Montpelier, Vermont’s capital city, is small with a population of 8,035 and lacks McDonald’s, Burger King, and an airport. It has historic buildings and attractions, including the Vermont Historical Society Museum and the Vermont State House. Outdoor activities include canoeing, hiking, snowshoeing, and biking.
Vermont’s capital city, Montpelier, is also known as half of Vermont’s “twin cities,” the other half being nearby Barre. Montpelier is one of the smallest capital cities in the state, with a population of only 8,035 in 2006, and the only state capital without McDonald’s and Burger King or an airport. Montpelier is cut in the middle by the Winooski River, which flows to Lake Champlain. Previously used to transport timber, the river is now popular with locals due to the parks that surround it.
Despite its small size, Montpelier is known for its historic buildings and attractions. The Vermont Historical Society Museum sponsors special events and houses a library with documents tracing Vermont’s heritage back to the 18th century. The museum also houses artifacts and memorabilia. The TW Wood Art Gallery is the only other museum in Montpelier and showcases regional artists alongside classic works.
The Vermont State House is open for tours and may be worth visiting for its impressive marble spiral staircases alone. Three historical walking tours are available for visitors to Montpelier in the summer. The most popular State Street Tour covers 14 historic sites, including the Department of Agriculture, the Washington County Courthouse, and the Capitol. Handcrafted souvenirs and jewelry shops abound in Montpelier, and many offer distinctive gifts native to the region. The Lazy Pear Gallery, for example, offers “humorous art” that appeals to both children and adults.
For those looking to get outdoors when visiting Montpelier, there are plenty of options in the area. Canoeing is especially popular, and several establishments located on the Winooski River rent out canoes and kayaks to visitors. Dog River Recreation Field and Gateway Park offer opportunities for hiking trails and organized sports, including soccer and softball. The best hiking trails in Montpelier, however, are at the North Branch Nature Center. Guided tours and walks are organized throughout the year and visitors can join a group at any time, without booking.
In the winter, Montpelier is popular with visitors for its snowmobile and snowshoe trails, which crisscross the city and extend up into the nearby hills. The Vermont Association of Snow Travelers (VAST) offers self-guided maps that you can access online or pick up at the Montpelier Visitor Center. The hills themselves become a biker’s paradise in autumn, where trails for mountain bikers and hikers are used.
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