Shelburne: Culture, Technology and Nature

Explore Shelburne through places with different areas of focus. From a historic ship to recreational trails and distinctive landscapes, the options range from specific activities to culture and architecture.

The History of Technology Aboard the Ticonderoga

The steamboat Ticonderoga is a National Historic Landmark and the last surviving side-wheel passenger steamboat with a walking beam engine. These two features give the ship a distinct place in Shelburne’s history. Visitors can freely explore all four decks and see the massive engine, the pilothouse, the galley, and the crew’s quarters. This brings into view not only the machinery but also spaces connected with work and daily life aboard. Those interested in maritime technology and historic ships will find several specific points of interest here.

Trails and Outdoor Activities

At Shelburne Bay Park, outdoor activity and the water take center stage. The Bike and Recreation Path is used for hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. In addition to hiking, the park offers two winter activities; fishing is another focus. Fishing access is available at the La Platte River, Shelburne Bay, and Lake Champlain. The Recreation Path connects with the Ti-Haul Trail and Harbor Road, west of Shelburne Community School. Trail activities, specific connections, and fishing access can thus be considered as separate interests.

Landscape and trail routes shape the character of LaPlatte Nature Park. The trails pass through a hayfield, through the woods, and along the LaPlatte River. Shelburne Bay Park offers trail activities and fishing access; at LaPlatte Nature Park, the focus is instead on the changing scenery of meadow, woods, and riverbank along the trails. This lets you distinguish the parks by their respective features: one offers several activities, while the other has different landscape elements along its trails.

Stained Glass and Creative Design

Trinity Episcopal Church has Tiffany stained-glass windows in the nave and the chancel. The windows are therefore found in two different areas of the church. Alongside the Ticonderoga’s history of technology, this creates a distinct cultural highlight, centered on the connection between the church interior and stained glass.

At the Vermont Teddy Bear Design Studio, visitors can customize their own stuffed animal. This creative activity adds a hands-on design experience to the historical and architectural themes. The current offering may change; if you want to plan this activity in particular, check availability in advance.

Views from Shelburne Farms

From the highest point at Shelburne Farms, you can enjoy views of the Inn, Lake Champlain, the Adirondack Mountains, and the Green Mountains. The view of the lake and the two mountain ranges offers a different landscape experience from the trails through hayfield, woods, and along the river. This lets you appreciate the views and nature trails as different ways to discover Shelburne’s landscape.

The cultural attractions also have different areas of focus: the Ticonderoga showcases historic ship technology and areas of the vessel visitors can explore, while Trinity Episcopal Church features Tiffany glass in two parts of the church. The Design Studio offers the chance to create a stuffed animal yourself.

Discover more destinations: Colchester, Essex Junction, South Burlington, Williston, Burlington, Underhill

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