10 Best Things To Do Near Barre, Vermont (Washington County)

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10 Fun Things To Do Near Barre, Vermont (Washington County Travel Guide)

Planning a trip to Barre, Vermont and wondering what to do nearby? You’re in luck. This small New England city in Washington County is surrounded by classic Vermont scenery, quirky attractions, and plenty of outdoor fun. Whether you’re road-tripping through New England, visiting family, or looking for a quiet weekend escape, here are 10 things to do in and around Barre, VT that offer a real taste of central Vermont life.

1. Explore the Granite Sculptures at Hope Cemetery

Barre is known as the “Granite Capital of the World.” You’ll see why as soon as you visit Hope Cemetery, one of the most unique places in Vermont. This isn’t your typical cemetery. Many of the gravestones are actually works of art, carved from local Barre gray granite by master stonecutters. You’ll find:
  • A full-size granite race car
  • An armchair with a TV remote
  • Angels, weeping figures, and intricate family monuments
It’s peaceful, moving, and a little bit surreal. Walk slowly, read the dates and names, and you’ll feel the history of Barre’s immigrant stoneworkers come to life. Travel tip: It’s free to visit. Go on a sunny afternoon for the best light on the sculptures.

2. Visit the Vermont Granite Museum

To really understand Barre, stop at the Vermont Granite Museum. It’s set in a former granite manufacturing building and tells the story of how this quiet Vermont town became famous worldwide. Inside, you can:
  • See old tools and machines used for cutting and polishing granite
  • Watch demonstrations when available
  • Learn about the immigrant communities who built Barre
It’s a great rainy-day activity and perfect if you’re curious about how something as ordinary as stone can shape a whole town’s identity. Good to know: Hours can be seasonal, especially in fall and winter, so check ahead before you go.

3. Stroll Barre’s Downtown Murals and Shops

Downtown Barre is compact and very walkable, which makes it easy to explore on foot. Take a slow lap along Main Street and nearby blocks. You’ll find:
  • Colorful murals and public art pieces
  • Cozy coffee shops and bakeries
  • Local stores selling Vermont-made goods, gifts, and crafts
If you like small-town vibes, this is where you’ll feel them. Grab a coffee, find a bench, and just people-watch for a bit. In the summer, there are often events, music, or farmers’ markets in or near downtown. Local tip: This is a good place to pick up maple syrup, local cheese, or a hand-carved souvenir.

4. Hike or Ski on Barre Town Forest Trails

If you want to get outside without driving far, the Barre Town Forest is just minutes from downtown and feels like a different world. This former quarry area has:
  • Miles of multi-use trails for hiking and mountain biking
  • Old granite quarry sites hidden in the woods
  • Peaceful forest paths perfect for a quiet walk
In winter, some trails are used for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. It’s not a polished resort area, and that’s part of its charm—it feels like “real” Vermont woods. Pack this: Good walking shoes, bug spray in summer, and a light jacket—mountain weather can change quickly.

5. Take a Short Drive to Montpelier, the Smallest State Capital

Just about 10 miles northwest of Barre, you’ll find Montpelier, the capital of Vermont. It’s often called the smallest state capital in the USA, and it feels more like a friendly town than a capital city. Here you can:
  • Walk around the historic Vermont State House with its gold dome
  • Browse independent bookstores and local shops
  • Enjoy farm-to-table restaurants and cozy cafés
It’s an easy half-day trip from Barre, and the drive between the two is quick and scenic. If you love small cities with character and good food, Montpelier is a must-do. Parking note: Montpelier is walkable, so park once downtown and explore on foot.

6. Enjoy Fresh Air at Millstone Hill and the Quarry Areas

If you like a mix of history and outdoor adventure, head to the Millstone Hill area near Barre. This trail network winds through old granite quarry sites and offers a peek back in time while you’re getting your steps in. On the trails, you might see:
  • Old quarry machinery and stone blocks left behind
  • Deep, water-filled quarries tucked into the forest
  • Scenic overlooks with views across Washington County
It’s a great place for hiking or mountain biking. The terrain ranges from easy paths to more challenging trails, so you can pick what feels right for you. Safety tip: Stay back from the edges of the quarries and follow posted signs—some drop-offs are steep.

7. Sample Local Vermont Flavor at Barre’s Eateries

Traveling through Vermont means you should definitely eat like a Vermonter. Barre has a handful of easygoing spots where you can grab comfort food and local specialties without breaking the bank. Look for:
  • Maple syrup on just about everything—try it on pancakes or waffles
  • Hearty burgers, pizzas, and pub food
  • House-made desserts and baked goods
In a small place like Barre, you often see locals eating at the same restaurants you do. That’s usually a good sign you’ve picked the right spot. Idea: Ask your server where they like to eat on their day off—you’ll usually get a great local recommendation.

8. Experience Vermont Arts at the Barre Opera House

The Barre Opera House is a historic theater right in town that still hosts live performances today. The building itself is beautiful, with classic New England charm. Depending on when you visit, you might catch:
  • A local or touring music show
  • A play or community theater production
  • Comedy acts, dance performances, or special events
Spending an evening at a show here is a nice way to wind down after a day of exploring. It also gives you a feel for the local arts scene in central Vermont. Plan ahead: Check their events calendar and buy tickets online if there’s a show that interests you.

9. Visit Nearby Cabot, Waterbury, or Stowe for Classic Vermont Day Trips

One of the best things about staying in Barre is how central it is. Within about a 45-minute drive, you can reach several iconic Vermont spots:
  • Cabot – Famous for Cabot Cheese. Look for tasting rooms or farm stores where you can sample cheddar and bring some home.
  • Waterbury – Home to Ben & Jerry’s Factory (ice cream tour!), plus a great downtown with restaurants and shops.
  • Stowe – A classic mountain town with ski slopes, scenic drives, hiking, and a picture-perfect village center.
If you’re in Barre for a long weekend, try turning one of your days into a loop: Barre → Montpelier → Waterbury → Stowe → back to Barre. You’ll see a lot of central Vermont in one relaxed drive. Driving tip: Vermont roads are curvy and scenic. Give yourself extra time so you can pull over for photos along the way.

10. Chase the Seasons: Foliage, Snow, and Maple Season

What you do near Barre, Vermont, can change a lot depending on the time of year. That’s part of the charm. Here’s how the seasons break down:
  • Fall (late September–mid October): Classic fall foliage. Drive any back road around Barre or Montpelier and you’ll see red, orange, and yellow hillsides. Bring your camera.
  • Winter: Enjoy snowshoeing in Barre Town Forest, skiing at nearby resorts like Stowe or Sugarbush (a bit farther but doable), and cozying up with hot cocoa in town.
  • Spring (Maple Season): Look for maple sugarhouses in Washington County where you can taste fresh maple syrup and candies right where they’re made.
  • Summer: Hike, bike, visit swimming holes, and enjoy long evenings in downtown Barre or Montpelier.
If you love seeing a place in its “best light,” try timing your trip around what you enjoy most—bright foliage, deep snow, or warm summer days.

Final Thoughts: Is Barre, Vermont Worth a Visit?

If you’re looking for a real Vermont experience—small city, friendly people, granite history, and easy access to nature—then yes, Barre is absolutely worth a stop. You can use Barre as:
  • A quiet base for exploring Montpelier, Waterbury, and Stowe
  • A day-trip destination to see Hope Cemetery and the granite history
  • A starting point for hiking, biking, and fall foliage drives in Washington County
It’s not a flashy tourist town, and that’s exactly why many travelers fall in love with it.

Share Your Barre, VT Experience

Have you been to Barre, Vermont or anywhere else in Washington County?
  • Which spot was your favorite—Hope Cemetery, Barre Town Forest, or Montpelier?
  • Did you find a local restaurant or coffee shop you’d recommend?
Drop your stories, tips, and questions in the comments below—they help other travelers plan better trips. And if you found this guide to things to do near Barre, VT helpful, please share it with a friend or on social media. It might be just the nudge someone needs to plan their own Vermont getaway.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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