| Lake Champlain is the largest body of fresh water | | | | past, the importance of the Native Americans of |
| in the U.S. after the Great Lakes, and at 120 miles | | | | this area, and interesting facts about the Lake. |
| in length and an average depth of 400? and 12 | | | | But center stage on either cruise is the stunning |
| miles across, everything about it is impressive. But | | | | views of the Islands and the surrounding |
| more impressive than its size is its unspoiled | | | | mountains of Vermont and New York. |
| beauty. In a state already known for conservation | | | | DIVING FOR WRECKS |
| and back-to-nature vacations, Lake Champlain is | | | | If diving for wrecks is your passion then in Lake |
| the secret destination for a growing number of | | | | Champlain you?ve come to the right place. The |
| New England vacationers. | | | | Lake is considered by many divers to have the |
| Here?s my pick of five destinations and | | | | best collection of historic shipwrecks in North |
| attractions in the Lake Champlain region when you | | | | America. |
| visit... | | | | Eight of these wrecks are preserved for the |
| ISLAND HOPING VERMONT STYLE: | | | | enjoyment of divers, and under the watchful eye |
| The northern half of Lake Champlain contains a | | | | of the Lake Champlain Underwater Historic |
| wonderful patchwork of Islands. The largest of | | | | Preserve. These wrecks offer a unique |
| the Islands are interconnected with each other | | | | experience for northeast diving. The types of |
| and the Vermont mainland by Route 2 in the | | | | wrecks vary from a horse ferry to canal boats, |
| south and Route 78 in the north. Following Route | | | | with some located close to both the Vermont and |
| 2 from south to north will take you through the | | | | New York shorelines of the Lake. Diving |
| picturesque towns of South Hero, Grand Isle, | | | | experience required ranges from beginner to |
| North Hero, and Alburg just a few miles from the | | | | advance. |
| Canadian border. | | | | For more information on these wrecks visit the |
| The Lake Champlain Islands? terrain is flat to | | | | Preserve?s site at |
| gentle rolling hills, which means bicycling is a popular | | | | LAKE CHAMPLAIN MARITIME MUSEUM |
| way to get around on vacation. In most areas | | | | The Lake Champlain Maritime Museum is located |
| you?ll have unobstructed views of Vermont?s | | | | near Vergennes, and is a marvelous way to |
| Green Mountains to the east, and New York?s | | | | experience the historical significance of the lake. |
| Adirondacks to the west. | | | | The museum at Basin Harbor provides |
| BURLINGTON - LAKE CHAMPLAIN?S CITY | | | | opportunities to step back in time as you explore |
| Though Montpelier is the state capital of Vermont, | | | | a Revolutionary War gunboat, watch craftsmen |
| its largest city is Burlington, which sits on the | | | | use traditional shipbuilding skills, and learn about |
| shore of Lake Champlain, with the stunning | | | | nautical life in the Champlain Valley during the |
| backdrop to the east of the Green Mountains. | | | | conflicts of the 18th century. |
| Activities in Burlington include ECHO, Vermont?s | | | | The Museum is self-guided but has plenty of |
| world-class lake aquarium and science center on | | | | demonstrations for you to stop and view as you |
| the waterfront, Lake Champlain Chocolates guided | | | | wander around. |
| factory tour, where you can see these famous | | | | STATE PARKS ON LAKE CHAMPLAIN |
| chocolates made right before your eyes, and The | | | | There are over 50 State Parks in Vermont, and |
| Ethan Allen Homestead and Museum. Complete | | | | the Lake Champlain area contains twelve of those |
| your day with a train ride through the beautiful | | | | state parks, and includes: Alburg Dunes, Knight |
| Champlain Valley on the Green Mountain Railroad. | | | | Point, Sandy Bar, Burton Island, Grand Isle, Knight |
| The train meanders through gently rolling green | | | | Island, North Hero, and Woods Island in the Lake |
| pastures to Shelburne and back. | | | | Champlain Island chain. Other state parks on the |
| CRUISES ON LAKE CHAMPLAIN | | | | Lake?s shore are: Kill Kare, Kingsland Bay, Button |
| Two cruise boats operate on Lake Champlain in | | | | Bay, and DAR. |
| the summer - "The Spirit of Ethan Allen III" | | | | Within these Vermont State Parks are |
| accommodates 500 people and the "Northern | | | | opportunities for hiking, biking, camping, boating, |
| Lights" has room for 150 guests. Both these | | | | fishing, picnicking, and swimming. The parks are a |
| boats leave from the docks in Burlington. | | | | wonderful way to relax and enjoy the waters of |
| While cruising you?ll listen as tour guides discuss | | | | the Lake for a day or longer, and to hike trails in |
| the Lake Champlain region?s rich revolutionary | | | | between a swim and reading your novel. |