
Perkins Pier
A picturesque pier and park on Lake Champlain, offering stunning sunsets, access to scenic bike paths, and a vibrant community atmosphere.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Perfect for sunsets & skating

Perkins Pier
Best Time
Perfect for sunsets & skating

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque pier and park on Lake Champlain, offering stunning sunsets, access to scenic bike paths, and a vibrant community atmosphere.
"Awesome pier and park with a fantastic view of Lake Champlain, the Adirondacks, and a great sunset spot that faces west!"

🅿️ Parking Savvy
Watch out for parking tickets! Metered parking often ends around 6 PM on Sundays.
🚴 Bike Path Bliss
Rent a bike and cruise the scenic rec path for miles along Lake Champlain.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Lake Champlain Sunsets
Western edge of the pier
Witness breathtaking sunsets over Lake Champlain with the Adirondack Mountains as a backdrop. A truly magical experience.

Public Art Installation
Near the park entrance
Discover 'Deep Conversations,' a whimsical otter sculpture by Ryan Mays, inviting smiles and connection with nature.

Recreational Path Access
Adjacent to the pier
Connect to miles of scenic bike and walking paths along the lake, perfect for active exploration.

Roller Skating Vibes
The pier itself
Experience the joy of roller skating with stunning aerial views, especially magical during golden hour.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking Pointers
Embrace the Outdoors
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🅿️ Parking Savvy
Watch out for parking tickets! Metered parking often ends around 6 PM on Sundays.
🚴 Bike Path Bliss
Rent a bike and cruise the scenic rec path for miles along Lake Champlain.
🌅 Sunset Spectacle
The west-facing pier offers incredible sunset views over the lake.
🐾 Pet-Friendly Fun
Bring your furry friends along to enjoy the walking trails and open spaces.
Tips
from all over the internet
🅿️ Parking Savvy
Watch out for parking tickets! Metered parking often ends around 6 PM on Sundays.
🚴 Bike Path Bliss
Rent a bike and cruise the scenic rec path for miles along Lake Champlain.
🌅 Sunset Spectacle
The west-facing pier offers incredible sunset views over the lake.
🐾 Pet-Friendly Fun
Bring your furry friends along to enjoy the walking trails and open spaces.
🎨 Artful Encounters
Look for the charming 'Deep Conversations' otter sculpture near the park.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Perkins Pier for its stunning sunset views over Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks, its accessibility, and its connection to the scenic bike path. It's noted as a pet-friendly spot with a nice park area for families. However, some caution is advised regarding parking regulations and potential ticketing.
"Be careful where you park, you will get ticked, even on a Sunday evening! The park is a nice place to see the water, they do have a place for kids to play, and you have access to the bike path. There are benches for sitting and it is wheelchair accessible!"
Jen Garrison
"❤️ beautiful. Turn around and look back at the cool lakefront town we live in. Historical. Pet-friendly, walking trails train tracks, so much to look at. Oh and geese"
Nancy Young
"Awesome pier and park with a fantastic view of Lake Champlain, the Adirondacks, and a great sunset spot that faces west!"
Philip Yazbak
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Perkins Pier is easily accessible by car, bike, or on foot. It's located along the Burlington Greenway bike path, making it a popular stop for cyclists. If driving, be aware of parking regulations and meter times.
While there isn't direct bus service to the pier itself, it's a short walk from downtown Burlington, which is well-served by public transportation. The pier is also a key point on the extensive Burlington Greenway.
Yes, bike rentals are available nearby, such as from Local Motion, allowing you to easily access Perkins Pier and explore the scenic bike path along Lake Champlain.
Walking or biking the Burlington Greenway is highly recommended. It offers beautiful views and a direct route to the pier from various points in Burlington.
Amtrak offers train service to Burlington. From the train station, you can take a taxi, rideshare, or bike to Perkins Pier, which is a popular destination for day-trippers.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Perkins Pier and the surrounding park are free to access. There are no admission fees to enjoy the waterfront, walking paths, or public art.
Perkins Pier is generally open to the public from dawn until dusk. Specific facilities like restrooms may have limited hours, but the park and pier are accessible year-round.
Parking at Perkins Pier is metered and enforced. Be sure to check the signage for operating hours and fees, as tickets can be issued, especially during peak times. Some sources indicate parking may be free after 6 PM on Sundays.
There's no need to book anything in advance for general access to Perkins Pier. It's a public space meant for everyone to enjoy freely.
While Perkins Pier itself is a public park, the adjacent Boathouse sometimes hosts events. It's best to check local listings for any specific happenings.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy roller skating, fishing, bird watching (look for minks and geese!), walking or biking the greenway, admiring public art, and simply relaxing while taking in the beautiful lake views.
Yes, Perkins Pier has a designated play area for children and offers plenty of open space for them to run around. The calm waters and accessible paths are also great for families.
Keep an eye out for various bird species, including geese. Minks have also been spotted in the area, adding to the natural charm of the location.
The park and pier are designed to be wheelchair accessible, with paved paths and ramps making it easy for everyone to enjoy the waterfront.
The pier offers fantastic opportunities for sunset photos, panoramic views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks, and capturing the public art installations. Drone footage during golden hour is also spectacular.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining establishments directly on Perkins Pier itself. However, the nearby waterfront area and downtown Burlington offer a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, and eateries to choose from.
Absolutely! Perkins Pier has benches and picnic tables, making it an ideal spot for a picnic lunch or snack while enjoying the lake views.
You'll find everything from casual cafes to fine dining in downtown Burlington, a short distance from Perkins Pier. Options include seafood, American cuisine, and international flavors.
There are no dedicated vendors for snacks or drinks directly at Perkins Pier. It's advisable to bring your own refreshments or plan to purchase them in downtown Burlington.
While not a regular occurrence, food trucks can sometimes be found in the vicinity, especially during local events or in the warmer months. It's best to check local event schedules.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, especially during sunset, offers stunning light for photography. Early mornings can also provide beautiful, serene shots of the lake.
The pier itself, the expansive views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks, the public art installation, and the surrounding greenway are all excellent subjects.
Drone usage is possible, and videos showcase incredible aerial views, particularly during sunset. Always be aware of local drone regulations and privacy considerations.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive lake views. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting. A tripod is recommended for sunset shots.
Generally, photography is permitted for personal use. Be respectful of other visitors and any private property or events.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Parents can enjoy the beautiful lake views while keeping an eye on their children. The pier is also a safe place for kids to try fishing or simply watch the water. Remember to pack snacks and drinks, as dining options are limited directly at the pier.
🚴 Active Adventurers
The pier itself is also a popular spot for roller skating, especially during the golden hour for a truly magical experience. Whether you're biking, running, or skating, Perkins Pier offers a perfect starting point for your outdoor adventures.
📸 Photographers & Sunset Lovers
Bring your camera and tripod to capture the vibrant colors of the sky. Drone photography also offers unique aerial perspectives of the pier and the surrounding landscape during the golden hour.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Burlington Greenway
Travelers often rave about the ease of access and the well-maintained nature of the path. It's a fantastic way to connect with the natural beauty of the area and get some exercise. Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll or an invigorating bike ride, the Greenway from Perkins Pier provides an unforgettable experience.
Keep an eye out for various wildlife along the path, including numerous bird species and even occasional sightings of minks. The path is also dotted with benches and rest areas, perfect for pausing to soak in the atmosphere or enjoy a packed lunch.
The Magic of Sunset at Perkins Pier
Many visitors specifically come to Perkins Pier with the sole intention of witnessing this daily spectacle. The atmosphere during sunset can be quite lively, with people gathering to watch, take photos, and simply enjoy the moment. It's a popular spot for couples, photographers, and anyone seeking a moment of natural beauty.
For the best experience, aim to arrive about an hour before sunset to secure a good spot and capture the changing light. The pier itself offers a unique vantage point, and the adjacent park provides ample space to relax and enjoy the show. Drone footage captured during this time highlights the breathtaking scale of the sunset over the lake.
Public Art and Community Spirit
This artwork reflects the community's commitment to enhancing public spaces and fostering a connection with nature. It's a perfect spot for a quick photo opportunity and adds an element of surprise and charm to the pier experience.
Furthermore, the spirit of community is evident in efforts like the cleanup initiatives undertaken by groups such as the BTV Boathouse, who actively work to maintain the beauty and functionality of the pier and its facilities.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit