Welcome
Book Mark with Updates
Guide Use
Visitor Etiquette
Tours
• Shores of Plenty
• From Main to the Mountains
• In The Center of it All
• As Far as the Eye Can See
• Sailing through History
Vermont Roadside Historic Markers
Local Authors
Ruins scattered along Lake Champlain speak of battles fought on the lake and its shores long ago. The spirits of Native Americans, French, British and Colonists struggling for survival, control and freedom in the New World linger, reminding us just how precious this valley was and continues to be. From both sides of the lake, we understand the passion of these early settlers and can imagine the plans they had for this fertile soil. The numerous historic sites, and the artisans and farmers that keep them company, are testaments to a significant and formative era in our nation's history.
History is found on this tour that begins on Route 125 at the foot of the Champlain Bridge on the shores of Lake Champlain. Travel west to New York via the bridge on Route 125. Backtrack to Vermont to Route 17 north. Backtrack to Route 125 to east on Town Line Road, south on Basin Harbor Road, east on Rattlin Bridge Road to Route 22A and proceed south to Lapham Bay Road. Backtrack to Route 22A and continue south to Route 74 west and to the shores of Lake Champlain and the Fort Ti Ferry. Backtrack east on Route 74 to Route 73 to west on Mt. Independence Road. Return to Route 73 to the intersection with Route 30. Travel south on Route 30 to Hubbardton.
1Chimney Point State Historic Site
7305 VT Route 125, Addison, VT 05491
802-759-2412
chimneypoint@historicvermont.org
www.HistoricVermont.org/ChimneyPoint
This Vermont state-owned historic site, located at Lake Champlain
narrows at the foot of the Champlain Bridge, is a late 1700s brick
tavern that also was a summer resort in the late 1800s. Exhibits
present the Champlain Valley's Native American and French history,
other topics in regional history, and changing exhibits. Special yearly
events include the annual Northeastern Open Atlatl Championship. Museum
shop. Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day, Wed.-Sun. and Mon.
holidays, 9:30-5.
2Crown Point State Historic Site
739 Bridge Road, Crown Point, NY 12928-2817
518-597-3666, 518-597-4666 / 518-597-4668 Fax
thomas.hughes@oprhp.state.ny.us
www.nysparks.ny.us/sites
Across the Champlain Bridge in New York are the ruins of the
French-built Fort St. Frederic and of the vast British-built fortress
on the Crown Point peninsula. Both played key roles in the 18th-century
struggles for control of Lake Champlain. In 1759, British troops took
control of the French stronghold and built their own fort. It was
briefly taken by the American colonists in 1775, but reoccupied by the
British from 1777 to the end of the Revolutionary War. The 350-acre New
York State Historic Site has a museum and the ruins of both forts. The
grounds are of geological interest and are also a bird conservation
area. May-Oct, Wed-Mon 9:30-5. Museum admission fee.
3DAR John Strong Mansion Museum
6656 Route 17W, West Addison, VT 05491
802-759-2309
Experience
one of Vermont's most important 18th century homes - a masterpiece of
federal architecture.Visit this two hundred year old home of a
Revolutionary War patriot and his family. See period room displays and
hear the story of a Colonial family's life and leadership in the
northern wilderness. Guided tours Saturday, Sunday and holidays.
Special tours by appointment. Memorial Day through Labor Day, Sat. and
Sun., 10-5. Small admission fee supports the Museum.
4Wooly Hill Farm of Vermont
2695 Rattlin' Bridge Road, Bridport, VT 05734
802-758-2284
This is an organic sheep and alpaca farm. Barn tours available. Please
call ahead.
5Champlain Valley Alpaca Boutique & Guest
Ranch
152 Merino Lane, Bridport, VT 05734
802-758-FARM (3276) Phone/Fax
This is one of the largest alpaca ranches in the state of Vermont.
Guests are welcome to visit and join in the daily routine. A wide
variety of animals from entry level and pets, at the best prices, to
championship lines can be seen. Offering a unique program for both the
curious and the serious shoppers and vacationers. Daily by appointment.
6Golden Russet Farm
1329 Lapham Bay Road, Shoreham, VT 05770
802-877-7031 Phone/Fax
www.goldenrussetfarm.com
Golden Russet is a Vermont Certified Organic farm where Judy and Will
Stevens raise a wide variety of annuals, perennials, vegetables, and
herbs. They sell their plants and produce here and at the Middlebury
Farmers Market, as well as to stores and restaurants in Addison County.
Spring greenhouse hours: daily, 9-5. Summer and fall farm stand hours:
Mon.-Fri., 1-6; Sat., 9-2; closed Sun.
7Platt Memorial Library
279 Main Street, Shoreham, VT 05770-0237
802-897-2647
platt@shoreham.net
www.plattlib.org
A 100-year-old public library offering research services, children's
programs and adult book clubs. Committed to continuing a rich tradition
of friendliness and service as a living and vibrant institution.
Located on Shoreham's town green. Mon. 11-7, Wed. 2-7, Thurs 2-7, Sat.
9-1.
8Champlain Orchards
2955 Route 74 West, Shoreham, VT 05770
802-897-2777 / 802-897-2778 Fax
www.champlainorchards.com
Retail
farm market and Pick Your Own operation overlooking Lake
Champlain. Producing the best-tasting fruits and vegetables possible as
well as taking good care of the earth, too. Located on a beautiful
hilltop in the Champlain Valley, growing over 25 varieties of apples,
plums, cherries and raspberries, press their own fresh, sweet cider,
and hand make delicious products such as apple pies, apple butter and
applesauce right on the farm. 2008 marks the second year of their CSA
program, providing organic, farm-grown produce. Visitors are always
welcome. Tour groups requested to schedule a tour in advance. Daily
9-5, July 1 - November 1.
9Carillon Cruises
4820 VT Route 74 West, Shoreham, VT 05770
802-897-5331
carilloncruises@shoreham.net
www.carilloncruises.com
Revolutionary War sites and Lake Champlain history are the focus of
lively narrated cruises departing from historic Larrabee's Point in
Shoreham. The Carillon travels past Hands Cove, Fort Ticonderoga, and
Mount Independence, where it stops to drop off or take on passengers.
July and Aug., trips at 1pm Wed.-Sat. Charters and groups anytime May
15-October.
10Norton's Gallery
51 Route 73, Shoreham, VT 05770
802-948-2552
norton@nortonsgallery.com
www.nortonsgallery.com
The 2,000 square foot gallery, located one mile south of the Fort
Ticonderoga Ferry, includes wooden sculptures of dogs, cats,
birds, fish, flowers and vegetables; also metal sculptures.
Whimsical woodcarvings ranging from 2" hummingbirds to 5' dogs. 800
square foot personal collection gallery spanning 30 years of work.
Outside sculptures. Breathtaking views of Lake Champlain and
Adirondacks. Open most days and by appointment.
11Mount Independence State Historic Site
497 Mt. Independence Road, Orwell, VT 05491
802-759-2412; In season: 802-948-2000
802-759-2547 Fax
mountindependence@historicvermont.org
www.HistoricVermont.org/MountIndependence
Mount Independence, a Vermont state-owned historic site and a National
Historic Landmark, was a major American defense post against the
British invading from Canada during the Revolutionary War. Located on a
300-acre promontory on Lake Champlain across from Fort Ticonderoga,
this extensive fortification was built in 1776-77. It was garrisoned by
American, and then British and German troops, the following year. The
site includes a modern visitor center with exhibits, artifacts, and
interactive programs, and an extensive trail system leading past the
archaeological remains of the fort. 1.6 mile long trail that meets
standards for outdoor accessible trails. Museum shop. Memorial Day
weekend-Columbus Day. Daily 9:30-5.
12Hubbardton Battlefield State Historic Site
5696 Monument Hill Road, Hubbardton, VT 05491
802-759-2412; In season: 802-273-2282
802-759-2547 Fax
www.historicvermont.org/hubbardton
On July 7, 1777, American and British forces clashed at Hubbardton in
the only Revolutionary War battle fought in Vermont. The marble battle
monument, erected in 1859, is the second oldest Revolutionary battle
monument in the United States. Visitor Center exhibits, including a
three dimensional fiber optic map with narration, tell the story of the
Americans' flight from Mount Independence, their pursuit by British
troops, the Hubbardton battle, and subsequent events that turned the
Revolutionary War to the Americans' advantage. Interpretive signs mark
the battlefield trail. Museum shop. Memorial Day weekend through
Columbus Day, Thurs.-Sun., 9:30-5.
Located near Vergennes, the refuge offers some of the finest birding ground in the northeast. In the summer, visitors can kayak or canoe down the Dead Creek and find numerous species of heron, duck, owl and hawk. It's in the fall and spring, however, that the Refuge really offers something unique for birders. This is when the thousands of snow and Canadian geese drop into the Refuge's fields and marshes to rest during their yearly migration. Dead Creek Wildlife Day held the first Saturday in October finds the area coming alive with wildlife demonstrations, guided nature walks, exhibits, arts and crafts and family fun. Open year-round.
Route 17 West, Addison, VT 05491
Overlooking Lake Champlain, Fort Ticonderoga was strategic during the French and Indian War and American Revolution. Buildings, exhibits, and grounds interpret historical events and the lives of soldiers at the fort. The site also has the restored "King's Garden," as well as recreated formal Native American and garrison gardens. Fort hosts several reenactments each season. Daily family programs. Museum store and restaurant. Early May-late Oct, daily, 9-5.
For more information contact:
Fort Ticonderoga
Fort Road at NY Route 74, Ticonderoga, NY 12883
518-585-2821
info@fort-ticonderoga.org
www.fort-ticonderoga.org
The best way to get there is to take the Fort Ti Ferry across Lake Champlain. You will continue a tradition that began more than 200 years ago if you do. The ferry, guided by cables since 1946, transports cars, trucks, bicycles, motorcycles, and pedestrians on the six-minute voyage. Continuous trips from Larrabee's Point in Shoreham, Vermont to Ticonderoga, New York daily, Mid May-late June 8 am-65:45 pm; July thru Labor Day 8 am-7:45 pm; After Labor Day-Late October 8 am-5:45 pm. For schedules and pricing information, call 897-7999 or visit www.middlebury.net/tiferry/
Based on two historic shipwrecks in Burlington Bay, this replica 1862 canal schooner was built and launched by Lake Champlain Maritime Museum shipwrights and community volunteers. Visitors aboard Lois McClure step back in time to the dynamic historic period that transformed aboard communities, commerce and culture in the northeastern United States. Lois McClure is accompanied by the restored tugboat C.L. Churchill. The schooner's home port is Perkins Pier, Burlington, Vermont; she also travels to lake ports and beyond. Further details and current itinerary can be found at lcmm.org.
