10 Fun Things To Do Near Morrisville, Vermont (Lamoille County Guide)
If you’re dreaming of a classic small-town Vermont escape,
Morrisville in Lamoille County is a wonderful place to start. It’s less than 15 minutes from Stowe, but it has its own laid‑back vibe, local flavor, and easy access to the outdoors.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a foliage road trip, or a winter escape, here are
10 things to do in and around Morrisville, VT that give you a real taste of the Green Mountain State.
1. Stroll Downtown Morrisville & Hunt for Murals
One of the best first things to do in Morrisville is simply to
walk the downtown area. It’s compact, friendly, and easy to explore on foot.
You’ll find:
- Colorful outdoor murals and street art on buildings and alleyways
- Local shops selling Vermont-made crafts, gifts, and snacks
- Cozy cafés where you can warm up with a latte or hot chocolate
Try wandering without a plan. Turn down a side street, peek into a local bakery, and see what you find. The murals make for fun photo spots, especially if you’re traveling with kids or friends.
Tip: If you arrive early in the morning, you’ll often have the sidewalks almost to yourself and can enjoy a slow, quiet start to your day.
2. Bike or Walk the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail
If you like getting outside but don’t want anything too intense, the
Lamoille Valley Rail Trail is perfect. This former railroad line has been turned into a wide, mostly flat trail that runs right through the Morrisville area.
You can:
- Walk a short out‑and‑back section for an easy stroll
- Bike miles of scenic trail past farms, forests, and river views
- Use it as a family‑friendly ride since there are no cars on the trail itself
In fall, the rail trail is surrounded by bright reds and oranges. In summer, it’s lush and green. And in winter, parts of it are used for fat biking, cross‑country skiing, and snowshoeing.
Think of it as your
backyard greenway while you’re in Morrisville.
3. Visit Lost Nation Brewing for Craft Beer & Local Flavor
Vermont is famous for its craft beer, and Morrisville is home to one of the region’s well‑known breweries:
Lost Nation Brewing.
Here, you can:
- Try a flight of small‑batch Vermont beers
- Order classic pub food with a local twist
- Relax on the outdoor area in warmer months
The vibe is casual and welcoming—no need to be a beer expert. You can simply say, “I like something light,” or “I like something hoppy,” and let the staff help you choose.
If you’re not into alcohol, many local spots—including breweries—also offer
non‑alcoholic options like house sodas or kombucha, so you can still enjoy the atmosphere.
4. Hike Elmore Mountain & Swim at Lake Elmore State Park
About 10–15 minutes south of Morrisville, you’ll find
Elmore State Park, a real local favorite. It has a pretty lake, a beach area, and access to a classic Vermont hike.
Things to do here:
- Relax on the sandy beach at Lake Elmore
- Rent a canoe or kayak in season
- Hike up Elmore Mountain to the fire tower for big views
The hike is a bit steep in spots but very doable for most reasonably active visitors. The payoff at the top—wide views of the Green Mountains—makes every step worth it.
If you like the idea of a “lake day plus short mountain hike” all in one, this is your spot.
5. Explore Stowe Village & Mountain Road (Just Down the Road)
One of Morrisville’s big perks is how close it is to
Stowe, one of Vermont’s most famous resort towns. It’s about a 10–15 minute drive, so you can enjoy Stowe’s attractions while staying somewhere a bit quieter and more affordable.
In Stowe, you can:
- Stroll the historic village with its church steeple and shops
- Drive along the scenic Mountain Road toward Stowe Mountain Resort
- Stop in for ice cream, coffee, or a Vermont cheddar tasting
If you’re visiting in winter, Stowe Mountain Resort is a major ski destination. In summer and fall, the same area turns into a hiking, biking, and sightseeing playground.
Morrisville makes a great “home base,” letting you dip into busy Stowe when you want and then return to a calmer evening spot.
6. Paddle the Lamoille River
On a warm day, it’s hard to beat time on the water. The
Lamoille River winds right through the area and offers gentle stretches that are perfect for paddling.
Depending on the season and local outfitters’ schedules, you can:
- Rent a kayak or canoe
- Book a guided paddle trip
- Try a lazy afternoon float on a tube where conditions allow
The river isn’t about white‑knuckle rapids. It’s more about relaxing, listening to birds, and watching the trees roll by. It’s a peaceful way to see Lamoille County from a different angle.
Tip: Water levels and access points can change, so check with a local rental shop or your lodging host for current info.
7. Enjoy Local Food: Farm Stands, Bakeries, and Maple Treats
Vermont takes its food seriously, in a simple, down‑to‑earth way. Around Morrisville and greater Lamoille County, you’ll spot:
- Farm stands with seasonal produce, jams, and fresh eggs
- Bakeries offering maple donuts, pies, and crusty breads
- Shops selling Vermont maple syrup, cheeses, and specialty snacks
If you’ve never tried real Vermont maple syrup on pancakes, this is the place to do it. Many travelers end up taking a bottle or two home as a souvenir—and then wish they had room in their suitcase for more.
Ask locals where they grab breakfast or a casual lunch. In small towns like Morrisville, those suggestions usually lead you to the best hidden gems.
8. Hit the Slopes or Trails at Stowe & Smugglers’ Notch
Love snow? Or maybe you’d rather hike or bike? Either way, Morrisville is well‑positioned between two major mountain areas:
Stowe Mountain Resort and
Smugglers’ Notch.
In winter, you can:
- Ski or snowboard world‑class terrain
- Try snowshoeing on quieter trails
- Go cross‑country skiing on groomed networks in the region
In warmer months, these same mountains offer:
- Hiking with scenic overlooks and waterfalls
- Mountain biking on purpose‑built trail systems
- Leaf‑peeping drives in fall that feel like stepping into a postcard
Morrisville’s location means you can decide day‑by‑day: head to Stowe, drive toward Smuggs, or stick to local, less crowded trails closer to town.
9. Go Chasing Covered Bridges in Lamoille County
If you picture Vermont, you probably see a
red covered bridge in your mind. Lamoille County has several charming examples within a short drive of Morrisville.
Plan a simple “covered bridge loop” by car:
- Start in Morrisville and ask your lodging host for a few local favorites
- Use a map app to string together 3–4 bridges in one drive
- Stop for photos, short walks, and maybe a picnic by the river
These bridges are more than just pretty—they’re part of Vermont’s history and were once vital for connecting small communities.
It’s an easy, low‑stress outing that works well for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.
10. Soak in Small‑Town Vermont Life
Not every “thing to do” has to be an activity you book or a trail you hike. One of the real joys of Morrisville is simply slowing down and soaking up
small‑town Vermont life.
Some ideas:
- Sit on a bench with a coffee and people‑watch
- Drop into a local library or bookstore and browse the shelves
- Check community boards for farmers markets, craft fairs, or concerts
If you’re used to busy cities or packed schedules, spending an afternoon with “nothing major” on the agenda can feel incredibly refreshing. Sometimes the best Vermont memories are made in these quiet, in‑between moments.
Planning Your Trip to Morrisville, Vermont
Here are a few quick planning tips to make your trip smoother:
- When to visit:
- Winter for skiing, snowboarding, and snowy landscapes
- Spring for maple season and fewer crowds
- Summer for hiking, paddling, and long, warm evenings
- Fall for famous Vermont foliage and crisp air
- Getting around: A car makes it much easier to reach trails, lakes, and nearby towns like Stowe.
- Where to stay: Look at inns, motels, vacation rentals, or B&Bs in Morrisville and surrounding Lamoille County.
What Would You Do First in Morrisville?
Would you start with a slow walk through downtown, a pint at the brewery, or a hike to a mountain fire tower? Or maybe a covered bridge road trip is more your style?
If you’ve visited
Morrisville or Lamoille County, Vermont before:
- What was your favorite thing to do?
- Did you find any hidden gems I didn’t mention?
Share your experiences and tips in the comments below—they might help someone else plan their perfect Vermont getaway.
And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with a friend who’s planning a trip to Vermont. The more people discover places like Morrisville, the more they fall in love with the real, everyday side of the Green Mountain State.
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