10 Fun Things To Do Near Derby Line, Vermont (Orleans County)
If you’re looking for a quiet corner of New England with character, history, and big views,
Derby Line, Vermont is hard to beat. This small border village in
Orleans County sits right on the line between the United States and Canada, with quirky attractions, beautiful lakes, and classic Vermont countryside.
Whether you’re planning a weekend road trip, a family vacation, or a slow scenic drive through the Northeast Kingdom, here are
10 things to do in and around Derby Line, VT that are worth the stop.
1. Visit the World-Famous Haskell Free Library & Opera House
Derby Line is best known for one very unique building: the
Haskell Free Library & Opera House.
This historic spot was built so that it
literally sits in two countries at once. Part of it is in Derby Line, Vermont, and part is in Stanstead, Quebec. Inside, there’s even a black line on the floor that shows the exact border.
- Why go: It’s one of the only libraries and opera houses in the world that straddles an international border.
- What to do: Browse the stacks, admire the old wooden opera house upstairs, and check their schedule for performances or events.
- Tip: Make sure to confirm current border rules and visiting hours before you go.
Standing there with one foot in the U.S. and one in Canada is a fun photo moment and a great story to take home.
2. Stroll the Quirky Streets Along the U.S.–Canada Border
In Derby Line, the border isn’t just a line on a map – it runs right through town. Some streets look like a normal neighborhood until you realize that one side of the road is Vermont and the other is Quebec.
Take a slow walk or drive through the village and you’ll notice:
- Homes that sit only a few yards from the border
- Streets that are partially blocked so you don’t accidentally cross illegally
- Signs and markers showing exactly where the line runs
It’s a simple activity, but it really gives you a sense of how closely people on both sides of the border live. It feels a bit like visiting a movie set, except it’s real life.
3. Enjoy the Views at Lake Memphremagog (Newport)
Just a short drive south of Derby Line is
Newport, Vermont, on the shores of
Lake Memphremagog, a long, narrow lake that stretches up into Canada.
You can:
- Walk the paved path along the waterfront
- Relax on a bench and watch the boats
- Grab ice cream or coffee in downtown Newport and head to the water
On a clear day, the views across the lake feel huge, especially around sunset. If you like the calm, small-town side of lake life, this is your kind of place.
4. Bike or Walk the Newport–Derby Recreation Path
If you like easy, scenic biking or walking, check out the local recreation path that connects
Newport and
Derby.
This path is mostly flat and follows old rail lines, running near fields, woods, and water. It’s great for:
- Families with kids
- Casual bikers looking for a relaxed ride
- Travelers who want to stretch their legs after a long drive
Bring a water bottle, take your time, and soak in the quiet. The Northeast Kingdom doesn’t rush, and this trail fits that perfectly.
5. Explore Derby’s Country Roads and Covered Bridges
If you love classic New England scenery, the backroads around
Derby and
Orleans County will make you smile.
Hop in the car and take a slow drive:
- Along rolling hills and dairy farms
- Past old barns and white church steeples
- Across small rivers and streams
While Derby Line itself may not have a covered bridge right in the village, the surrounding area has that same postcard feel. Fall is especially beautiful, when the hills explode with orange, red, and gold.
6. Visit Lake Salem for Swimming, Boating & Fishing
A few miles from Derby Line, you’ll find
Lake Salem, a peaceful spot popular with locals in summer.
Here you can:
- Swim at the public beach area
- Launch a kayak, canoe, or small boat
- Cast a line and fish from shore or from your boat
It’s not a huge, built-up tourist lake. Instead, it feels like the kind of place you went to as a kid: simple, quiet, with fresh air and water that feels great on a hot day.
7. Take a Day Trip to Jay Peak Resort (Year-Round Fun)
About 35–45 minutes from Derby Line is
Jay Peak Resort, one of northern Vermont’s best-known mountain destinations.
You don’t have to be a hardcore skier to enjoy it:
- Winter: Skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, cozy lodge time.
- Summer: Hiking, scenic mountain rides, golf, and fresh mountain air.
- Anytime: Their indoor water park (great if you’re traveling with kids).
If you’re staying in Derby Line for a few days, a Jay Peak visit makes a fun contrast: quiet border village one day, active mountain resort the next.
8. Discover the Northeast Kingdom’s Local Farms & Stands
The area around Derby Line is part of Vermont’s famous
Northeast Kingdom, known for dairy farms, maple syrup, and small family operations.
As you drive the county roads, keep an eye out for:
- Farm stands selling fresh veggies in season
- Signs for local maple syrup or honey
- Small roadside coolers with eggs or cheese on the honor system
One summer afternoon, I pulled over at a tiny farm stand near Derby and bought maple syrup straight from the producer. It came in a simple jug, no fancy label, but it was some of the best syrup I’ve ever tasted. Moments like that are why I love this part of Vermont.
9. Explore Downtown Newport’s Shops, Cafés & Local Flavor
When you want a little more activity, head back to
downtown Newport, about 10–15 minutes from Derby Line.
In this small lakeside city, you can:
- Browse local shops and galleries
- Pick up Vermont-made gifts and souvenirs
- Grab lunch, dinner, or a drink with a lake view
It’s not a big, flashy downtown, but that’s part of the charm. Everything feels walkable and laid-back. If you’re traveling through northern Vermont, Newport and Derby Line together make a nice combo stop.
10. Take a Scenic Drive Through the Northeast Kingdom
Honestly, one of the best things to do near
Derby Line, Vermont is simply to drive.
Fill up the tank, pick a direction, and go explore Orleans County and the broader Northeast Kingdom:
- Head west toward small towns like Derby, Brownington, and Barton
- Drive south along lakes and rolling hills
- Stop wherever the view catches your eye
If you’re used to busy highways and crowded suburbs, the open roads and long views around Derby Line might feel like a reset button. It’s that kind of place.
Planning Your Trip to Derby Line, VT
Here are a few quick tips to make your visit smoother:
- Border rules: Because Derby Line sits right on the U.S.–Canada line, always follow posted signs and current border regulations. Don’t wander into Canada without proper documents.
- Best time to visit: Summer and early fall are especially beautiful, but winter has its own charm if you like snow.
- Where to stay: Look at lodging options in Derby, Newport, and nearby towns. Jay Peak also works as a base if you don’t mind a drive.
Final Thoughts: Why Derby Line Deserves a Spot on Your Vermont Road Trip
Derby Line isn’t a big city or a flashy resort town. It’s a
border village with personality — a place where history, scenery, and everyday life blend together in a way you don’t see very often in the USA.
Between the
Haskell Library & Opera House, the lakes, the quiet roads, and nearby mountain adventures, there’s more to do here than you might expect from a dot on the map.
What Do You Think?
Have you ever been to
Derby Line, Vermont or the Northeast Kingdom?
- Which of these 10 things would you try first?
- Do you know any hidden gems in Orleans County I should add next time?
Drop your thoughts, tips, or questions in the comments — I’d love to hear your experiences and ideas.
If you found this guide helpful, please
share it with a friend who’s planning a Vermont road trip or loves exploring small, unusual towns. Your shares and comments help more travelers discover this unique corner of the USA.
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