Orwell VermontATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Orwell, Vermont.
1. Mount Independence State Historic Site
REVOLUTIONARY WAR FORTRESS
Mount Independence State Historic Site is the largest fortification constructed by American colonial forces covering approximately 300 acres of land. The site features a six-mile network of trails traversing hardwood and conifer stands while passing artifacts of the settlement, including building foundations and a gravesite. Visitors can explore the Baldwin Trail, a 1.6-mile handicap-accessible loop that offers views of Lake Champlain and Fort Ticonderoga across the water.
2. Champlain Orchards
FAMILY-FRIENDLY FRUIT ORCHARD
Champlain Orchards is a highly-rated orchard and distillery with a 4.9 rating from visitors. The orchard offers a variety of fruit-picking experiences and locally-made products throughout different seasons. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful countryside setting while sampling products from their distillery operations.
3. Orwell Free Library
HISTORIC COMMUNITY RESOURCE
Orwell Free Library serves as an important community resource for residents and visitors alike. The library offers books, programming, and a glimpse into local culture and history. It stands as a testament to the town's commitment to education and community gathering.
4. Orwell Town Hall
HISTORIC MUNICIPAL BUILDING
Orwell Town Hall is a center of local government and community activities in this small Vermont town. The building represents the civic history and ongoing governance of this community with a population of 1,239 as of 2020. Visitors interested in local architecture or governance may appreciate seeing this municipal landmark.
5. Mud Pond
NATURAL RECREATION AREA
Mud Pond is a natural water feature that provides recreational opportunities for Orwell residents and visitors. The pond offers fishing, bird watching, and peaceful natural surroundings typical of Vermont's landscape. Its accessibility makes it a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts looking to connect with nature.
6. Spruce Pond
SERENE WOODLAND WATER
Spruce Pond offers visitors a tranquil water setting surrounded by Vermont's natural beauty. The pond provides opportunities for fishing, wildlife observation, and quiet contemplation away from busier tourist spots. Its peaceful environment makes it a hidden gem for those exploring Orwell's natural attractions.
7. Richville Wildlife Management Area
NATURAL HABITAT PRESERVE
Richville Wildlife Management Area preserves natural habitats for various species native to Vermont. The area offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, nature photography, and hiking through diverse ecosystems. Nature enthusiasts can observe local flora and fauna in a protected environment.
8. Fort Ticonderoga
HISTORIC MILITARY FORTRESS
Fort Ticonderoga is a historic site located just across Lake Champlain from Orwell, boasting a 4.6 rating from nearly 1,000 visitors. The 18th-century fort played a crucial role during the American Revolution and offers living history demonstrations, guided tours, and museum collections. Visitors can view the fort from Mount Independence in Orwell or take a short trip across the lake to explore its stone fortifications, cannons, and period gardens.
9. Lake Champlain
SCENIC BORDER LAKE
Lake Champlain forms the western border of Orwell and offers spectacular views from Mount Independence. The lake provides numerous recreational opportunities including boating, fishing, and swimming during warmer months. Its historical significance as a transportation route during the Revolutionary War adds cultural value to its natural beauty.
10. Mount Defiance
STRATEGIC ELEVATED VIEWPOINT
Mount Defiance rises 893 feet above the surrounding landscape near Fort Ticonderoga and can be viewed from Mount Independence in Orwell. This strategic high ground played a critical role during the Revolutionary War when British forces occupied it, forcing American troops to abandon their positions. Today, visitors can take in panoramic views of Lake Champlain, Vermont, and the Adirondack Mountains from its summit.
11. Hubbardton Battlefield State Historic Site
REVOLUTIONARY WAR BATTLEGROUND
Hubbardton Battlefield State Historic Site preserves the location of the only Revolutionary War battle fought in Vermont. The site commemorates the rear-guard action fought on July 7, 1777, as American forces retreated from Mount Independence and Ticonderoga. Visitors can explore interpretive trails, view monuments, and learn about this important chapter in American history at the visitor center.
12. Chimney Point State Historic Site
ANCIENT SETTLEMENT LOCATION
Chimney Point State Historic Site documents 9,000 years of human habitation along Lake Champlain. The site features a historic 1785 tavern building that now serves as a museum exploring Native American, French Colonial, and early American settlement history. Located near the Lake Champlain Bridge, it offers both historical exhibits and scenic views of the lake.
13. Button Bay State Park
LAKESIDE RECREATION AREA
Button Bay State Park is a 253-acre park situated on a bluff in Ferrisburgh along the shores of Lake Champlain. The park features a swimming pool, campground, picnic areas, and boat launch providing access to the lake's many recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Adirondack Mountains across Lake Champlain while exploring the unique button-shaped formations along the shoreline that give the park its name.
14. Branbury State Park
MOUNTAIN LAKE BEACH
Branbury State Park offers a scenic beach on Lake Dunmore at the base of Mt. Moosalamoo in the Green Mountain National Forest. The park features swimming in the clear lake waters, hiking trails that connect to the Long Trail system, and camping facilities for overnight stays. Its location provides the perfect combination of mountain and lake activities for outdoor enthusiasts visiting Addison County.
15. Middlebury College Museum of Art
FINE ART COLLECTION
The Middlebury College Museum of Art houses a diverse collection of art spanning ancient to contemporary works from cultures around the world. The museum's permanent collection includes more than 6,000 objects, with particular strengths in Asian art, photography, and 19th-century American and European paintings. Located on the picturesque Middlebury College campus, the museum offers changing exhibitions, educational programs, and cultural experiences for visitors to Addison County.