Have you been thinking about visiting Rutland, Vermont? Check out the list of the best things to do in Rutland, Vermont, and places to go in Rutland, Vermont, below. Wondrous Drifter is a cutting-edge, Web 3.0 travel startup that aspires to change the world.
Would you prefer to spend your holiday somewhere ordinary or take a chance in this charming city in Vermont?
Rutland is the second-largest city in the state of Vermont. Rutland has a small-town feel despite its proximity to the state’s capital.
Natural magnificence abounds in this city, which has a booming economy and an interesting past. Rutland is known for its unique blend of old and new.
Located amid the unspoiled Green Mountains of Vermont, the city of Rutland offers various activities for visitors to enjoy, whether they want to burn some fats or spend time with friends and family.
Nature, lakes, parks, ancient towns, and scenic highways are part of Vermont’s charm.
Do you want to get out and enjoy nature? The Rutland region is a haven for nature lovers.
Aside from a wide variety of outdoor pursuits, Vermont’s 27 towns provide various activities, from challenging hiking routes to golf courses, ice skating, cross-country skiing, watersports, and dog parks for your four-legged companions.
Are you planning on bringing your playful children with you to Rutland? Visit their local children’s museum for a day out.
Their little stores and storefronts are pleasant and appealing, from everyday necessities to handcrafted Vermont souvenirs.
Furthermore, Rutland offers various cultural activities, from live performances to painting courses and public studio weekends to concerts on town greens.
Each year, the Rutland Region presents award-winning, globally known events that draw thousands of tourists to its cities.
If you’d want to see more of Rutland, Vermont, you can check out the list of must-see destinations:
Table Of Content
- Aitken State Forest
- Bucklin Trailhead
- Chaffee Art Center
- Center Street Marketplace Park
- Green Mountain Rock Climbing Center
- Marble Bridge at Otter Creek
- Pine Hill Park
- Pyramid Holistic Wellness Center
- Rutland Downtown Historic District
- Rutland Free Library
- Spartan Arena
- West Rutland Marsh
- Wonderfeet Kid’s Museum
Aitken State Forest
The Aitken State Forest is one of the best things to do in Vermont.
If you want to take a road trip to explore the beautiful outdoors, here is the destination to go to!
Aitken State Forest is just a short drive from Rutland, and it could be reached through Mendon’s Notch Road, east of Wheelerville Road’s junction.
Day hiking, bird watching, camping, dog walking, and animal viewing are popular pastimes in the Aitken State Forest during the warmer months.
Even in the winter, travelers to the state forest could still participate in cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and winter hiking.
More than a century after Aitken State Forest was established as a state forest, it continues to meet the region’s recreational and forestry interests.
On the other hand, The Bald Mountain Trail, conveniently accessible from Rutland, provides some spectacular views of nature.
If you attempt to tour The Bald Mountain Trail farther, you will see gorgeous landscapes, wild blueberries, and wildflowers.
Likewise, you can access Bald Mountain, Tamarack Notch, and Vermont Association of Snow Travelers (VAST) trails in the state forest.
Consider planning a day or a weekend of excursions to Aitken State Forest, just outside Rutland, if you’re still seeking more outdoor experiences.
Address: Mendon, VT 05701, United States
Bucklin Trailhead
As a vent for your frustrations or a personal physical challenge, you should consider exploring Bucklin Trailhead.
Reaching Bucklin Trailhead in Vermont is as simple as taking a short drive from Rutland.
Bucklin Trailhead has something for everyone, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker!
Popular activities that visitors do in the area are camping, cross-country skiing, and trekking; you’ll probably even meet other people while out and about.
In addition, the months of March through October are ideal for hiking this path.
Open trees and extensive route sections greet you as you begin your journey at the trailhead. It’s a simple and flat course!
Afterward, prepare yourself to work up a sweat around the first-mile mark as the difficulty increases.
The route gets steeper during the second mile and will remain so for the rest of the trail.
At 0.5 kilometers from the summit, you’ll come across a spring from which you can replenish your water bottles and rest in the Cooper’s Lodge shelter.
On the final 0.5 miles of your hike, you’ll have to climb up to the back of Killington Mountain to reach the summit, which is steep and rugged.
Given the challenges, the scenery and experiences you’ll have are well worth it.
Remember that to prevent any injuries, you must wear appropriate clothing and footwear and have your hiking gear ready.
Dogs are permitted in the area, but they should be kept on a leash at all times.
Consider making the most of your personal time and do things that you won’t soon forget!
Address: Wheelerville Rd, Mendon, VT 05701, United States
Chaffee Art Center
Viewing this unusual structure is one thing, but entering the Chaffee Art Center will reveal even more surprises!
Chaffee Art Center welcomes the arts and is suitably situated in the beautiful Chaffee mansion on Main Street.
The mansion of Chaffee Art Center features some turret-like towers and some beautiful stonework, both of which add to its distinct appearance.
George Chaffee, a well-known industrialist and philanthropist, constructed the tower in 1895.
The home was reopened in 1961 when it had been shuttered for over 35 years to mark the Rutland Bicentennial.
To keep Rutland’s heritage alive and provide a vital resource for art and art education in Central Vermont, the Chaffee Art Center was founded in the spirit of its founders.
Therefore, a small group of local individuals promptly formed an association to construct a sustainable art center in the region following the Bicentennial triumph.
In the same way, the success of a project is directly tied to the level of community engagement and support it receives.
In addition, the center hosts a variety of special events, so make sure to look into those before making a trip over.
Discover your hidden artistic talent and get in touch with it at the Chaffee Art Center!
Address: 16 S Main St, Rutland, VT 05701, United States
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Center Street Marketplace Park
Make a visit to Center Street Marketplace Park to learn more about the surrounding neighborhood of Rutland.
Center Street Marketplace Park may be found on Merchants Row close to the Pyramid Holistic Wellness Center or on Washington Street across from City Hall.
Also, the park offers places for small gatherings can be held, while Roots the Restaurant and Kelvans both provide outdoor dining options.
Center Street Marketplace Park, formerly known as the Center Street Alley, was restored and reopened in 2018.
Presently, the park draws more family-oriented activities and provides a lovely green space in the heart of Rutland.
Seats in both sunny and shaded locations can be found and used throughout the Center Street Marketplace.
Additional amenities include an accessible walking route and a historic landmark.
Likewise, the park hosts the Free Marketplace Movies, Chalk the Walk, and Pyramid Holistic Wellness Center’s free wellness programs!
Moreover, don’t just leave any trash behind, and if you bring food into the park, clean things up before you go.
As a last note, the park has dedicated street parking; make sure you only park there.
If you’re looking for a spot in the city to relax and take in the scenery, Rutland’s Center Street Marketplace Park is a good option.
Address: Rutland, VT 05701, United States
Green Mountain Rock Climbing Center
The Green Mountain Rock Climbing Center is one of the top attractions in Vermont.
One of Rutland’s most popular tourist destinations, it’s a perfect spot to spend time with your family and friends.
If you’re in Rutland, you should definitely check out the Green Mountain Rock Climbing Center.
Green Mountain Rock Climbing Center is an amazing indoor rock climbing facility that also offers a guiding adventure service.
Even more impressive is that its walls are 25 feet high and stretch across 8,000 square feet of the indoor climbing facility.
Also, there are lead, boulder, and novice walls in its facility, so you can have a blast trying them all!
Classes, package deals, and private lessons are available if you’d like to go with a bunch of people.
Nonetheless, their staff members are well-versed in all levels of training, from beginners to advanced, and all rental equipment like shoes and harnesses is given.
Certainly, Green Mountain Rock Climbing Center is a certified secure haven for climbers of all skill levels!
Besides their wall climbing activities, the center’s guiding adventure service is also nice to try for tourists that want to see and explore more of the Green Mountains of Vermont.
As you visit the center, you can rely on Green Mountain Rock Climbing Center’s professionals to help you push yourself to new heights!
Address: 223 Woodstock Ave, Rutland, VT 05701, United States
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Marble Bridge at Otter Creek
When it comes to seeing unique architecture or finding a lovely spot for some quality photography, this is for you.
The Marble Bridge at Otter Creek is a short distance from Rutland.
First erected in 1915, this marble bridge was reconstructed in the 1970s and 1980s.
Emilly Dutton Proctor presented the Marble Bridge as a tribute to her son, former governor of Vermont, Fletcher D. Proctor, and it stands majestically today.
However, Otter Creek’s marble bridge did replace three previously covered bridges in the creek.
Furthermore, the 164-foot-long Marble Bridge features marble railings and cement and marble construction.
It features an arch construction that makes it appear more secure and pleasant to the eye.
The marble structure was designed by Harry Leslie Walker, a friend of the Proctor family who trained under Frank Lloyd Wright and engineered by Alexander Brociner.
Likewise, there were several repairs and enhancements have been completed to preserve the Marble Bridge’s long-term viability.
It’s always a wonderful idea to visit a historic bridge just outside Rutland!
The Marble Bridge at Otter Creek should be one of your first stops when visiting Rutland!
Address: Otter Creek, Proctor, VT 05765, United States
Pine Hill Park
Explore the amazing single-track trail that stretches over 16 kilometers throughout Rutland.
The 325-acre Pine Hill Park offers some of the greatest mountain biking, hiking, strolling, trail running, snowshoeing, and geocaching in central Vermont.
Visitors who prefer spending time outside will find it a pleasant spot to spend time in the city.
Located in the northwest of Rutland, Pine Hill Park is a natural environment open to everyone.
Additionally, the Redfield paths and The Carriage Trail offer another key element to their trail system.
Surrounded by beautiful landscapes, the park’s routes are mostly made up of old logging roads.
In addition, the Pine Hill Partnership oversees the park’s paths for the pleasure of everyone who enjoys the outdoors. It is a non-profit managed by local volunteers.
If you are tired of walking on the trails, you can rest on any seats that are scattered throughout the park.
Additionally, there’s a playground for young children and a second one for school-age children available at the site.
Furthermore, Pine Hill Park also has a modern playground with swings and slides for all ages.
After a long day of exploring, you could relax at one of the many picnic tables and eat your snacks.
Visit the beautiful Pine Hill Park and have a fun-filled day of outdoor recreation!
Address: 2 Oak St Ext, Rutland, VT 05701, United States
Pyramid Holistic Wellness Center
Here’s a spot to rest and ease your sore muscles after a long day of seeing Rutland, Vermont.
The Pyramid Holistic Wellness Center is a full-service health and wellness facility.
You could get relaxing massages, take yoga courses, do some exercises and purchase wellness products at the wellness center.
It will be perfect if your body is aching after a long day of adventures in Rutland!
When William Kelley, the person who established the Pyramid, was contemplating his next career step, he paused to ponder and seek inspiration.
Kelley’s ambition came fulfilled with the creation of Pyramid Holistic Wellness Center, which has had a long-term influence on the community.
Moreover, its new owner, Eileen Gennette Coughlin, has taken over.
With that, the wellness center continues to inspire and encourage people to nurture their endless potential and share their abilities with others.
Pyramid provides reiki, ionic foot baths, chakra balancing, intuitive readings, and sound healing treatments to help you relax, detoxify, balance, and improve your overall well-being.
Likewise, the wellness center also offers multi-sensory meditation rooms, crystal and sound healing, and other holistic treatments.
The Pyramid believes that overall healing is an attitude to life and a kind of healing.
Overall, everyone pursuing maximum health and wellness can experience it all here!
If you want to restore your body and your spirit, visit The Pyramid Holistic Wellness Center in Rutland, Vermont.
Address: 120 Merchants Row, Rutland, VT 05701, United States
Rutland Downtown Historic District
The Rutland Downtown Historic District is one of the best places to visit in Vermont.
Rutland’s Downtown Historic District merges nature and urban life, transporting visitors to its glorious past!
A city’s downtown area has a mix of old and modern establishments, and you’ll notice this as you wander about the area.
Located in Rutland’s center of the city, the Rutland Downtown Historic District has a lot to offer tourists.
The city’s distinctive appearance is attributable to the fact that most of its structures are made of rustic bricks.
You’ll be able to witness Rutland Downtown Historic District’s Friday Night Live when you come!
During the month of July, a free outdoor concert series takes place on Center Street.
Music, outdoor eating, live performances, shopping, and kid-friendly activities are just some enticing options available to visitors.
Furthermore, various restaurants and bistros serve both local and foreign cuisines where you may feast your heart!
Are you trying to find retail establishments where you may make purchases? Whether you’re looking for antique shops, bookshops, or clothing stores, you’ll find it all in this neighborhood.
In addition, because the Rutland Downtown Historic District is a National Register of Historic Places, you’ll see many of the area’s structures are preserved.
You could spend most of your vacation time there with more tourist attractions in the Rutland Downtown Historic District!
Address: 68 Merchants Row, Rutland, VT 05701, United States
Rutland Free Library
Check out the books at this library for an entertaining day of browsing around the shelves or finding new book titles.
The Rutland Free Public Library serves the residents of Rutland and neighboring communities by providing access to information and services provided.
Reading some articles or books about the city may be a fun and interesting way to spend time in the city.
If you and your date are both book nerds, this would be a wonderful place to go!
In addition, you won’t just find books in the library; there are plenty of other services there as well.
Audio files, DVDs, permits for state parks, and more can all be found here.
Internet and community programming are also available to members.
Don’t worry if you’re not a member; you could still use the facilities for free to learn and have fun while you’re there.
Visit the Rutland Free Public Library, and you can rest assured that you will walk away having picked up valuable new pieces of knowledge!
Address: 10 Court St, Rutland, VT 05701, United States
Spartan Arena
A place to show off your muscles while on vacation in Rutland could be just what you’re after.
This state-of-the-art athletic facility at Castleton State College in Rutland, Vermont, is known as the Spartan Arena.
Aside from hosting Castleton University’s hockey teams, the arena hosts a slew of other activities benefiting students, faculty, and members of the broader Rutland community.
However, Castleton has made significant renovations to the arena since purchasing it in the summer of 2009.
Increasing the school’s attractiveness and accessibility to the community and boosting the student-athlete experience.
Its 2,800-square foot gym, meanwhile, boasts the latest in workout equipment.
Among the available equipment in Spartan Arena are ellipticals, spinning cycles, upper and lower body Nautilus machines, and weight racks, to name a few.
For hockey teams, on-site team accommodations, training facilities, and a fitness center are just some of the amenities they have access to.
Additionally, the Spartan Arena Fitness Center is available to everyone that wants to use the facility!
Check out Spartan Arena if you’d want to learn more about what athletes do or if you’d like to use their facilities!
Address: 100 Diamond Run Mall Pl, Rutland, VT 05701, United States
West Rutland Marsh
This lengthy boardwalk in Rutland will offer you to see the city from many different perspectives since it is bordered by various natural landscapes.
The West Rutland Marsh stretches into the center of the marsh, and an interpretative walk is available.
On the other hand, West Rutland Marsh is much more than just a boardwalk; it’s an immense habitat for 136 species of birds.
Since the West Rutland Marsh has been identified as an Important Bird Area, tourists must take precautions when visiting to avoid harming the area’s birds.
An ecosystem of plants, animals, sediments, and water supports both animal and plant life in the marshlands of this zone.
As you make your way farther down the boardwalk, you can use the small observation deck about 100 yards into the swamp to view the beautiful scenery and the birds.
In addition, the marsh provides a peaceful setting for quiet reflection and relaxation.
Furthermore, those tourists who are seeking a getaway from the bustle of the city make use of the paths going to the main marsh.
Tourists to the marsh include everyone from joggers and walkers to bikers and birdwatchers.
If you visit in the spring, you’ll be able to observe a number of red-winged blackbirds constructing nests and chirping to attract mates.
In the fall, migratory birds take a break to rest and eat on the marsh’s ripening fruits and seeds, giving you the chance to watch birds you would not typically encounter.
Visit West Rutland Marsh, a family-friendly boardwalk; you and your kiddos would enjoy seeing birds and strolling down the path.
Address: Water St, West Rutland, VT 05777, United States
Wonderfeet Kid’s Museum
It may be time to take your energetic kids on vacation! The Wonderfeet Kid’s Museum in Rutland, Vermont, is the ideal location for youngsters to go.
Exhibits at Wonderfeet Kid’s Museum are designed to excite children’s interest, stimulate discovery, and spark their imaginations.
Despite the breathtaking views and outdoor activities to make Vermont a wonderful family holiday location, some attractions do not always captivate the little kids’ interest.
At Wonderfeet Kid’s Museum, you can have fun with your kids while learning about new ways they show their creativity, social skills, and problem-solving abilities.
Visit this museum with your kids to have fun and educate them simultaneously!
As a hands-on museum, Wonderfeet Kids’ Museum may also give lessons aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards.
Interactions, learning opportunities, and precious memories abound in the museum’s interactive exhibits.
In addition, at the sensory table in the museum, kids engage instruments to measure and pour liquids and investigate textures, all while improving their fine motor abilities.
At the pretend farmer’s market, you can help your kid pick and identify nutritious items, or the magnetic wall can teach them about physics!
What a fun way for your kids to learn, right? Schedule your visit with your kids in The Wonderfeet Kid’s Museum when you are in Rutland, Vermont!
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Address: 11 Center St, Rutland, VT 05701, United States
