10 Fun Things To Do Near St. Albans, Vermont (Franklin County)
Looking for a relaxed, small-town getaway in northern Vermont?
St. Albans, tucked into beautiful
Franklin County just south of the Canadian border, is the kind of place where you can stroll a historic downtown in the morning, paddle on the lake in the afternoon, and watch the sunset over the mountains at night.
If you’re planning a trip and wondering what to do in and around St. Albans, this guide is for you. Here are
10 fun things to do near St. Albans, VT that mix outdoor adventure, local flavor, and small-town charm.
1. Wander Downtown St. Albans & Taylor Park
Start right in the heart of town. St. Albans’ compact downtown is easy to explore on foot and gives you a feel for everyday life in northern Vermont.
- Grab a coffee from a local café and walk through Taylor Park, the green space at the center of town.
- Check out the historic Franklin County Courthouse and nearby churches and storefronts.
- Pop into small shops for Vermont-made gifts, maple products, and crafts.
On a warm day, you’ll often see families on the playground, people reading on benches, and kids running through the grass. It’s simple, but that slow pace is part of St. Albans’ charm.
2. Hit the Beach at Kill Kare State Park
Just a short drive west of town brings you to
Kill Kare State Park on the shores of Lake Champlain. Despite the name, it’s actually a very peaceful place.
Here’s what you can do:
- Swim from the rocky, grassy shoreline and cool off in the lake.
- Spread out a blanket for a picnic with lake and island views.
- Launch a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard and explore the bay.
- Walk around the old camp buildings and enjoy the open lawns.
If you like quiet waterfront spots without big crowds, this park is a great choice. On a calm day, the lake can look like glass, and the mountain backdrop feels almost like a painting.
3. Explore Burton Island State Park by Ferry
From Kill Kare, you can catch a
short ferry ride out to
Burton Island State Park, one of the most unique places to visit near St. Albans.
This
car-free island in Lake Champlain offers:
- Easy walking trails that loop around the shoreline.
- Rocky beaches where you can sit, skip stones, and watch the water.
- Camping, lean-tos, and even a small marina store and snack bar (seasonal).
- Great birdwatching and peaceful spots to just sit and listen.
Because there are no cars, the island feels extra calm. If you need a real reset from busy life, a day or night out here can do the trick.
4. Bike or Walk the Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail
If you enjoy being active but don’t love steep mountain hikes, the
Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail is perfect. This former railroad line has been turned into a long, mostly flat trail that runs through Franklin County.
From the St. Albans area, you can:
- Hop on the trail and ride for a few miles or make a full-day adventure.
- Pass by farms, fields, small villages, and river views.
- Enjoy a quiet, car-free route that’s great for families.
Bring a bike, or even just walk a section. The gentle grades make it easy on the legs, and the scenery gives you a taste of real rural Vermont. In the fall, the colors along the trail can be incredible.
5. Visit St. Albans Bay Park for Sunset Views
Just a few miles from downtown,
St. Albans Bay Park sits right on Lake Champlain and is one of the best local spots to catch the sunset.
At the park you’ll find:
- A playground and open grassy areas for kids to run around.
- Picnic tables and pavilions for cookouts and family meals.
- Walking paths along the bay with wide water views.
On summer evenings, you may find live music, community events, or folks simply sitting in lawn chairs watching the sky turn pink and orange. If you’re staying in or near St. Albans, aim to spend at least one evening here.
6. Sample Local Flavors at Breweries & Cafés
Vermont is well-known for craft beer and good coffee, and St. Albans holds its own.
Around town, you can:
- Try local beers at nearby breweries and taprooms, many of which highlight Vermont ingredients.
- Warm up in winter with a rich hot chocolate or latte in a cozy café downtown.
- Pair drinks with casual pub food, fresh sandwiches, or comfort dishes.
If you’re exploring the area in the cooler months, ducking into a warm spot with a local brew or a maple latte feels especially good after being outside.
7. Learn Local History at the St. Albans Museum
To really understand a place, it helps to know its story. The
St. Albans Museum, housed in a historic building near downtown, shares the area’s past in a clear, engaging way.
Inside, you can find exhibits on:
- The region’s railroad and farming history.
- The St. Albans Raid during the Civil War, one of the northernmost events of the war.
- Local life over the years, from everyday homes to industry.
It’s not a huge museum, which actually makes it more approachable. You can walk through at a relaxed pace, learn a few memorable stories, and then step back out into the modern town with a new appreciation for it.
8. Drive Vermont’s Scenic Back Roads in Franklin County
One of the easiest and most rewarding things to do near St. Albans is simply to drive. Franklin County’s back roads are full of:
- Rolling farmland with views of fields, barns, and distant hills.
- Quiet villages with white-steepled churches and general stores.
- Roadside farm stands selling seasonal veggies, berries, and maple products.
Pick a direction, plan a loose loop, and see where the road takes you. In spring, you might spot maple sugaring operations. In summer, you’ll see green fields and cows grazing. In the fall, fiery reds and golds light up the hillsides.
Bring a camera—those “pull over and snap a photo” moments happen often out here.
9. Enjoy Lake Champlain: Boating, Paddling & Fishing
St. Albans’ location near the broad waters of
Lake Champlain makes it a great base for water lovers.
Depending on the season, you can:
- Rent kayaks or canoes in the area and paddle along the shore.
- Launch a boat and explore the lake’s islands and coves.
- Try your luck fishing for bass, pike, and other local species (check Vermont fishing rules before you go).
On a calm summer morning, being out on the water with the mountains in the distance is one of the best feelings in northern Vermont. If you’re new to paddling, start near shore and stick to gentle conditions.
10. Time Your Visit with a Local Festival or Event
St. Albans and Franklin County host several events throughout the year that bring the community together and attract visitors from around Vermont and beyond.
Depending on when you visit, you might find:
- Maple-themed celebrations in spring, when sugaring season is in full swing.
- Summer concerts, farmers markets, and outdoor movie nights.
- Fall and winter events with local vendors, crafts, and seasonal foods.
Before your trip, check local event calendars for St. Albans and Franklin County. Planning around a festival can add extra energy and fun to your visit, and it’s a great way to meet locals and taste authentic Vermont treats.
Planning Your St. Albans, Vermont Getaway
St. Albans may not be as famous as some bigger Vermont destinations, but that’s part of its appeal. It gives you:
- Easy access to Lake Champlain.
- Small-town streets and green parks.
- Scenic drives and trails in Franklin County.
- Plenty of quiet corners to slow down and breathe.
Whether you’re stopping for a day on a longer New England road trip or planning a weekend focused on this corner of Vermont, you’ll find plenty of simple, meaningful things to do near St. Albans.
What Would You Add to This St. Albans VT Bucket List?
Have you been to
St. Albans, Vermont or anywhere else in
Franklin County?
- What was your favorite thing to do?
- Did you discover a hidden gem—a trail, a café, a viewpoint?
Share your tips and experiences in the comments so other travelers can make the most of their trip. And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with a friend who’s dreaming about a Vermont getaway—sometimes all it takes is a single idea to start planning the perfect escape.
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