Science and Nature
Vermont science and nature centers offer a world of unexpected adventure
Vermont is an unsurpassed classroom for science and natural history with indoor and outdoor hands-on exhibits and programs for children and adults. There are countless museums, nature centers, walking trails, live animal feedings and more to enjoy. Discover hundreds of species of birds, fish, reptiles and amphibians. Learn maple sugaring from sap collecting through candy making. You can pick your own fruit, flowers and vegetables, take a farm tour, meet bees, and participate in harvest days.
10 places to visit
Huntington, VT
Birds of Vermont Museum
The name of the museum says it all: exhibits, observation area, nature trails, carving demonstrations.
Hours: Summer (May-Oct.) Weds-Sun 10am - 4pm, Mon-Tues by appointment. Winter (Nov.-Apr.) By appointment only.
Admission: Adults $7; Seniors $6; Ages 3-17 $3.50. Members always free. Please call for group rates.900 Sherman Hollow Road 802-434-2167
Norwich, VT
Montshire Museum of Science
This personal, warm, and intimate museum brims with enthusiasm for science and for sharing a love of science. Lots of hands-on exhibit and activities -- both in the building and outdoors -- demonstrate and perform principles of science and physics. The outdoor area offers walking trails and teaching exhibits adjacent to the trails. Science Park features water exhibits during the summer.
Read a detailed description, including information on hours and admission, at our Vermont museums page.One Montshire Road 802-649-2200
Quechee, VT
Vermont Institute of Natural Sciences (VINS) Nature Center
Outdoor exhibits of owls, eagles, falcons and other birds of prey, flight demonstrations, ecology programs about the landscape and wildlife of Vermont, walking trails, and a nature shop featuring science kits, field guides, binoculars, toys and gifts.
Hours: Year-round, Open Daily 10am - 5pm.; Wild Bird Rehab Area is currently closed.
Admission: Adults $18; Seniors, College Students, Educators and Veterans $17, Ages 4-17, $15, Members and 3 & Under Free.6565 Woodstock Road (Route 4) 802-359-5000
West Marlboro, VT
Southern Vermont Natural History Museum
This natural history museum is located at the Hogback Mountain and, here, you and your family can take a deep dive into hundreds of specimens of native New England birds and mammals. Bonus: you can go hiking and biking on land right next to the museum.
Hours: Open daily 10am - 4pm.
Admission: Adults $5, Seniors $3, Kids 5-12 $2, 4 and Under Free.7599 Route 9 East 802-464-0048
Burlington, VT
ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain
Many, many forms of marine life, from fish to reptiles are on display here, including at live animal feedings that are sure to captivate visitors of all ages. The Awesome Forces Theater is an eye-opener. There is a gift shop, too.1 College Street 802-864-1848
Vergennes, VT
Lake Champlain Maritime Museum
The science and natural history of Lake Champlain is a large part of the offerings of this museum, which also describes the military and industrial history of this northern Vermont region. Twelve exhibition buildings, a functioning forge, and a replica gunboat gives adults and kids plenty of range and variety to see and explore at this fascinating regional museum.
Hours: Late May to mid-October, Daily 10am - 4pm. Admission is free.4472 Basin Harbor Road 802-475-2022
Pittsford, VT
New England Maple Museum
Learn the science of how maple syrup is extracted from sugar maple trees, from bark to evaporator. See demos of sap collecting and syrup making. Taste the results!4578 US Route 7 802-483-9414
Manchester, VT
American Museum of Fly Fishing
At this homage to fly fishing, fans and practitioners can see a huge collection of angling art gear. Enjoy galleries, historic information, a gift shop and more.
Hours: June to October: Tuesday-Sunday 10am - 4pm ; November to May: Tuesday-Saturday 10am - 4pm.
Admission: Adults $5; Children 5-14 $3.4070 Main Street - US Route 7A 802-362-3300
Huntington, VT
Green Mountain Audubon Center
This 255-acre center offers five miles of trails through northern hardwood forest, hemlock swamp, and other habitats that are home to birds, amphibians, and beaver. In late winter, stop by the sugarhouse to watch maple sugar making. During the summer, visit the butterfly garden. At The Barn, check out the Discovery Room, with interactive displays and activities. Lookout Rock offers spectacular views of the Green Mountains255 Sherman Hollow Road 802-434-3068
Rupert, VT
Merck Forest & Farmland Center
Merck Forest is open to the public free every day year-round. This conservation area includes forests, a farm, hiking trails, and camping. Educators offer workshop programs for children and adults on many topics of ecology. Events include pick your own flowers and vegetables, farm tours, meet the bees, mushrooming, and harvest day.3270 VT Route 315 802-394-7836