Lake Champlain Maritime Museum 4.8 (reviews)

Vergennes, VT Museum Unclaimed
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About Lake Champlain Maritime Museum

New England has such a rich maritime history, so a visit to Lake Champlain Maritime Museum is another great option to learn all about this fascinating past!

During your museum visit, you can learn how Benedict Arnold's fleet out on the lake changed the entire outcome of the American Revolution (can you imagine what happened?), and even step aboard replica 1776 gunboat Philadelphia II, docked just out at the museum's scenic waterfront.

Kids can explore some of Lake Champlain's 300 plus historic shipwrecks in the Nautical Archaeology Center, AND they can actually chat to nautical archaeologists at the Conservation Lab!

What do you know of the Native Americans who met French explorer Samuel de Champlain back in 1609? Learn all about that first meeting and it's consequences, and how today some of the descendents still live even today.

The Lake Champlain Maritime Museum features a spectacular ice yacht Storm King, surrounded by canoes, kayaks and wooden boats - all highlights of the museum's collection - and afterwards you can learn about Lake Champlain steamboats, and compare the historic 1929 Champlain Bridge with the incredible engineering marvel from 2011!

So why not explore the amazing maritime history of the Lake Champlain area, and discover something that just might surprise you!

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Last Update 2023

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Lake Champlain Maritime Museum FAQ’s

What is there to do?

With ten exhibition buildings as well as a waterfront containing historic boats, this museum explores key parts of Vermont's history.

I’m Hungry! Can I get food at Lake Champlain Maritime Museum?

Grab something to eat in the area before or after your visit!

Any top tips when visiting?

They offer a number of courses including boat building, history, archaeology and more!

Teachers corner

With camps and programs, give them a call to reserve the students visit - there is much to learn!

Is Lake Champlain Maritime Museum fully accessible?

All of the museum buildings are accessible at grade level or with ramps built in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Approximately one-third of the museum site consists of open grounds, which include gardens, grassy and natural areas, pine groves, picnic areas, gravel walkways, outdoor exhibits, and facilities for watercraft at North Harbor. The replica 1776 gunboat Philadelphia II is located in the water, at the base of a steep gravel path and is not wheelchair accessible. However, two films and a 1/6 scale model in the exhibit Key to Liberty: The Revolutionary War in the Champlain Valley provide an alternative source of information about the gunboat and its history. The replica canal schooner Lois McClure is only accessible by stairs. However, interpreters are always available during hours of operation for questions.