Mendon VermontATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Mendon, Vermont.
1. Bucklin Trail
SCENIC MOUNTAIN HIKING PATH
Bucklin Trail is a popular hiking path in Mendon that offers outdoor enthusiasts access to beautiful Green Mountain views. The trail features moderate to difficult terrain with rewarding panoramic vistas at higher elevations. Hikers can experience Vermont's natural beauty through dense forests and rocky outcroppings along this well-maintained route.
2. Canty Trail to Blue Ridge Mountain
CHALLENGING MOUNTAIN ADVENTURE
Canty Trail to Blue Ridge Mountain provides hikers with a challenging yet rewarding trek through Mendon's pristine wilderness. The trail ascends through varied terrain offering spectacular views of the surrounding Green Mountains and valleys. Nature enthusiasts appreciate the diverse flora and fauna encountered throughout this memorable hiking experience.
3. Mendon Mini Golf & Snack Bar
FAMILY FUN RECREATION SPOT
Mendon Mini Golf & Snack Bar offers a delightful recreational experience for visitors of all ages in a charming Vermont setting. The facility features a well-designed miniature golf course with creative obstacles and themed holes for family entertainment. Visitors can also enjoy tasty treats and refreshments at the on-site snack bar after completing their round of mini-golf.
4. Bikram Yoga
HOT YOGA WELLNESS CENTER
Bikram Yoga in Mendon provides a rejuvenating hot yoga experience for practitioners seeking physical and mental wellness. The studio offers a structured series of 26 postures and breathing exercises performed in a specially heated room. Visitors and locals alike appreciate this opportunity for deep stretching, strength building, and stress relief in the Green Mountain State.
5. Deer Leap
ICONIC MOUNTAIN OVERLOOK
Deer Leap offers hikers a magnificent mountain overlook with stunning panoramic views of the Vermont landscape. The relatively short but moderately challenging climb rewards visitors with spectacular vistas of the Chittenden Reservoir and surrounding Green Mountains. This popular natural attraction provides excellent photography opportunities and a perfect spot for connecting with Vermont's natural beauty.
6. Chittenden Reservoir
SERENE WATERFRONT RECREATION
Chittenden Reservoir is a picturesque body of water near Mendon that offers various recreational opportunities including canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. The reservoir is surrounded by lush forests and mountains, creating a tranquil setting for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere while spotting local wildlife and taking in the scenic beauty of this Vermont treasure.
7. Long Trail
HISTORIC VERMONT FOOTPATH
The Long Trail passes through Mendon offering hikers access to America's oldest long-distance hiking trail. Running the length of Vermont, this historic footpath provides opportunities for day hikes or multi-day backpacking adventures through diverse natural settings. Outdoor enthusiasts can experience the changing ecosystems and breathtaking views that have made this trail a Vermont institution since 1930.
8. Killington Ski Resort
PREMIER MOUNTAIN RECREATION
Killington Ski Resort, located just minutes from Mendon, is the largest ski area in the eastern United States with six peaks offering diverse terrain for winter sports enthusiasts. The resort features excellent snowmaking capabilities, a variety of trails for all skill levels, and a vibrant après-ski scene. During non-winter months, Killington transforms to offer mountain biking, hiking, and scenic gondola rides for year-round enjoyment.
9. Pico Mountain
CLASSIC VERMONT SKIING
Pico Mountain stands as a classic Vermont ski destination near Mendon with a rich history dating back to 1937. This family-friendly mountain offers 58 trails across 265 acres of skiable terrain with a more intimate feel than its larger neighbor, Killington. Visitors appreciate Pico's authentic Vermont charm, manageable size, and shorter lift lines while still enjoying quality snow conditions and beautiful mountain views.
10. Vermont Marble Museum
HISTORICAL INDUSTRIAL HERITAGE
The Vermont Marble Museum showcases the rich history of the state's famous marble industry that once supplied stone for monuments and buildings across America. Visitors can explore extensive exhibits featuring impressive marble sculptures, historical artifacts, and interactive displays explaining the quarrying and carving processes. The museum occupies buildings that were once part of the Vermont Marble Company, the largest marble company in the world during its peak.
11. Rutland Farmers Market
LOCAL VERMONT PRODUCE
The Rutland Farmers Market is one of Vermont's largest and most diverse markets featuring local produce, artisanal foods, and crafts from regional vendors. Visitors can browse stalls filled with fresh vegetables, maple products, baked goods, and handcrafted items while engaging with local farmers and artisans. The market creates a vibrant community gathering space that showcases Vermont's agricultural heritage and supports the local economy.
12. Pine Hill Park
URBAN FOREST TRAIL SYSTEM
Pine Hill Park offers an extensive network of well-maintained trails for mountain biking, hiking, and running just minutes from downtown Rutland. The 300-acre urban forest features 17 miles of single-track trails winding through diverse woodland settings with varying difficulty levels. Visitors appreciate the convenient location, clear trail markings, and beautiful natural features including rocky outcroppings, streams, and seasonal wildflowers.
13. Wilson Castle
HISTORIC VICTORIAN MANSION
Wilson Castle is a striking 19th-century mansion built in a unique blend of European architectural styles including Dutch Neo-Renaissance, Scottish baronial, and English Renaissance. The 32-room castle features intricate interior details including 84 stained-glass windows, 13 fireplaces, and period furnishings from around the world. Tours of this historic property provide visitors with insights into Victorian-era opulence and the fascinating history of the Wilson family.
14. Paramount Theatre
HISTORIC PERFORMANCE VENUE
The Paramount Theatre is a beautifully restored 1913 vaudeville house that now serves as a premier performing arts center in downtown Rutland. The historic venue hosts a diverse array of entertainment including live music, comedy, theatrical productions, and film screenings throughout the year. Visitors can admire the theater's ornate interior featuring original architectural details while enjoying contemporary performances in this cultural landmark.
15. New England Maple Museum
SWEET VERMONT TRADITION
The New England Maple Museum celebrates Vermont's iconic maple syrup industry through comprehensive exhibits detailing the history and production process of this sweet tradition. Visitors can explore displays featuring antique sugaring equipment, dioramas demonstrating collection methods, and educational presentations about modern syrup production. The museum also offers maple product tastings and a gift shop where visitors can purchase authentic Vermont maple products to take home.