The Rutland region brings together lakes, state and local parks, historic downtowns, and winding roads through small villages and communities to create a year-round destination. Experiences range from water and trails to architecture and local history. When choosing what to explore, it is worth considering the scale: a lakeside park, an extensive trail network, and a single historic site offer different ways to experience the region.
Lakes, Parks, and Waterfront Trails
Bomoseen State Park covers 3,576 acres along the shore of Lake Bomoseen, the largest lake located entirely within Vermont. The park has a public beach and hiking trails at each of its two campgrounds; another trail connects the campgrounds. Boating and fishing are among the activities on the lake. The shoreline and trails through the park are both central to the experience here.
Lake St. Catherine State Park covers 117 acres along the shore of Lake St. Catherine. A boat launch and rentals of canoes, kayaks, and pedal boats add to the activities on the water; check whether rentals are available during the season before your trip. There is also a loop with mountain biking trails near the northern parking lot. An accessible nature trail with viewpoints offers a different experience, combining a walk through nature with views of the surrounding area.
Cycling and Hiking: Network or Individual Trail?
Pine Hill Park covers 300 acres and has a 16-mile network of singletrack trails. The Carriage Trail is different: it is 5.1 miles long and runs one way between Pine Hill Park in Rutland and the Proctor Skating Rink in Proctor. The figures therefore describe different things—the length of a trail network in one case and an individual route in the other. Check the latest information about the Carriage Trail before setting out.
Slate Valley Trails offers more than 60 miles of public hiking and biking trails in Poultney, Castleton, and Wells. Killington Bike Park lists more than 30 miles of trails for all ability levels; check trail status before riding. The offerings differ not only in length but also in form: a designated trail network, a single connection between two places, or a bike park with trails for different ability levels. This makes it possible to match your interests to the trails described, without treating network length and route length as equivalent.
Architecture, History, and Art
The Paramount Theatre was built by George T. Chaffee in 1912 and 1913 and opened on January 16, 1914. The Chaffee Art Center is located in a Queen Anne Victorian mansion commissioned by George Thrall Chaffee. Its historic grounds include more than a dozen gardens, including a 100-foot-long pollinator garden and a sculpture garden. The Carving Studio & Sculpture Center is dedicated to stone sculpture through workshops, residency programs, and exhibitions—offering another perspective on art in the region.
The Hubbardton Battlefield was the only battle of the American Revolutionary War fought entirely within the boundaries of what later became the state of Vermont. The site includes open meadows and expansive views of the Green Mountains, Taconic Mountains, and Adirondack Mountains. A permanent exhibit displays contemporary artifacts and objects recovered during earlier investigations of the battlefield. The landscape and exhibit reveal two different aspects of this historic site.
The Brandon Museum, located in the house where Stephen A. Douglas was born in 1813, explores Brandon’s industrial, social, cultural, and architectural history. The Brandon National Historic District includes about 250 buildings. Wilson Castle is a mid-19th-century architectural landmark designed in European styles; it opened for tours in 1962. During the current season, the castle offers historical tours Thursday through Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The last tour begins at 4 p.m. Check current visiting hours before you arrive.
Market and Getting There
The Vermont Farmers Market takes place year-round every Saturday. In summer, the market alternates between Depot Park and the Vermont Farmers Food Center in winter. If you are arriving by train, the Ethan Allen Express runs from New York City via Albany and Castleton to Rutland. Check the current timetable to plan your connection.
Discover more destinations: Rutland, Chittenden, Killington, Mendon, Shrewsbury, Castleton, Brandon, Danby.
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