Lake Champlain and 5 Ways to Enjoy this Great Lake

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