Other Places to Explore

Established in 1871, Billings Farm and Museum in Woodstock is a living museum and working dairy farm. The farm also grows all the feed for its draft horses, sheep, oxen and herd of 70 Jersey cows. The farm offers a variety of children's programs throughout the season, including Children's Day, Cow Appreciation Day and All About Apples.

Brookfield Floating Bridge is a must see when visiting the region. First built in 1820, it's the only floating bridge east of the Mississippi. Automobile and foot traffic allowed.

Montshire Museum of Science in Norwich is an exciting hands-on museum of science offering a large variety of programs, exhibits and activities for both children and adults both indoors and out. Green Mountain Flyer train excursions from downtown White River Junction to the museum begin July 3 and continue through August 29 each Saturday and Sunday.

The only U.S. president born on the fourth of July was born and raised in Plymouth, Vermont. Visit the homestead of President Calvin Coolidge where he was sworn in as 30th president of the United States by his father, a Notary Public, following the sudden death of President Harding. Learn about agricultural techniques of the day, and try a hand at it yourself. The circa 1875 Wilder Barn exhibits an extensive collection of 19th-century farm implements, horse drawn vehicles, and the original equipment of the Plymouth Cheese Factory.

U.S. Senator Justin Morrill, sponsor of legislation that created state land grant colleges, made his home in Strafford, Vermont. Visit his Gothic Revival home with original furnishings, interpretive exhibits and landscaped grounds. Several special events take place here annually. For more information, visit HistoricVermont.org.

Valley Quest is a series of 89 fun and educational treasure hunts stretching across 31 Upper Valley (Connecticut River) towns. It is the perfect way to get out of your car and into the landscape! Visit the state welcome center in White River Junction to begin your first Valley Quest. Be sure to visit the New England Transportation Institute and Museum located at the welcome center.

Located on Rte. 4 in Quechee, the Toy and Train Museum displays thousands of toys dating back to the beginning of toy making and features several model train exhibits in mountain settings. A small touring train circles the grounds outside for a carnival-ride experience.

Created in 1992 when Laurance S. Rockefeller and his wife, Mary French Rockefeller, gifted the estate's residential and forest lands, Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park is the only national park in the nation focused on conservation history and land stewardship. This summer enjoy hiking, wildlife or bird watching, nature walks or horseback riding in the park. Special ranger-led programs, such as Birding by Ear and Music and Magic Under the Trees, are offered from August through October.

Eastern Vermont is also home to five Vermont state parks. Allis State Park in Randolph offers a relaxing place to picnic and play, as well as easy access to some of Vermont's most popular attractions, including the Brookfield Floating Bridge and Vermont's statehouse and Historical Society Museum in nearby Montpelier. Day hikes can be enjoyed at Coolidge State Park in Plymouth, or perhaps you've always wanted to try your luck at panning for gold in the nearby abandoned town of Five Corners. Quechee Gorge State Park is located next to one of the region's most visited attractions, Quechee Gorge. Pack a picnic lunch and hike the trails around the gorge. Billings Farm & Museum, as well as Simon Pearce glass blowing studio are close by, as well. Silver Lake State Park in Barnard is a great place for the family to enjoy the outdoors. The lake supports a good fishery of northern pike, perch, bass and other warm-water species, as well as a beach for swimming and sunbathing. Or rent a boat or canoe for a tranquil cruise around the lake. Last but not least is Thetford State Park. Nearby to White River Junction and Quechee, this small park is known for the world-class trail system used for running and x-country skiing. Each campground offers tent, lean-to and/or RV camping.