Lake Champlain is the largest body of fresh water in the U.S. after the Great Lakes, and was created when a mammoth ice plug backed up the surrounding glacier melt water.  At 120 miles in length and an average depth of 400’ and 12 miles across, everything about it is impressive. But more impressive than its size is its unspoiled beauty.

In a state already known for conservation and back-to-nature vacations, Lake Champlain is the secret destination for a growing number of New England vacationers.

Named after the explorer Samuel de Champlain, it gained prominence during the years after the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 as the British used its access from the Quebec region to wreak havoc in the area.

Lake Champlain would be the largest lake in New England if it weren’t for the fact that part of it is in New York State.  Vermonters will tell you the best part though is reserved for Vermont. Here’s my pick of five destinations and attractions in the Lake Champlain region when you visit...

ISLAND HOPING VERMONT STYLE

The northern half of Lake Champlain contains a wonderful patchwork of Islands.  The largest of the Islands are interconnected with each other and the Vermont mainland by Route 2 in the south and Route 78 in the north.  Following Route 2 from south to north will take you through the picturesque towns of South Hero, Grand Isle, North Hero, and Alburg just a few miles from the Canadian border.

Isle La Motte is a short detour off Route 2 on Route 129 and is famous for Chazy Reef, the oldest known reef on earth where corals appear. Other attractions in the northern reaches of the Islands are St. Anne’s Shrine, located on the site of Fort St. Anne and Alburg Dunes Park, home to the longest beach on Lake Champlain.

The Lake Champlain Islands' terrain is flat to gentle rolling hills, which means bicycling is a popular way to get around on vacation. In most areas you’ll have unobstructed views of Vermont’s Green Mountains to the east, and New York’s Adirondacks to the west. Favorite pastimes of vacationers in addition to bicycling is sailing, fishing, swimming, and snoozing on a beach.

The fact is, with the sun sparkling on the water and a gentle breeze in your face, the Lake Champlain Islands will take you far from the maddening crowds.

BURLINGTON - LAKE CHAMPLAIN'S CITY

Though Montpelier is the state capital of Vermont, its largest city is Burlington, which sits on the shore of Lake Champlain, with the stunning backdrop to the east of the Green Mountains.

Burlington is a Vermont city, which means life is less about quick-pace activities and more about savoring the moment and taking time to "smell the roses." However, the atmosphere at historic Church Street Marketplace with its 130 specialty shops, has all the excitement of an energetic mall.

Activities in Burlington include ECHO, Vermont’s world-class lake aquarium and science center on the waterfront, and Lake Champlain Chocolates guided factory tour, where you can see these famous chocolates made right before your eyes. And complete your day with a train ride through the beautiful Champlain Valley on the Green Mountain Railroad. The train meanders through gently rolling green pastures to Shelburne and back.

No visit to the Burlington area is complete without taking in The Ethan Allen Homestead and Museum. Ethan Allen was one of Vermont’s founding fathers, and this homestead was his last home, and is just a short drive from downtown Burlington.

CRUISES ON LAKE CHAMPLAIN

Two cruise companies operate on Lake Champlain in the summer - “The Spirit of Ethan Allen III” accommodates 500 people and the “Northern Lights” has room for 150 guests. Both these boats leave from the docks in Burlington.

While cruising you’ll learn facts about this unusual body of water, such as why it’s one of the few that flows in a northerly direction, and tour guides will discuss the Lake Champlain region’s rich revolutionary past and the importance of the Native Americans of this area. You’ll discover in your narrated tour all about the events that shaped the Lake’s unique history.  But center stage on either cruise is the stunning views of the Islands and the surrounding mountains of Vermont and New York.

And who knows you may just sight Lake Champlain’s very own friendly “Loch Ness Monster” called “Champ”, or if taking an evening cruise catch a breath-taking display of the Aurora Borealis – sometimes sighted above the lake after dark.

DIVING FOR WRECKS

If diving for wrecks is your passion then in Lake Champlain you’ve come to the right place. The Lake is considered by many divers to have the best collection of historic shipwrecks in North America, and is thought to have over 300 wooden shipwrecks resting on its floor.

But eight are uniquely preserved for the enjoyment of divers, and under the watchful eye of the Lake Champlain Underwater Historic Preserve, these wrecks offer a unique experience for northeast diving. The types of wrecks vary from a horse ferry to canal boats, with some located close to both the Vermont and New York shorelines of the Lake. Diving experience required ranges from beginner to advance.

Diving is an inherently risky activity and you must be certified in order to dive the preserve wrecks. But with all the warnings and disclaimers out of the way, there’s something magical about diving and exploring a wreck. Maybe because nature never intended them to be there, and so they’re oddly out of place, yet with the passing of time have been embraced by their unnatural environment.

For more information on these wrecks and diving information visit the Preserve’s site at www.lcmm.org.

LAKE CHAMPLAIN MARITIME MUSEUM

The Lake Champlain Maritime Museum is located near Vergennes, and is a marvelous way to experience the historical significance of the lake. The museum at Basin Harbor provides opportunities to step back in time as you explore a Revolutionary War gunboat, watch craftsmen use traditional shipbuilding skills, and learn about nautical life in the Champlain Valley during the conflicts of the 18^th century.

The Museum is self-guided but has plenty of demonstrations for you to stop as you wander around. During the summer season the museum is host to a number of special events and educational courses and workshops. The Maritime Museum also has a shipyard in Burlington, which is home to the Lois McClure schooner, and can be visited for tours at weekends.

STATE PARKS ON LAKE CHAMPLAIN

There are over 50 State Parks in Vermont, and the Lake Champlain area contains twelve of those state parks, and includes: Alburg Dunes, Knight Point, Sandy Bar, Burton Island, Grand Isle, Knight Island, North Hero, and Woods Island in the Lake Champlain Island chain. Other state parks on the Lake’s shores are: Kill Kare, Kingsland Bay, Button Bay, and DAR.

Within these Vermont State Parks are opportunities for hiking, biking, camping, boating, fishing, picnicking, and swimming.  The parks are a wonderful way to relax and enjoy the waters of the Lake for a day or longer, and to hike trails in between a swim and reading your novel.

While all the state parks are unique and worth visiting, three of my favorites are Burton Island, Kingsland Bay, and Button Bay.  Burton Island State Park is a beautiful place with its impressive stands of White Cedars and White Pines. The island is accessible only by private boat and a ferry. Kingsland Bay offers a fine 1-mile walking trail together with canoeing and kayaking, and Button Bay is stepped in history, and has a nature center to get you oriented before walking the scenic Champlain Trail.

Facilities and services at some of these Vermont State Parks are limited due to the emphasis on nature and wildlife, and to preserve the habitat. For more information on these and other State Parks in Vermont visit the parks web site at www.vtstateparks.com.

For more details on these and other destinations on Vermont Vacations and to pick up your free vacation reports go to Cliff's New England Vacations site at: http://www.new-england-vacations-guide.com/

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