If your students have a sweet-tooth for history and nature, indulge in a trip to the beautiful and educational “Green Mountain State.” Tour historic homes and museums, then sample some of the nation’s sweetest treats—all while having fun along the way.
Legendary History and Heritage
Students will enjoy learning the state’s history and heritage by visiting the Vermont History Museum and the Vermont Heritage Galleries, located in Montpelier. One admission price will give your students access to both attractions, including the award-winning Freedom and Unity exhibit. The museum provides free tours and many hands-on ways for students to learn.
While you’re visiting Montpelier, take your students to the Vermont State House to learn about the state’s governing body and its history. Volunteers offer guided and self-guided tours of the capitol building throughout the year.
Lake Champlain at sunset. Credit: Skye Chalmers.
For an interesting and educational group activity, be sure to participate in the Vermont History Trek. During the adventure challenge students will explore the state’s historic sites, which range in themes from Native American to the Revolutionary War. Another interesting piece of the challenge will take your students to the historic Lake Champlain. Scuba divers are still exploring the legendary waterway, which became the final resting place for countless shipwrecks in the 1700s.
Sweet Treats and Tours
Reward your students’ hard work by taking them on a tour of the Lake Champlain Chocolate Factory in Burlington. The factory offers free tours and samples; students love overseeing how chocolate is made from the viewing deck.
If you’re traveling in the summer, indulge with your students at the delicious Ben & Jerry’s Factory and Shop, located in Waterbury Center. Tour the ice cream factory for some educational fun and sample some infamous flavors.
Ben and Jerry’s factory sign. Credit: SNSAnchor at en.wikipedia
Wash it all down with a warm cup of apple cider at the Cold Hollow Cider Mill, also located in Waterbury Center. Take a self-guided tour through the facility and watch the mill press cider or make cider jelly. The location also has a live Bee Observation Hive, which is used to make the treats that are sold in their natural foods bakery.
If your group prefers to stay in Montpelier, be sure to visit the Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks. Students can tour the sugar house, but also enjoy nature trails while sampling some sweet treats that the facility has to offer.
Adrenaline Inspired Activities and Challenges
After all that sugar, your students are probably ready to run off some extra energy. Visit the Jay Peak Resort and enjoy its indoor waterpark, take ski lessons, golf or check out the NHL hockey arena.
A family of skiers. Credit: Dennis Curran.
If you’re looking for more outdoor adventure, travel to TimberQuest in Londonderry. Watch your students conquer their fears while attempting to master the adrenaline-rich, tree-top adventure filled with rope courses and zip lines. Not to mention, this is a great team-building activity.
Outdoor and Scientific Mysteries Revealed
Move your classroom into nature at the Vermont Institute of Natural Science, located in Quechee. Students will experience outdoor and environmental education by meeting some animals up close and personal, or by participating in a raptor scavenger hunt while hiking the beautiful nature trails that surround the facility.
Students at Voices for the Lake exhibit at ECHO Aquarium and Science Center. Credit: Travis Cook/ECHO
Finally, finish off a perfect trip by visiting the fascinating Burlington’s ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center. The center is perfect for students (and teachers) of all ages. Unlock some of the underwater mysteries of the big Lake Champlain, along with many legends that date back to the Abenaki and Iroquois cultures.
Educational Opportunities Unique to Vermont
Vermont offers a plethora activities that you can only find in the “Great Mountain State.” The Rock of Ages Quarry and Factory, located in Graniteville, offers guided and self-guided tours of the largest operating granite quarry in the world. Students can experience many hands-on activities, like sandblasting and granite bowling.
If your group makes its way to Proctor, visit The Vermont Marble Museum, which is world’s largest marble museum. Take a tour through the exhibits and learn about how Vermont marble is used in art and architecture throughout history.
For a tour with a historical twist, visit the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, found in Woodstock. The park has a beautiful landscape for hiking, and it partners with the Billings Farm and Museum to provide tours of the area’s first Civil War home front.
Whether you’re looking for a sporty resort adventure for students, a picturesque hike in the park or a sweet taste of history in the making, Vermont has plenty of ways for your group to indulge. If you’ve visited Vermont with a student group, tell us about your experiences below!
