Vermont’s capital city, Montpelier, is also known as half of the “twin cities,” of Vermont, the other half being neighboring Barre. Montpelier is one of the smallest state capitals, with the population of only 8,035 in 2006, and the only state capital without a McDonald’s and Burger King or an airport. Montpelier is cut through the middle by the Winooski River, which flows all the way to Lake Champlain. Used in the past to transport timber, the river is now popular with locals because of the parks surrounding it.
Despite its small size, Montpelier is noted for its historical buildings and attractions. The Vermont Historical Society Museum sponsors special events and houses a library with documents tracing Vermont’s heritage all the way back to the 18th century. Artifacts and memorabilia are also housed in the museum. The T.W. Wood Art Gallery is the only other museum in Montpelier, and it showcases regional artists along with classical works.
The Vermont State House is open for guided tours and it may be worth a visit just because of its impressive spiral marble staircases. Three historical walking tours are available for visitors to Montpelier in the summer. The State Street Tour, the most popular, covers 14 historical sites, including the Department of Agriculture, the Washington County Courthouse, and the State Capitol. Handcrafted souvenirs and jewelry shops abound in Montpelier, and many offer distinctive gifts native to the region. Lazy Pear Gallery, for example, offers “humorous art” that appeal to both children and adults.
For those wishing to head outdoors when visiting Montpelier, there are a lot of possibilities in the area. Canoeing is especially popular, and several outfits located on the Winooski River rent canoes and kayaks to visitors. The Dog River Recreation Field and the Gateway Park offer chances for trail hiking and organized sports, including soccer and softball. The best hiking trails in Montpelier, however, can be found at the North Branch Nature Center. Outings and guided walks are organized through the year, and visitors can join a group anytime, without a reservation.
In winter, Montpelier is popular with visitors because of its snowmobiling and snowshoeing trails, which cut through the city and extend to the neighboring hills. The Vermont Association of Snow Travelers (VAST) offers self-guiding maps that can be accessed online or picked up at the visitor center in Montpelier. The same hills become a rider’s paradise in autumn, where trails are used for mountain biking and hikers.