Sheldon VermontATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Sheldon, Vermont.
1. Flack Family Farm
ORGANIC FARMING EXPERIENCE
Flack Family Farm is a popular organic farm in Sheldon that offers visitors a glimpse into sustainable agriculture practices. The farm is known for its organic products and educational tours that showcase traditional farming methods. Visitors can purchase farm-fresh products and learn about the importance of organic farming in preserving Vermont's agricultural heritage.
2. President Chester A. Arthur's Historic Site
PRESIDENTIAL HISTORY LANDMARK
The President Chester A. Arthur Historic Site commemorates the birthplace of the 21st U.S. President. This historic landmark features a replica of the original home and provides exhibits about Arthur's life and presidency. Visitors can explore the grounds and learn about this often-overlooked president who was born in this small Vermont community near Sheldon.
3. Lake Carmi State Park
NATURAL LAKESIDE RECREATION
Lake Carmi State Park offers a beautiful natural setting with Vermont's fourth-largest natural lake as its centerpiece. The park features camping facilities, swimming beaches, and boat rentals for visitors looking to enjoy the water. Nature enthusiasts can explore hiking trails that wind through the surrounding forests while enjoying views of the Green Mountains.
4. Hudak Farm
FAMILY-FRIENDLY AGRICULTURAL DESTINATION
Hudak Farm is a beloved agricultural destination offering seasonal produce and farm experiences near Sheldon. The farm features a market where visitors can purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, and homemade products throughout the growing season. Families particularly enjoy visiting during harvest festivals when additional activities like corn mazes and pumpkin picking are available.
5. 14th Star Brewing Company
CRAFT BEER DESTINATION
14th Star Brewing Company is a popular craft brewery founded by a combat veteran in nearby St. Albans. The taproom offers visitors a chance to sample a variety of award-winning beers in a welcoming atmosphere. The brewery frequently hosts community events and live music, making it a cultural hub for the region.
6. Missisquoi Pulp Mill
HISTORIC INDUSTRIAL HERITAGE
The Missisquoi Pulp Mill has been a cornerstone of Sheldon's industrial heritage since its construction in 1894. This historic facility continues to operate today and remains an important employer in the community. The mill represents the region's rich paper-making history and its role in shaping the development of Sheldon Springs.
7. Sheldon Historical Society Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Sheldon Historical Society Museum preserves and showcases the rich history of this Vermont community. Located at 200 Bridge Street in a building constructed on the foundation of the historic W.C. Marsh Store, the museum houses artifacts and exhibits detailing local heritage. Visitors can explore collections that tell the story of Sheldon's development, including the significant fire of 1932 that destroyed many town buildings.
8. Sheldon Springs
NATURAL MINERAL WATERS
Sheldon Springs is the namesake natural feature that gave the village its identity, located along the Missisquoi River. These natural springs were once a significant attraction and contributed to the area's development as a boom town. Visitors today can explore the area where these historic springs emerge and learn about their importance to local history.
9. Mill Worker Historic Houses
INDUSTRIAL ERA ARCHITECTURE
The Mill Worker Historic Houses are a collection of nearly identical residences built along Sheldon's main street to house paper mill employees. These distinctive homes represent an important architectural legacy of Vermont's industrial era and showcase the community planning of the period. Today, these structures are considered local landmarks that tell the story of Sheldon's working-class heritage.
10. Missisquoi River
SCENIC WATERWAY EXPERIENCE
The Missisquoi River flows through Sheldon, providing a scenic natural feature and recreational opportunities for visitors and residents. This important waterway powered historic mills and continues to shape the landscape of northwestern Vermont. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy fishing, kayaking, and canoeing along its picturesque course.
11. Tyler Place Family Resort
ALL-INCLUSIVE FAMILY VACATION
Tyler Place Family Resort offers an all-inclusive vacation experience on the shores of Lake Champlain near Sheldon. The resort features comprehensive children's programs, allowing parents to enjoy adult activities while children participate in age-appropriate adventures. Accommodations include private cottages and suites set among 165 acres of beautiful Vermont landscape.
12. Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge
WETLAND BIRD SANCTUARY
The Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge protects over 6,600 acres of wetlands and upland areas that serve as critical habitat for migratory birds. Located where the Missisquoi River meets Lake Champlain, the refuge offers exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities, particularly for birdwatchers. Visitors can explore several trails and observation areas while learning about conservation efforts in this ecologically significant area.
13. St. Albans Historical Museum
REGIONAL HISTORY COLLECTION
The St. Albans Historical Museum showcases the rich heritage of Franklin County in a historic three-story building that once served as the local high school. Exhibits cover important regional events including the northernmost Civil War battle on Union soil, the St. Albans Raid. Visitors can explore collections of artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of northwestern Vermont's development.
14. Alburg Dunes State Park
RARE SAND BEACH
Alburg Dunes State Park features the largest natural sand beach on Lake Champlain's Vermont shore, a rare geological feature for the region. The park's 625-acre property includes unique dune formations created by wind patterns across the lake. Visitors can enjoy swimming, picnicking, and nature walks while experiencing this distinctive Vermont landscape.
15. The Abbey Spa
LAKESIDE WELLNESS RETREAT
The Abbey Spa offers a tranquil wellness retreat in the picturesque countryside near Sheldon. This destination spa provides a range of therapeutic treatments in a renovated historic building with beautiful architectural details. Visitors can enjoy massage therapy, facial treatments, and wellness programs while surrounded by Vermont's natural beauty.