miles of non-motorized recreational trails near Charleston that attract outdoor enthusiasts year-round. In summer, the trails are praised as some of the best mountain biking terrain in North America, while winter transforms them into excellent cross-country skiing and fat biking routes. The trail system spans multiple private properties whose owners have collaborated to create this unique recreational resource.
13. Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium
NATURAL HISTORY AND ASTRONOMY
The Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium houses an impressive collection of natural science specimens, historical artifacts, and astronomical exhibits within a striking Victorian building. Visitors can explore diverse displays ranging from taxidermy and meteorites to ethnographic objects and Vermont's only public planetarium. The museum has been educating and inspiring guests since 1891, offering a glimpse into both natural history and the cosmos.
14. Jay Peak Resort
YEAR-ROUND MOUNTAIN RECREATION
Jay Peak Resort offers visitors a complete mountain experience with skiing, snowboarding, an indoor waterpark, ice arena, and golf course across different seasons. The resort is famous for receiving the most natural snowfall of any ski area in the eastern United States, attracting powder enthusiasts throughout winter. Summer visitors enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and the championship golf course nestled among Vermont's scenic mountains.
15. Burke Mountain
SCENIC ALPINE ADVENTURES
Burke Mountain combines challenging ski terrain in winter with spectacular Green Mountain views and hiking trails during warmer months. The mountain has produced several Olympic athletes and maintains a reputation for uncrowded slopes and natural beauty. Visitors appreciate the authentic Vermont experience without the commercial development found at larger resorts.