For over 10,000 years, the state of Vermont was home to indigenous Native American tribes before European settlers colonized this area in the 17th century. Years after the Revolutionary War, the Green Mountain State was established as the 14th U.S. state in 1791. Today, Vermont is a travel destination for state residents, American tourists, and Canadians over the border in Quebec. That obviously includes the capital of Vermont, Montpelier.
Individuals and families travel to Vermont to see scenic lakes like the famous Lake Champlain, picturesque places like Mount Mansfield State Forest, tall mountain ranges, and ski mountains like Jay Peak Ski Resort in the Green Mountains.
Around the state of Vermont, cities and small towns like Rutland, St. Albans, Stowe, Barre, Brattleboro, Burlington, Woodstock, and of course, the state capital of Montpelier all places of interest for travelers.
What is the Capital of Vermont?
Montpelier is the state capital of Vermont—known as the smallest state capital out of every state in the nation. The city of Montpelier, VT, is the seat of Washington County in the Northeastern United States. This city is home to the Vermont statehouse, where the Vermont legislature convenes. The state capitol building dates back to 1906. It is the meetinghouse for the Vermont state government, according to the Vermont Historical Society.
The city sits on the Winooski River as it runs through Central Vermont. Montpelier frequently receives guests from nearby New England regions like Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, and Maine.
While Montpelier is the capital city of Vermont, the largest city is called Burlington. Compare Montpelier's population of about 7,000 residents and 10 square miles to Burlington's 42,000-person population. The greater Montpelier area comprises local landmarks like the Vermont College of Fine Arts and the Ethan Allen Statue.
Individuals, couples, groups of friends, and families can all visit Montpelier to find something excites them. Before coming to town, visitors should consider the travel guide below.
5 Things to Do in Montpelier, Vermont
1. Hubbard Park
The 194-acre Hubbard Park is a popular attraction for visitors to Montpelier. The green, wooded park is home to vast meadows, a birch tree grove, and a stone observation tower. Residents and tourists come to Hubbard Park to access seven miles of hiking and skiing trails, a soccer field, picnic areas, a sledding hill, and two sheltered pavilions.
2. The Vermont History Museum
Located right next to the state capitol building, the Vermont History Museum features a collection of 20,000 artifacts. Visitors will be able to view exhibits that showcase fine arts and Vermont-made crafts detailing more than 350 years of this area's history.
3. Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks
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Prepare to enjoy the freshest Vermont maple syrup at the Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks. This local farm in Montpelier offers sugar house tours and tastings for residents and visitors of the capital city. Guests can view educational, multimedia presentations in the woodshed theatre, walk the area's nature trail, bring home gifts from the country store, and engage with the Vermont farm life museum.
4. Lost Nation Theater
The Lost Nation Theater is a local hub for the arts in the Vermont capital city. This performing arts theatre is an excellent stop for anyone's trip to Montpelier. Guests can coordinate their stay in this small town with an event or show at the Lost Nation Theater. The name derives from the Adam's Mountain area that locals know as the "Lost Nation."
5. Taste Montpelier
Downtown Montpelier is an excellent place for shopping, events, and of course, enjoying local fare! The town is home to establishments for dining and drinking like McGillicuddy's Irish Pub, Caledonia Spirits, Cocoa Bean of Vermont, Three Penny Taproom, The Skinny Pancake, and North Branch Vineyards. Visitors need only work up and appetite and walk the downtown streets to satisfy their cravings!
Montpelier, VT is a great place to see American history firsthand, immerse oneself in Vermont's culture, and more.
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