Love quirky arts, riverside charm, and small-town creativity? Head to White River Junction! Once a historic railroad hub, this Vermont village is now a cultural hotspot with indie theaters, unique shops, and easy access to outdoor adventures in the Upper Valley region.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit White River Junction is in the fall (September–October) for stunning foliage and seasonal festivals. Spring and summer are great for hiking and farmers markets, while winter draws skiers to nearby resorts.
How to Get There
- By Car: Located at the crossroads of I-89 and I-91, White River Junction is easily accessible from Boston (2 hours) or Montreal (3 hours).
- By Train: Amtrak’s Vermonter line stops daily at White River Junction Station, connecting to New York City and beyond.
- By Plane: The closest major airport is Lebanon Municipal Airport (LEB), just 10 minutes away. Boston Logan International (BOS) is the nearest major hub.
Where to Stay
- Hotel Coolidge – Historic hotel with vintage charm, right in the heart of downtown.
- Fairfield Inn & Suites White River Junction – Comfortable chain hotel with modern amenities and easy highway access.
- Norwich Inn (10 min away) – Cozy, historic inn with a brewpub and New England ambiance.
Top Attractions
- Center for Cartoon Studies – Visit a hub for graphic novelists and cartoonists with rotating exhibits and events.
- Briggs Opera House – Historic venue hosting concerts, plays, and film screenings throughout the year.
- White River Junction Historic District – Explore preserved architecture and walkable streets with shops, galleries, and cafés.
Unique Attractions
Swim at the Upper Valley Aquatic Center
The Upper Valley Aquatic Center in White River Junction, Vermont, is a nonprofit organization that provides a range of high quality fitness and aquatic programs to all members of the Upper Valley community free of charge. Group exercise classes and childcare in KidZone are free for members.
The 48,000-square foot facility has an 11 lane, 25 meter long competition pool, a warm-water instructional pool, a Splash Park with lazy river, water features and 110-foot water slide. There is also a fully-equipped gym with strength and cardio equipment, group exercise, SPIN studios, a sauna and family locker rooms. In addition, there is: the Poolside Cafe, seating with accommodation for 400 for spectators and TRX outdoor training area.
Upper Valley Aquatic Center, 100 Arboretum Ln, White River Junction, VT 05001, Phone: 802-296-2850
See a show at Northern Stage
Northern Stage is a professional theater company in White River Junction, Vermont with a mission to engage audiences with world-class productions, educational and outreach programs. Northern Stage serves more than 50,000 community members each year. The theater was founded in 1997 by Brooke Ciardelli.
Since then, Northern Stage has become a major theater company in the region, producing professional productions of classics, world premiers and musicals. A dynamic education program offers professional training for students of all ages. Courses include student acting, a summer musical theater and a theater-in-the-schools residency program. Northern Stage moved to its own home the Barrette Center for the Arts in 2015.
Northern Stage , 74 Gates St, White River Junction, VT 05001, Phone: 802-296-7000
Visit the Main Street Museum
The Main Street Museum in White River Junction, Vermont is quirky and fun and in many ways resembles the old-fashioned "cabinet of curiosities," offering a space for an eclectic collection of exhibits that tell the story of the material culture and civic organizations of the town of White River Junction. The Main Street Museum occupies the former fire station on the banks of the White River and was founded in 1992 by David Fairbanks Ford. Museum categories include: Flora; Fauna; Significant Objects From Around the World; Evidence of Tramps; Round Things; Tangled Things; journals; extraneous bits of local history; sheet music; collection of postcards; electromagnetism devices; relics from the head injury of Phineas Gage; Elvis impersonators and much more.
Main Street Museum, 58 Bridge St #6, White River Junction, VT 05001, Phone: 802-356-2776
Have dinner at Thyme's
Thyme Restaurant is a modern, sleek restaurant located in the former 1940s Tip Top bakery in downtown White River Junction, Vermont. The dining room is full of light, with floor-to-ceiling windows, high ceiling, an industrial feel with exposed pipes. Colorful walls are decorated with beautiful, large format black and white photos by photo journalist Collamer Abbott. The atmosphere is cheerful and inviting, the menu changes seasonally and reflects the availability of locally sourced ingredients. The cuisine is Modern American, with innovative, creative comfort fare influenced by the world cuisines. The lovely patio is welcoming on warm summer days.
Thyme , 85 N Main St, White River Junction, VT 05001, Phone: 802-295-3312
More Places to Eat
- Tuckerbox – Turkish-inspired café known for fresh coffee, mezze plates, and brunch favorites.
- Trail Break Taps + Tacos – Hip spot offering inventive tacos, local brews, and a fun vibe.
- Elixir – Upscale bistro in a restored freight house, featuring seasonal, locally sourced dishes.
Local Events
- Glory Days Festival (September) – Family-friendly celebration of trains, transportation, and local culture with exhibits and rides.
- First Friday Art Walk (Monthly) – Explore galleries, artist studios, and live music during this lively community evening.
- WRJ Holiday Market (December) – Shop handmade gifts and enjoy festive treats at this cozy annual market.
Day Trips Within 30 Minutes of White River Junction, Vermont
- Hanover, NH (10–15 min) – Home to Dartmouth College, great museums, bookstores, and scenic river walks.
- Quechee Gorge (15–20 min) – Hike Vermont’s “Little Grand Canyon” or shop at Quechee Gorge Village.
- Norwich, VT (10 min) – Visit the Montshire Museum of Science or King Arthur Baking Company’s flagship store.
- Woodstock, VT (25–30 min) – Charming New England town with covered bridges, a working farm, and upscale shops.
- Lebanon, NH (10–15 min) – Explore art galleries, enjoy local dining, or bike along the Northern Rail Trail.
FAQ
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What is White River Junction?
- White River Junction is a small unincorporated village in the town of Hartford in Windsor County.
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What architectural styles are featured in the White River Junction Historic District?
- The White River Junction Historic District showcases urban architecture of the area in the late 19th and early 20th century, with buildings in Greek Revival, Colonial Revival, Italianate, and Romanesque architecture.
At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Places to Stay
Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures, ideal for exploring local trails and historic sites.
Hotel Coolidge – Historic, charming accommodations located downtown.
Visit Quechee Gorge – Enjoy beautiful hiking trails and spectacular views.
Summer (June-August) – Warm weather perfect for outdoor activities and local events.
Hampton Inn White River Junction – Convenient and comfortable hotel close to attractions.
Explore nearby Quechee State Park – Enjoy swimming, kayaking, and picnics.
Fall (September-November) – Stunning fall foliage, ideal for scenic drives and photography.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites White River Junction – Modern accommodations with easy highway access.
Drive Vermont's Scenic Byways – Experience breathtaking autumn landscapes.
Winter (December-February) – Snow-covered charm perfect for winter sports and cozy retreats.
Fairfield Inn & Suites White River Junction – Comfortable stay close to winter activities.
Ski at nearby resorts – Visit nearby ski destinations such as Suicide Six or Dartmouth Skiway.
What's Nearby: Visit Quechee Gorge, Vermont Institute of Natural Science, Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historic Park, King Arthur Baking Company and Montshire Museum of Science.
Map:
Plan Your Trip
Table of Contents:
- 1. Swim at the Upper Valley Aquatic Center
- 2. See a show at Northern Stage
- 3. Visit the Main Street Museum
- 4. Have dinner at Thyme's