10 Fun Things To Do In And Around Rutland, Vermont
If you’re dreaming about a classic New England getaway,
Rutland, Vermont is a great place to start. This small city in
Rutland County sits in the Green Mountains and is packed with outdoor adventure, local flavor, and small-town charm.
Whether you’re planning a long weekend, a family trip, or just driving through on a Vermont road trip, here are
10 things to do near Rutland, VT that are worth adding to your list.
1. Explore Downtown Rutland’s Murals and Shops
One of the best ways to get to know Rutland is simply by walking around downtown. The city has turned many of its brick walls into huge, colorful works of art.
Look for the
Rutland murals along Center Street and Merchants Row. Many of them celebrate local history, nature, and community figures. It almost feels like an outdoor art museum, but free.
After you’ve checked out the murals, you can:
- Browse the small local shops for Vermont-made gifts and crafts
- Grab a coffee or maple latte at a cozy café
- Pop into a bakery for a fresh pastry or a maple treat
Downtown Rutland is compact, so you can cover a lot in just an hour or two. It’s a great first stop when you arrive in town.
2. Hit the Slopes at Killington Resort
If you’re visiting Rutland in winter, you’re in luck. Just about 20 minutes east of the city, you’ll find
Killington Resort, one of the biggest ski areas in the eastern United States.
Killington is known for:
- Long ski and snowboard seasons (often from fall into late spring)
- Over 1,500 skiable acres with runs for beginners up to experts
- Lively après-ski spots with food, drinks, and live music
Not a skier? In winter, you’ll still find snow tubing, scenic gondola rides, and snowshoeing nearby. In summer and fall, Killington turns into a mountain playground with:
- Downhill mountain biking
- Hiking trails with big views
- Scenic chairlift or gondola rides to the summit
If you’re planning a
Rutland, VT winter vacation, it’s hard to skip Killington.
3. Ride the Rail Trail: Pine Hill Park & Beyond
For outdoor lovers,
Pine Hill Park is one of Rutland’s best surprises. It’s just a short drive from downtown and offers miles of wooded trails.
This is a perfect spot if you like:
- Hiking through quiet forest
- Trail running on soft, well-marked paths
- Mountain biking on a huge network of singletrack
If you’re used to busy city parks, Pine Hill will feel like a peaceful escape. Many of the trails are gentle enough for kids, but there are also more challenging loops if you want a workout.
Want a longer adventure? Connect your day with nearby trails like the
Carriage Trail or explore other routes in Rutland County. It’s easy to spend a full morning or afternoon here.
4. Step Back in Time at the New England Maple Museum
You can’t talk about Vermont without talking about
maple syrupNew England Maple Museum.
Inside, you’ll learn:
- How Native Americans first tapped maple trees
- How maple sugaring has changed over the years
- What it takes to turn sap into syrup
There are old tools, displays, and of course, maple products to taste and buy. If you’ve ever poured syrup on pancakes and wondered how it’s made, this spot answers all your questions.
Tip: If you visit in late winter or early spring, you may catch the actual sugaring season in Vermont, when the sap is running and sugarhouses are boiling.
5. Visit the Vermont Marble Museum in Proctor
Just a short drive north of Rutland, the small town of Proctor hides a pretty big story: marble. For many years, this area was famous for its marble quarries, and you can explore that history at the
Vermont Marble Museum.
Inside, you’ll find:
- Beautiful marble sculptures and artwork
- Exhibits on how marble is quarried and carved
- Examples of famous buildings that used Vermont marble
It’s surprisingly fascinating, even if you’ve never thought about stone before. Walking through the museum, you start noticing the details in buildings and monuments that you might usually overlook.
Proctor itself is quiet but charming, so you can easily pair the museum with a walk or a picnic nearby.
6. Take a Scenic Drive Around Lake Bomoseen
If you’re visiting Rutland in spring, summer, or fall, set aside time for a scenic drive out to
Lake Bomoseen, about 25–30 minutes west of the city.
This is the largest lake that lies entirely in Vermont, and it’s a local favorite for:
- Swimming and relaxing on the shore
- Kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding
- Boating and fishing
There’s also
Bomoseen State Park, which offers hiking trails and picnic areas. On a sunny day, the water sparkles, and the surrounding hills make a classic Vermont backdrop. In fall, the foliage around the lake can be stunning, with reds, oranges, and golds reflecting off the water.
If you’re traveling with kids, this is an easy place to spend a laid-back afternoon.
7. Hike (or Drive) Up to Great Views on Nearby Peaks
One of the best parts of staying in Rutland is how easy it is to get up into the Green Mountains. You don’t have to be a serious hiker to enjoy big views.
Here are a few ideas:
- Killington Peak – Take a gondola ride in summer or fall (from Killington Resort) for sweeping views without a tough climb.
- Mount Ascutney & other nearby hills – Within an hour or so, there are many smaller peaks with moderate trails.
- Local trail networks – Ask at the Rutland Visitors Center or local outdoor shops for current trail suggestions.
Even a short one- or two-mile hike can reward you with the kind of views that make Vermont famous: rolling mountains, patchwork farms, and little villages tucked into the valleys.
If you’re planning a
fall foliage trip to Rutland, VT, pairing a hike with a scenic drive is a great way to soak it all in.
8. Catch a Show or Event at the Paramount Theatre
Right in downtown Rutland, the
Paramount Theatre brings a little big-city culture to this small Vermont city. This historic theater first opened in the early 1900s and has been beautifully restored.
Depending on when you visit, you might find:
- Live music and concerts
- Comedy shows
- Plays and dance performances
- Classic movie screenings and special events
The interior has that old-time theater charm, with ornate details and a cozy atmosphere. It’s a fun way to spend an evening after a day of hiking or skiing.
If you’re building a
Rutland weekend itinerary, check the Paramount’s calendar ahead of time—you might be able to plan your trip around a show that catches your eye.
9. Sample Local Food, Breweries, and Farm Stands
Vermont takes its food seriously, and Rutland is no exception. You’ll find a growing number of places that focus on local ingredients, craft beer, and seasonal flavors.
Around Rutland, you can:
- Grab a burger or sandwich made with local beef or veggies
- Try a flight at a local brewery and taste Vermont craft beer
- Look for farm stands and seasonal farmers markets with fresh produce
- Pick up maple syrup, cheeses, and jams to take home
If you like to “eat like a local,” ask your server or bartender where they go on their day off. Locals almost always know the best breakfast spots, pizza joints, and hidden gems.
10. Enjoy a Classic Vermont Drive Through Rutland County
Sometimes the best thing to do near Rutland is simply… drive. The roads winding through
Rutland County are full of small towns, barns, covered bridges, and mountain views.
A few ideas for a scenic loop:
- Start in Rutland and head out toward Pittsford and Brandon
- Continue on quiet back roads through farmland and forest
- Stop for photos, a short walk, or a snack whenever something catches your eye
In fall, a drive like this turns into a full-on foliage tour. In winter, snowy fields and mountains feel peaceful and calm. In summer, the hills are a deep, vibrant green.
If you like slow travel and wandering without a strict schedule, you’ll love exploring Rutland County by car.
Planning Your Trip to Rutland, Vermont
Here are a few quick tips to make the most of your visit:
- Best time to visit: Fall for foliage, winter for skiing, summer for lakes and hiking, spring for maple sugaring and quieter crowds.
- Getting around: A car makes it much easier to reach places like Killington, Lake Bomoseen, and Proctor.
- Trip length: A weekend is enough for a good taste of Rutland, but 3–4 days lets you explore more of Rutland County.
Whether you’re chasing mountain views, maple syrup, or just a calm escape from everyday life,
Rutland, VT offers a little bit of everything.
What Would You Do First in Rutland?
Would you head straight to the slopes at Killington, walk the mural-filled streets of downtown Rutland, or relax by Lake Bomoseen?
I’d love to hear your plans and your favorite spots:
- Have you visited Rutland or Rutland County before?
- Which of these things to do near Rutland, VT would you put at the top of your list?
Share this post with friends or family who are planning a Vermont getaway, and
drop a comment with your questions, tips, or trip stories. Your ideas might inspire someone else’s next adventure in Rutland, Vermont!
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