Burlington is the largest city in the U.S. state of Vermont and
the seat of Chittenden County. Founded in 1785. Located on a
hillside between the shores of Lake Champlain and the Green
Mountains, 72 kilometers south of the US-Canadian border
(Vermont-Quebec) and 151 kilometers south of Montreal.
Burlington was named after the Burling family, who were the
first to develop the surrounding lands. The year of foundation
of the settlement is considered to be 1763, however, its active
settlement began only ten years later, when a shipyard and a
sawmill started operating here. In case of an attack by the
British, the city had a garrison. When the Anglo-American War of
1812-1814 broke out, the British fleet was fired from
Burlington.
Burlington is the largest cultural center in
the state of Vermont. The University of Vermont was founded here
in 1791, and Champlain College in 1878. The old university
building ("Old Mill") was laid by General Lafayette. 11 km south
of the city, on an area of 18 hectares, the Shelburne Museum is
located, highlighting the life of American pioneers. Tourists
are also attracted by the house and grave of one of the leaders
of the North American rebels, Ethan Allen.
From
2006-2012, the mayor of the city was Bob Kiss, who represents
the left-wing Vermont Progressive Party, which is strong here.
Since March 6, 2012, the mayor of the city has been a
representative of the US Democratic Party - Miro Weinberger.
Church Street Marketplace: This four-block pedestrian-only
thoroughfare is the beating heart of Burlington, lined with over 100
shops, cafes, and restaurants in restored historic buildings. Stretching
from City Hall Park to the Unitarian Church's iconic steeple, it's a
brick-paved haven for street performers, local artisans, and seasonal
events like the Festival of Fools or winter holiday markets. By day,
browse independent boutiques selling Vermont-made goods like maple
products or handmade jewelry; by night, it transforms with live music
and al fresco dining. Rated 4.4/5 on TripAdvisor with over 2,000
reviews, it's praised for its lively yet relaxed vibe—perfect for
people-watching or grabbing a crepe from a vendor. Nearby, the Flynn
Center for the Performing Arts hosts Broadway shows and concerts, adding
a cultural layer.
City Hall Park and Surrounding Architecture:
Anchoring the Marketplace, this green space features a fountain,
benches, and the striking red-brick City Hall building from 1928. It's a
spot for free summer concerts or farmers' markets. Venture a block east
to see the Fletcher Free Library, a Beaux-Arts gem from 1904 with ornate
interiors and a community focus on literacy programs. For history buffs,
the nearby Chittenden County Superior Courthouse exemplifies Victorian
architecture, while the overall downtown area reflects Burlington's
19th-century industrial past as a lumber and shipping port.
Waterfront Park: Overlooking Lake Champlain, this 12-acre park is a
prime spot for relaxation and recreation. Features include a boardwalk,
swing benches facing the water, and an events pavilion hosting festivals
like the Burlington Jazz Festival or July 3rd fireworks. The views of
sailboats, the Adirondacks, and fiery sunsets are unbeatable—especially
in fall when foliage turns the scene into a postcard. It's connected to
the Burlington Bike Path, making it easy to transition from picnicking
to cycling. With a 4.6/5 rating from nearly 1,000 visitors, it's lauded
for its accessibility and family-friendly amenities like playgrounds and
kayak rentals.
Lake Champlain and Boating Experiences: The lake
itself is a massive sight—spanning 120 miles long and up to 12 miles
wide, with Burlington as its main Vermont access point. Take a scenic
cruise on the Spirit of Ethan Allen, a 140-foot vessel offering narrated
tours, dinner cruises, or sunset sails that highlight the lake's
history, from Revolutionary War battles to its role in the Underground
Railroad. Wildlife spotting includes bald eagles and lake sturgeon. For
a more adventurous twist, rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard from
local outfitters like Community Sailing Center. In winter, the frozen
lake draws ice fishers and skaters. The Lake Champlain Ferry provides
crossings to New York, offering panoramic views of the Green Mountains.
Burlington Bike Path (Island Line Trail): This 14-mile paved trail
starts at Waterfront Park and hugs the lakeshore, passing beaches,
marshes, and causeways with uninterrupted water views. It's part of the
longer Island Line Rail Trail, extending to the Colchester Causeway—a
floating bike path over the lake. Rent bikes downtown and stop at spots
like Leddy Park for birdwatching or the Earth Clock, a stone circle art
installation. With a perfect 4.8/5 rating from over 1,100 reviews, it's
ideal for all skill levels and offers interpretive signs on local
ecology. In autumn, the path is ablaze with colorful foliage, enhancing
the scenic ride.
Oakledge Park and Nearby Beaches: South of downtown,
this wooded park boasts rocky cliffs, picnic areas, and treehouses for
kids. It's home to Burlington's only public tree swing overlooking the
lake. Adjacent North Beach offers sandy shores for swimming, camping,
and volleyball, while Red Rocks Park (a short drive away) features
hiking trails through red sandstone formations and cliff-jumping spots
into the water. These areas highlight Burlington's commitment to green
spaces, with over 30 parks citywide.
ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain: Located at the waterfront,
this interactive science museum and aquarium explores the lake's
ecosystem through 70+ live species exhibits, including turtles, fish,
and the famous lake monster "Champ" lore. Hands-on displays cover
geology, biology, and conservation, with a 3D theater and outdoor splash
pad. It's educational yet fun, with programs on sustainable fishing and
climate change impacts. Admission includes access to the adjacent
Perkins Pier marina views.
University of Vermont (UVM) Campus and
Fleming Museum: The sprawling UVM campus, founded in 1791, features
Gothic and modern architecture amid green quads. Stroll the Billings
Library's marble halls or visit the Fleming Museum of Art, housing over
25,000 artifacts from ancient Egyptian mummies to contemporary Native
American works. The museum's Asian and African collections are
particularly strong, with rotating exhibits on global cultures. Free
tours highlight UVM's role in Burlington's progressive scene, including
its sustainability initiatives.
Ethan Allen Homestead Museum: On the
northern edge of town, this restored 1787 farmhouse was home to
Revolutionary War hero Ethan Allen. Guided tours delve into Vermont's
founding, frontier life, and Allen's rebellious spirit. The surrounding
1,400-acre park includes walking trails, gardens, and archaeological
sites, offering a quiet contrast to downtown bustle.
Champlain Valley Dinner Train: Departing from Burlington, this
restored 1930s train offers multi-course meals while chugging through
picturesque farmland and along the lake. Themed rides include murder
mysteries or foliage tours in fall, when the hills explode in reds and
oranges. It's a romantic or family outing with live entertainment.
Lone Rock Point and Geological Features: For nature geeks, this short
hike reveals the Champlain Thrust Fault—a dramatic rock exposure where
ancient seabeds were thrust over younger layers. It's a real-world
geology lesson with cliffside views of the lake, accessible via trails
from the nearby Rock Point School.
Shelburne Museum and Farms (Nearby
Excursion): Just 7 miles south, this 45-acre complex is a must for art
and history lovers, with 39 historic buildings housing Americana
collections like quilts, carriages, and a steamship. The adjacent
Shelburne Farms offers cheese tastings, farm tours, and trails on a
1,400-acre working estate—think Gilded Age mansions meets sustainable
agriculture.
Burlington's sights shine year-round: summer for lake
activities, fall for leaf-peeping, winter for skiing nearby at Bolton
Valley, and spring for blooming tulips in parks. Public transit like the
Green Mountain Transit buses makes navigation easy, and the city's
walkability encourages exploration on foot. If you're planning a visit,
check for events via the Hello Burlington website for the latest.
By Air
The primary airport is Patrick Leahy Burlington
International Airport (BTV), located just 3 miles east of downtown
Burlington. It's served by several major and low-cost carriers with
nonstop flights to various U.S. cities. Here's a summary of airlines and
key nonstop destinations:
American Airlines: Charlotte (CLT),
Philadelphia (PHL), Washington D.C. (DCA)
Delta Air Lines: Atlanta
(ATL), Detroit (DTW), New York (JFK, LGA)
United Airlines: Chicago
(ORD), Denver (DEN), Newark (EWR), Washington D.C. (IAD)
Breeze
Airways: Charleston (CHS), Fort Myers (RSW), Orlando (MCO), Tampa (TPA)
Frontier Airlines: Orlando (MCO)
Sun Country Airlines: Seasonal to
Minneapolis (MSP)
Flight times vary, but examples include about 1
hour from New York City, 1.5 hours from Chicago, and 3.5 hours from
Denver. Once at BTV, you can take a taxi, rideshare (Uber/Lyft), or
local bus (Green Mountain Transit) to downtown in 10-15 minutes.
By Train
Amtrak provides scenic rail service to Burlington Union
Station in downtown:
Ethan Allen Express: Daily service from New
York City (Penn Station) via Albany, taking about 7.5-8 hours. It stops
in several Vermont towns and offers amenities like free Wi-Fi, a café
car, spacious seating, and bike transport (for an extra fee).
Vermonter: Runs from Washington D.C. to St. Albans, VT (north of
Burlington), with stops in nine Vermont locations, including Essex
Junction (about 10 miles from Burlington). Travel time from NYC is
around 9 hours; from D.C., it's 13+ hours. Similar amenities to the
Ethan Allen.
Trains are a relaxing option with views of the
Hudson Valley and Green Mountains. From Essex Junction (if needed),
connect via local bus or taxi.
By Bus
Several intercity bus
companies serve Burlington's Downtown Transit Center:
Greyhound:
Routes from major cities like Boston (about 4-5 hours), New York City
(6-7 hours), and Montreal (2-3 hours). Amenities include free Wi-Fi,
power outlets, and extra legroom.
FlixBus: Similar routes, often
cheaper, with Wi-Fi and onboard power.
Other options: Regional
services like Megabus or Vermont Translines connect from Albany, NY, or
other New England spots.
Buses are budget-friendly and drop you
right in the city center.
By Car
Driving offers flexibility
and stunning scenery, especially in fall foliage season. Burlington is
at the intersection of major highways:
From the south/east (e.g.,
Boston, ~3 hours; New York City, ~6 hours): Take I-89 north directly
into Burlington.
From the north (e.g., Montreal, ~2 hours): I-89
south from the Canadian border.
From the east (e.g., New Hampshire):
US-2 west or I-91 north to I-89.
From the west (across Lake
Champlain): US-2 east from New York state.
Burlington, Vermont, is the largest city in the state and serves as the seat of Chittenden County, located in the northwestern region of Vermont. Positioned at approximately 44.4759° N latitude and 73.2121° W longitude, it lies on the eastern shore of Lake Champlain, just north of Shelburne Bay. The city extends roughly 6 miles (9.7 km) southward from the mouth of the Winooski River along the lakeshore, forming part of a metropolitan complex that includes neighboring South Burlington, Winooski, and Essex Junction. Geographically, Burlington is nestled in the Champlain Valley, a broad, relatively flat lowland that contrasts sharply with the rugged terrain of much of Vermont. To the west, across Lake Champlain, rise the Adirondack Mountains in New York, while the Green Mountains border the area to the east. This strategic location places Burlington about 45 miles (72 km) south of the U.S.-Canada border, making it closer to Montreal, Quebec (approximately 95 miles north), than to many other major U.S. cities. It functions as a port of entry and has historically benefited from its lakeside position for trade and transportation.
Burlington's topography is characterized by a gradual but pronounced
elevation increase from the Lake Champlain waterfront eastward, rising
from near sea level at the water's edge to about 300 feet (91 m) atop
the hillside where much of the city is built. The average elevation of
the city is around 200 feet (61 m), creating a terraced landscape that
slopes gently toward the lake. This hillside setting is most evident
along streets like Main Street, where a steep ascent from the lakeshore
reveals expansive views of the flat Champlain Valley below. Despite the
overall flatness of the valley—which supports extensive farming and open
spaces—the area within and around Burlington includes subtle topographic
relief, such as small hills (locally exaggerated as "mountains," like
Mt. Philo just south of the city at about 968 feet). These features are
remnants of broader glacial sculpting, contributing to a landscape that
is predominantly level but punctuated by microtopographic variations,
including ravines and gentle undulations.
The city's layout reflects
this topography, with neighborhoods adapted to the terrain. For
instance, the Hill Section is an affluent residential area on higher
ground east of downtown, offering elevated vistas, while lower areas
near the lake, such as the waterfront and parts of the South End, are
flatter and more prone to historical flooding or industrial use. A
notable feature is a large ravine in what is now downtown, which was
infilled with refuse and sewage in the 19th century to facilitate urban
expansion. The flat valley floor influences local hydrology, directing
stormwater runoff downslope toward the lake and river, sometimes
exacerbating erosion on steeper paved roads. In contrast to the rest of
Vermont's more mountainous interior, Burlington's position in the
Champlain Valley creates a milder microclimate and supports diverse land
uses, from urban development to agriculture.
Dominating Burlington's geography is Lake Champlain, a large
freshwater lake stretching 120 miles (193 km) north-south, with
Burlington situated on its broadest section. The lake, which forms part
of the border between Vermont and New York, has shaped the city's
development as a historic port, facilitating commerce and recreation.
Its shoreline in Burlington includes beaches, parks (like North Beach
and Oakledge Park), and marinas, with the water providing scenic views
and influencing local weather patterns. The Winooski River, emptying
into the lake just north of the city, adds another key hydrological
element, creating fertile floodplains in areas like the Intervale—a
low-lying district featuring organic farms, community gardens, and
nature preserves that serve as a green buffer along the river.
Surrounding natural features enhance Burlington's setting: the
Adirondacks to the west offer a dramatic backdrop, while the Green
Mountains to the east provide hiking opportunities and protect the
valley from certain weather systems. The Intervale and nearby wetlands
support biodiversity, including riparian habitats along the river. Urban
green spaces, such as Ethan Allen Park and Leddy Park in the New North
End, integrate natural elements into the cityscape, with trails and
woodlands reflecting the valley's flat, fertile terrain. These features
not only define the physical landscape but also support ecosystems that
have adapted to the post-glacial environment.
Burlington's surficial geology is predominantly a product of the
Laurentide Ice Sheet's retreat around 13,500 years ago, leaving behind a
mosaic of deposits that overlay the bedrock. The most common materials
include glacial till—a unsorted mix of clay, sand, gravel, and boulders
scraped from the underlying rock—as well as stratified sands, silts, and
clays deposited by meltwater rivers. In the Champlain Valley, till is
often buried under finer sediments, resulting in soils that vary from
rocky and acidic (poor for agriculture) to more fertile loams in valley
bottoms. These deposits, typically several feet thick, form independent
structures on hillsides and in valleys, influencing everything from soil
drainage to building suitability.
The region's glacial history is
dramatic: as the ice receded, the Champlain Valley hosted Glacial Lake
Vermont, a vast freshwater body with shorelines reaching elevations as
high as the University of Vermont campus hill. Later, with the glacier's
northward retreat opening a path to the Atlantic via the St. Lawrence
Valley, seawater inundated the area, forming the Champlain Sea—a
brackish marine environment that supported whales, seals, and other sea
life (evidenced by fossils like the Charlotte Whale skeleton).
Post-glacial isostatic rebound eventually lifted the land, expelling
seawater and creating the modern Lake Champlain, which now drains
northward into the Richelieu River.
This geological legacy affects
modern land use: sandy deposits offer good drainage for development but
poor nutrient retention for farming, while clay-rich areas hold moisture
better but drain poorly. Observable in road cuts and riverbanks, these
layers reveal transitions in soil texture and color, shaping plant
communities and human activities. Geologic maps of the Burlington
quadrangle highlight these features for resource identification and
hazard evaluation, such as potential landslides on steeper slopes or
groundwater contamination risks in permeable sands.
Burlington experiences a hot-summer humid continental climate (Köppen
Dfa), marked by distinct seasons influenced by its lakeside location and
valley setting. Winters are cold and snowy, with average January
temperatures around 21°F (−6.1°C), while summers are warm to hot and
humid, peaking at about 72°F (22.2°C) in July. Annual precipitation
totals approximately 43 inches (1,092 mm), fairly evenly distributed but
heaviest in summer due to thunderstorms. Snowfall averages 86 inches
(218 cm) per year, with variability from lake-effect snow squalls east
of Lake Champlain, which can dump up to 13 inches (33 cm) in short
bursts. Extreme temperatures range from a record low of −30°F (−34°C) in
January 1957 and February 1979 to a high of 101°F (38°C) in August 1944.
The single largest snowfall event was 33.1 inches (84.1 cm) over January
2–3, 2010.
Pre-Colonial and Indigenous Era
Long before European arrival, the
area around Burlington was home to the Western Abenaki people, part of
the broader Algonquian-speaking tribes. They referred to Lake Champlain
as Bitawbagok, meaning "the waters between," and utilized the region for
fishing, hunting, and trade routes connecting to the St. Lawrence River
and Hudson Valley. Archaeological evidence suggests seasonal camps and
villages along the lake and Winooski River (formerly Onion River), with
the Abenaki practicing sustainable agriculture, including corn, beans,
and squash. European diseases and conflicts, particularly during the
French and Indian War (1754–1763), drastically reduced indigenous
populations, paving the way for colonial encroachment.
Colonial
Settlement and Founding (1760s–1780s)
Burlington's formal history
begins amid colonial land disputes. On June 7, 1763, New Hampshire
Governor Benning Wentworth granted a charter for the township to Samuel
Willis and 63 others, naming it Burlington—possibly after wealthy New
York landowner Edward Burling, who held grants in nearby areas like
Colchester, or Richard Boyle, the 3rd Earl of Burlington in England.
This was part of Wentworth's aggressive land sales, ignoring New York's
claims and royal restrictions, which fueled border tensions resolved
only in 1764 when Britain awarded the area (now Vermont) to New York.
The Allen brothers—Ira, Ethan, and others—played a pivotal role,
negotiating land purchases from the Wentworth family and challenging New
York speculators through the Green Mountain Boys militia.
Initial
settlement was sparse; the first attempts in 1773 involved building log
huts, a sawmill, and shipbuilding operations, but the American
Revolutionary War halted progress. Permanent settlers, like Stephen
Lawrence in 1783, faced harsh winters, isolation, disease outbreaks
(e.g., smallpox), and conflicts with remaining Abenaki groups. By 1785,
Burlington was organized as a town, with its first meeting in 1787.
Ethan Allen, the Revolutionary War hero and Vermont founder, settled
nearby, and his homestead (now a museum) underscores the region's
rebellious spirit against distant authorities.
Early Republic and
War of 1812 (1790s–1810s)
Post-Revolution, Burlington grew as a trade
center. The University of Vermont (UVM), chartered in 1791 by Ira Allen,
became a cornerstone, fostering education amid the frontier. Agriculture
dominated initially, with wheat, potatoes, and livestock, but the
natural harbor spurred commerce. In 1808, the world's first lake-going
steamboat was built here, enhancing connections to Canada and New York.
The War of 1812 marked a turbulent period. Vermont opposed the war due
to trade ties with British Canada, refusing militia or funds. Burlington
became a military post, hosting up to 5,000 U.S. troops—outnumbering
residents—leading to resource strains and disease deaths (about 500
soldiers). On August 2, 1813, British forces from Isle-aux-Noix shelled
the town for 10 minutes from Lake Champlain, met by American batteries
at what is now Battery Park; no casualties occurred, but it highlighted
the lake's strategic importance. Naval Lieutenant Thomas Macdonough,
later victorious at the Battle of Plattsburgh, commanded defenses.
19th Century Boom: Lumber, Industry, and Incorporation (1820s–1890s)
Canals transformed Burlington: the Champlain (1823), Erie (1825), and
Chambly (1843) linked it to major markets, turning it into a bustling
port. Railroads like the Rutland & Burlington and Vermont Central
followed, amplifying growth. The lumber industry exploded mid-century,
fueled by Vermont's forests and Canadian imports; by the late 1800s,
Burlington was the world's third-largest lumber market, with wharves
piled high with timber for export. Mills, textile factories (wool and
cotton along the Winooski), and manufacturing thrived, attracting
immigrants and creating a diverse population. The Pine Street Barge
Canal (1870) extended the waterfront for shipping.
Incorporated as a
city in 1865, Burlington entered a Victorian prosperity era, with
architecture by notables like Ammi B. Young and H.H. Richardson. The
Civil War saw contributions: the port shipped supplies, foundries made
cannons, and regiments like the 1st Vermont Cavalry formed here; UVM
served as a hospital. However, industrialization brought challenges:
urban crowding, poor conditions, and pollution.
Early to Mid-20th
Century: Shifts and Challenges (1900s–1970s)
The lumber boom waned by
the early 1900s as forests depleted, shifting the economy to
manufacturing (aircraft parts, snowboards) and services. The waterfront
devolved into rail yards, oil tanks, and industrial waste. Immigration
waves, including from Ireland, France, and Eastern Europe, enriched
culture; the Old North End's "Little Jerusalem" (1880s–1930s) housed a
thriving Jewish community. Urban renewal in the 1960s–1970s modernized
infrastructure, but the waterfront remained derelict.
Late 20th
Century: Revitalization and Progressive Politics (1980s–1990s)
The
1980s marked renewal under Mayor Bernie Sanders (1981–1989), a socialist
who pragmatically focused on affordable housing, arts, and community
development. Opposing luxury condos, he advocated for public waterfront
access, leading to the Citizens Waterfront Group and a 1989 court ruling
mandating public use. The Burlington Bike Path opened in 1990, extending
to the Island Line Trail by 2004. Ben & Jerry's founded in 1978 in a
renovated gas station, symbolizing entrepreneurial spirit. The Pine
Street site, polluted from industrial eras, became an EPA Superfund
cleanup by 2009.
21st Century: Sustainability and Contemporary
Issues (2000s–Present)
Burlington pioneered sustainability, becoming
the first U.S. city with 100% renewable energy in 2014 (biomass, hydro,
wind, solar). Education (UVM, Champlain College) and health (UVM Medical
Center) drive the economy, alongside tourism and brands like Burton
Snowboards. Recent events include a 2021 city council resolution on
Palestinian solidarity (withdrawn amid controversy) and a 2023 shooting
of three Palestinian-American students, highlighting social tensions.
Under mayors like Peter Clavelle and current Progressive Emma
Mulvaney-Stanak, the city balances preservation with growth, maintaining
its historic districts while embracing eco-friendly urbanism. Today,
with a population of about 45,000, Burlington exemplifies resilient
adaptation from indigenous lands to a vibrant, green metropolis.
Traffic
Interstate 89 runs north-south past the city of
Burlington, the city is accessed by the feeder, Interstate 189, which
runs west to the south of the town. Coming from the east and also
leaving the town, the U.S. Highway 2 from your branches south of the
U.S. Hwy 7 off. There is a ferry service across Lake Champlain from
Burlington to Port Kent in upstate New York.
The Rutland Railway
went to Burlington and on to Alburgh (Vermont). Today the headquarters
of the successor company Vermont Railway is located here. At the moment
only tourist trips and freight traffic take place. The reactivation of
passenger service to Albany (New York) is planned for 2021 or 2022.
Business
Burlington is the headquarters of Burton Snowboards, one
of the world's leading manufacturers of snowboards and equipment.
Public facilities
The University of Vermont Medical Center at
Burlington is the hospital for Burlington and the surrounding towns.
Education
There are several schools in Burlington City, four
elementary schools, Champlain Elementary, C.P. Smith Elementary, Edmunds
Elementary and the J.J. Flynn Elementary, two middle schools, Edmunds
Middle School and Hunt Middle School, and Burlington High School.
The Fletcher Free Library is located on College Street in Burlington
City.