Beginning just 10 mi/16 km north of Burlington, the Lake Champlain Islands area encompasses a long peninsula that juts out into Lake Champlain, as well as the islands themselves. A visit to the Lake Champlain Islands makes for a peaceful and historic journey through some charming towns, including Grand Isle and Alburg, which was named for Revolutionary War hero Ira Allen, one of the founders of Vermont and brother of Ethan Allen.
Several of the islands in the waters just to west of St. Albans Bay are scenic state parks, including Burton Island and Kamp Kill Kare. To the northwest, on Isle La Motte, you'll find St. Anne's Shrine on the site of Fort St. Anne, Vermont's oldest settlement. There's also a chapel, a grotto and statues of Samuel de Champlain and Our Lady of Lourdes.
North Hero is the summer home of the famous Royal Lipizzaner Stallions, who perform several times a week. In early October, AppleFest takes place in South Hero. The celebration includes pie-baking competitions, cider-pressing contests and cricket matches (many of the apple pickers are from Jamaica, where cricket is king).
To request access to the full version of this destination guide, please provide your email address below. Your email address will only be used for verification purposes and will not be used for marketing purposes.