Isle La Motte: Fossils, Fort and Saint Anne’s Shrine

Isle La Motte brings together several travel interests: fossils and geological history, French military history, and Saint Anne’s Shrine as a place of pilgrimage and reflection. The geological sites tell the story of a reef from the distant past and its fossils; Fort Ste. Anne and the Shrine represent different historical traditions. If you are looking for a hotel on Isle La Motte, you can plan your trip around whichever of these themes interests you most.

Fossils and Geological History

The Chazy Fossil Reef on Isle La Motte formed about 460 million years ago during the Ordovician. Isle La Motte is home to the best and most complete fossil record of the Chazy Fossil Reef. A trail from south to north tells the story of the reef’s development.

At Goodsell Ridge Preserve, the nearly one-mile-long Walk Through Time Trail features seasonal interpretive panels that tell the story of life on Earth. The preserve also has seven fossil Discovery Areas. Panels explain the fossils in the rock outcrops there.

At Fisk Quarry Preserve, the focus is on other specific fossils. The former Fisk Quarry is now a nature preserve owned by the Isle La Motte Preservation Trust. Fossils in the rock include spiral-shaped snail fossils; stromatoporoid fossils can be found in the quarry walls. The fossils at Fisk Quarry vary by type and by their location in the rock.

Fort Ste. Anne and the Island’s History

Fort Ste. Anne was built in 1666 on the northwest shore of Isle La Motte by French soldiers under the command of Captain Sieur de La Motte of the Carignan. The fort served as a base for several French military expeditions against the British and the Mohawk Nations.

Saint Anne’s Shrine: Landscape and Pilgrimage Tradition

The grounds of Saint Anne’s Shrine cover 32 acres, border Lake Champlain and offer views of the Adirondack Mountains. A Stations of the Cross and rustic grottos provide places for reflection and prayer. The first organized pilgrimage to the Shrine took place in 1893 and drew nearly 2,000 people.

Planning Your Trip

For the drive from Burlington to Saint Anne’s Shrine, the official route crosses the North Hero Bridge, follows Route 129, and then crosses the Isle La Motte Bridge. This sequence gives you clear route guidance if you include the Shrine in your plans.

The Holcomb Bay access area has a concrete ramp and a dock. Seasonal conditions may affect access. If you plan to visit Holcomb Bay, check conditions before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Alburgh, South Hero, North Hero.

View the broader travel guide: Grand Isle County.