Sheffield VermontATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Sheffield, Vermont.
1. Museum of Everyday Life
QUIRKY CULTURAL EXPERIENCE
The Museum of Everyday Life is a unique attraction in Sheffield that celebrates the beauty and significance of ordinary objects. Visitors can explore thoughtfully curated exhibits that transform mundane items into artifacts worthy of contemplation and appreciation. This self-service museum invites guests to turn on the lights upon arrival and turn them off when leaving, adding to its charming, community-oriented atmosphere.
2. Kingdom Corn Maze
FAMILY FUN ADVENTURE
Kingdom Corn Maze offers a delightful seasonal adventure for visitors of all ages in Sheffield. This intricate maze carved through cornfields provides a challenging and entertaining experience that changes design annually. Families can enjoy spending hours navigating the pathways while enjoying the picturesque Vermont countryside.
3. Bread and Puppet Theater
UNIQUE ARTISTIC EXPERIENCE
Bread and Puppet Theater is a renowned political puppet theater located near Sheffield in the Northeast Kingdom. Founded in 1963, this iconic Vermont institution combines oversized puppets, masks, and experimental theater to create powerful performances addressing social and political issues. After performances, freshly baked bread is shared with the audience, embodying the theater's philosophy that art should be as basic to life as bread.
4. Great Vermont Corn Maze
CHALLENGING RURAL ENTERTAINMENT
The Great Vermont Corn Maze is one of New England's largest corn mazes, offering a challenging adventure near Sheffield. Spanning over 24 acres with over 10 miles of trails, this elaborate maze takes most visitors several hours to complete. Beyond the main maze, visitors can enjoy additional attractions including farm animals, mini-mazes, and scenic hayrides.
5. KC&E Adventures
OUTDOOR GUIDED EXPERIENCES
KC&E Adventures provides guided outdoor experiences in the pristine wilderness surrounding Sheffield. Their expert guides lead visitors through activities such as hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing tailored to various skill levels and interests. Each adventure showcases the natural beauty of Vermont's Northeast Kingdom while emphasizing environmental education and conservation.
6. Holbrook State Park
NATURAL VERMONT BEAUTY
Holbrook State Park is a serene natural area in Sheffield offering visitors a peaceful retreat into Vermont's wilderness. The park features hiking trails winding through forests and meadows, providing opportunities for wildlife viewing and nature photography. Visitors can enjoy picnicking, bird watching, and seasonal activities like snowshoeing in winter months.
7. Lloyd Langford Expedition Training
WILDERNESS SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
Lloyd Langford Expedition Training offers specialized outdoor skills courses in the Sheffield area of Vermont's Northeast Kingdom. Participants learn essential wilderness survival techniques, navigation, and environmental awareness from experienced instructors. The programs range from beginner to advanced levels, making outdoor adventure more accessible and safer for people of all experience levels.
8. Kingdom Trails
PREMIER MOUNTAIN BIKING NETWORK
Kingdom Trails is an internationally acclaimed network of multi-use trails located near Sheffield in East Burke. With over 100 miles of non-motorized trails, it offers some of the best mountain biking experiences in the northeastern United States. The trail system is accessible year-round, with winter activities including fat biking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.
9. Crystal Lake State Park
PRISTINE BEACH RECREATION
Crystal Lake State Park features one of the finest natural sandy beaches in Vermont, located a short drive from Sheffield. The park surrounds a pristine glacial lake with remarkably clear water, providing excellent swimming, fishing, and boating opportunities. Visitors can also enjoy picnicking, hiking, and camping while taking in views of the surrounding Northeast Kingdom landscape.
10. Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium
NATURAL SCIENCE EXPLORATION
The Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium houses an extensive collection of natural science specimens and cultural artifacts near Sheffield in St. Johnsbury. Its Victorian-era cabinet museum displays feature thousands of items including mounted animals, tools, toys, and artwork from around the world. The Lyman Spitzer Jr. Planetarium offers immersive astronomy programs, making it the only public planetarium in Vermont.
11. Lamoille Valley Rail Trail
SCENIC MULTI-USE PATHWAY
The Lamoille Valley Rail Trail is Vermont's longest rail trail, passing through stunning landscapes near Sheffield. Built on a former railroad corridor, this four-season recreational path stretches 93 miles across northern Vermont from St. Johnsbury to Swanton. Visitors can enjoy walking, cycling, horseback riding, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing while experiencing charming villages, working farms, and natural areas along the route.
12. Sheffield Public Park
COMMUNITY RECREATION SPACE
Sheffield Public Park serves as a central gathering place for community recreation in the heart of Sheffield. The park features playground equipment, picnic areas, and open spaces perfect for family outings and outdoor games. Local events and celebrations are often hosted here, reflecting the close-knit community spirit of this Northeast Kingdom town.
13. Dog Mountain
CANINE PARADISE GETAWAY
Dog Mountain is a unique 150-acre dog-friendly attraction located near Sheffield that welcomes canines and their human companions. Created by artist Stephen Huneck, the property features hiking trails, swimming ponds, and an art gallery showcasing dog-themed artwork. The centerpiece is the Dog Chapel, a whimsical structure where visitors leave remembrances of beloved pets who have passed away.
14. Cabot Creamery Visitors Center
CHEESE-MAKING HERITAGE EXPERIENCE
The Cabot Creamery Visitors Center offers a fascinating glimpse into Vermont's dairy industry and award-winning cheese production near Sheffield. Visitors can learn about the cooperative's century-long history, observe the cheese-making process, and sample various aged cheddars and specialty products. The center also features a retail store where guests can purchase fresh cheese and Vermont-made products to take home.
15. Burke Mountain
FOUR-SEASON MOUNTAIN RESORT
Burke Mountain is a premier recreational destination offering year-round activities just a short drive from Sheffield. During winter months, the mountain features 50+ skiing and snowboarding trails for all ability levels, plus Nordic skiing options. In warmer seasons, visitors can enjoy mountain biking, hiking, scenic chairlift rides, and events while taking in spectacular views of Vermont's Northeast Kingdom and the White Mountains of New Hampshire.