Lake Champlain Maritime Museum
Discover Lake Champlain's rich maritime history through interactive exhibits, vessel replicas, and unique shipwreck tours.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best weather for outdoor exhibits
Lake Champlain Maritime Museum
Best Time
Best weather for outdoor exhibits
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Lake Champlain's rich maritime history through interactive exhibits, vessel replicas, and unique shipwreck tours.
"A must-visit for history enthusiasts and families, offering free admission and engaging exhibits."
🚢 Book Shipwreck Tours Early
These popular tours fill up fast, especially in summer. Book in advance to secure your spot on the water!
🐾 Dog-Friendly Campus
Bring your furry friends along! The 3-acre campus is dog-friendly, making it a great outing for the whole family.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Philadelphia II Replica
Outdoor Exhibit
Climb aboard a full-scale replica of a Revolutionary War gunboat and step back in time.
Shipwreck Tours
Lake Champlain
Discover the secrets of Lake Champlain's underwater history with expert-led boat excursions.
Canoe & Small Boat Collection
Indoor Exhibit
An entire building dedicated to vintage canoes and small boats, showcasing the evolution of personal watercraft.
Abenaki Heritage Weekend
Museum Campus
Experience Abenaki history, arts, and culture with free admission and special programming.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Lake Champlain
+1Explore Beyond the Exhibits
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚢 Book Shipwreck Tours Early
These popular tours fill up fast, especially in summer. Book in advance to secure your spot on the water!
🐾 Dog-Friendly Campus
Bring your furry friends along! The 3-acre campus is dog-friendly, making it a great outing for the whole family.
🆓 Free Admission Days
Look out for special free admission days, like Abenaki Heritage Weekend, for a budget-friendly visit.
🛶 Hands-on Fun
Engage with interactive demos on boat building, rowing, and even underwater archaeology.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚢 Book Shipwreck Tours Early
These popular tours fill up fast, especially in summer. Book in advance to secure your spot on the water!
🐾 Dog-Friendly Campus
Bring your furry friends along! The 3-acre campus is dog-friendly, making it a great outing for the whole family.
🆓 Free Admission Days
Look out for special free admission days, like Abenaki Heritage Weekend, for a budget-friendly visit.
🛶 Hands-on Fun
Engage with interactive demos on boat building, rowing, and even underwater archaeology.
🗺️ Explore the Islands
Consider visiting the Lake Champlain Islands for more shoreline exploration and waterfront views.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum for its free admission, engaging exhibits, and knowledgeable staff. The hands-on activities and the chance to explore the Philadelphia II replica are frequently highlighted as enjoyable for all ages. While some wish for more quantitative data on shipwrecks, the overall experience is highly recommended for its educational value and beautiful lakeside setting.
"We participated in the Shipwreck Tour and enjoyed it. It's always lovely to be out on the lake in a boat, and the archeologist, captain, and tour guide were all knowledgeable and entertaining. I would have liked the tour to start with some facts and figures; a map of all the known shipwrecks, how many are military versus commercial or other, how many are gravesites, how many people were killed in them, that sort of high level quantitative information. Then, going and seeing a few would be more impactful. Well worth the time, though, and definitely recommend!!"
Michele Wier
"The Lake Champlain Maritime Museum in Vergennes, Vermont, is a must-visit for history enthusiasts and families, offering free admission to its 3-acre lakeside campus, founded in 1985. The engaging exhibits 'dive' into the lake’s Revolutionary War history, shipwrecks, and ecology, featuring replicas like the 1776 gunboat Philadelphia and the canal schooner Lois McClure. Hands-on demos in boat-building, rowing, and underwater archaeology make it fun and educational, though some displays could be more interactive. Staff member Lisa was exceptionally helpful, providing insightful guidance and enhancing the experience. Same for Matt with regards to the 4pm dinghy sailing days."
Sir Steve
"So cool! Lots of neat exhibits on the archaeology and history. Definitely recommend their display on outboard motors. Friendly and knowledgeable staff too!"
Rachel Arnold
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in Vergennes, Vermont. It's accessible by car, with ample parking available on-site. Many visitors combine a trip to the museum with exploring the charming town of Vergennes or nearby Basin Harbor.
Public transportation options directly to the museum are limited. It's best to plan for travel by car. Consider ride-sharing services if you are coming from a nearby town.
For a unique perspective, consider the museum's Shipwreck Tours or rent a canoe/kayak from their lakefront activity center.
Yes, the museum is near Basin Harbor and the town of Vergennes, offering dining and other historical sites.
Absolutely! Burlington is about a 30-40 minute drive south to Vergennes, making it a feasible day trip. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The museum offers free admission to its 3-acre campus, making it an accessible and budget-friendly destination.
The museum is typically open daily from 10 am to 4 pm during the summer season. It's always a good idea to check their official website for the most up-to-date hours.
General admission is free, so no advance booking is required for entry to the museum exhibits. However, special tours like the Shipwreck Tour may require reservations.
Yes, events like Abenaki Heritage Weekend often feature free admission, so keep an eye on their schedule for these opportunities.
The museum strives to be accessible. The campus is generally navigable, and staff are available to assist. It's recommended to contact the museum directly for specific accessibility needs.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the full-scale replica of the Revolutionary War gunboat Philadelphia II, the extensive collection of vintage canoes and small boats, and exhibits on shipwrecks and lake ecology.
Yes, the museum offers hands-on demonstrations in boat building, rowing, and underwater archaeology, making it engaging for kids.
The museum has a lakefront activity center and offers excursions, including the popular Shipwreck Tours. You can also canoe or kayak on Lake Champlain.
Yes, the 3-acre campus is dog-friendly, so you can bring your well-behaved pets along to explore.
Lake Champlain is rumored to be home to 'Champ,' a legendary sea serpent. While not a museum exhibit, it's a fun local legend to be aware of!
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The museum itself does not have a full-service restaurant. However, there are often snack options available, and it's recommended to check their website for current offerings.
The nearby town of Vergennes and Basin Harbor offer several dining options, from casual cafes to more formal restaurants.
Picnic areas are often available on museum grounds, making it a great option to bring your own lunch to enjoy by the lake.
Local favorites include The Red Mill at Basin Harbor (mentioned in a review) and various eateries in downtown Vergennes.
When dining in Vergennes or Basin Harbor, most restaurants can accommodate common dietary restrictions. It's best to inquire directly with the establishment.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the Philadelphia II replica, the vintage canoes, and the beautiful Lake Champlain shoreline. Sunset views are also popular.
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed within the museum. However, flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to protect artifacts.
The museum's lakeside location offers excellent vantage points for capturing beautiful sunsets over Lake Champlain.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best natural light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows.
Drone usage is typically restricted at historical sites and museums. It's best to check the museum's specific policies before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 Climbing aboard the Philadelphia II replica is a highlight, offering an immersive historical experience. Don't miss the vintage canoe collection, which is often a hit with younger visitors. Consider checking for special family-friendly events like Abenaki Heritage Weekend. +1💰 Budget Travelers
⚓ History Buffs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Maritime Archaeology of Lake Champlain
+1 These wrecks range from military vessels of the Revolutionary War to commercial schooners and personal craft, each telling a story of past maritime activities, trade, and even tragedies. Visitors can learn about these discoveries through engaging exhibits and even participate in specialized tours. The museum utilizes modern remote sensing technology to locate and study these submerged sites, offering a unique glimpse into a world hidden beneath the waves.
Exploring Lake Champlain's Ecology
Through interactive displays and educational programs, the museum highlights the importance of watershed health and the various factors that influence the lake's environment. Their Watershed Ecology Camp, for instance, immerses young participants in hands-on learning about the lake's natural systems.
This focus on ecology complements the historical narrative, providing a holistic view of the lake's importance to the region.The Spirit of Lake Champlain: Vessels and Voyages
Visitors can step aboard the Philadelphia II, a full-scale replica, to experience firsthand the conditions faced by sailors centuries ago. The museum also boasts an impressive collection of vintage canoes and small boats, illustrating the evolution of personal watercraft and their role in the lives of Vermonters.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit