Lake Champlain - 5 Ways to Enjoy this Great Lake

Lake Champlain is the largest body of fresh waterarea, and interesting facts about the Lake. But
in the U.S. after the Great Lakes, and at 120 milescenter stage on either cruise is the stunning views
in length and an average depth of 400' and 12of the Islands and the surrounding mountains of
miles across, everything about it is impressive. ButVermont and New York.
more impressive than its size is its unspoiledDIVING FOR WRECKS
beauty. In a state already known for conservationIf diving for wrecks is your passion then in Lake
and back-to-nature vacations, Lake Champlain isChamplain you've come to the right place. The
the secret destination for a growing number ofLake is considered by many divers to have the
New England vacationers.best collection of historic shipwrecks in North
Here's my pick of five destinations and attractionsAmerica.
in the Lake Champlain region when you 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 aof the Lake Champlain Underwater Historic
wonderful patchwork of Islands. The largest ofPreserve. These wrecks offer a unique
the Islands are interconnected with each otherexperience for northeast diving. The types of
and the Vermont mainland by Route 2 in thewrecks vary from a horse ferry to canal boats,
south and Route 78 in the north. Following Routewith some located close to both the Vermont and
2 from south to north will take you through theNew 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 theadvance.
Canadian border.For more information on these wrecks visit the
The Lake Champlain Islands' terrain is flat toPreserve's site at
gentle rolling hills, which means bicycling is a popularLAKE CHAMPLAIN MARITIME MUSEUM
way to get around on vacation. In most areasThe Lake Champlain Maritime Museum is located
you'll have unobstructed views of Vermont'snear Vergennes, and is a marvelous way to
Green Mountains to the east, and New York'sexperience the historical significance of the lake.
Adirondacks to the west.The museum at Basin Harbor provides
BURLINGTON - LAKE CHAMPLAIN'S CITYopportunities 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 theuse traditional shipbuilding skills, and learn about
shore of Lake Champlain, with the stunningnautical 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'sThe Museum is self-guided but has plenty of
world-class lake aquarium and science center ondemonstrations for you to stop and view as you
the waterfront, Lake Champlain Chocolates guidedwander around.
factory tour, where you can see these famousSTATE PARKS ON LAKE CHAMPLAIN
chocolates made right before your eyes, and TheThere are over 50 State Parks in Vermont, and
Ethan Allen Homestead and Museum. Completethe Lake Champlain area contains twelve of those
your day with a train ride through the beautifulstate 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 greenIsland, North Hero, and Woods Island in the Lake
pastures to Shelburne and back.Champlain Island chain. Other state parks on the
CRUISES ON LAKE CHAMPLAINLake's shore are: Kill Kare, Kingsland Bay, Button
Two cruise boats operate on Lake Champlain inBay, and DAR.
the summer - "The Spirit of Ethan Allen III"Within these Vermont State Parks are
accommodates 500 people and the "Northernopportunities for hiking, biking, camping, boating,
Lights" has room for 150 guests. Both thesefishing, 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 thethe Lake for a day or longer, and to hike trails in
Lake Champlain region's rich revolutionary past,between a swim and reading your novel.
the importance of the Native Americans of this