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Need a fun day trip or weekend escape on Lake Champlain? Head to Grand Isle! Explore quiet beaches, scenic bike trails, and tranquil parks on Vermont’s largest island. Whether you're kayaking peaceful waters, picking fresh fruit, or camping under the stars, Grand Isle offers a perfect blend of nature, relaxation, and lakeside beauty.

Grand Isle, VT Highlights:

  • Grand Isle State Park: Swim, kayak, fish, and camp at Vermont’s second-largest state park, offering beautiful lakefront access and hiking trails.
  • Island Line Trail: Bike or walk sections of this scenic trail connecting the Champlain Islands to Burlington via causeways and ferry crossings.
  • Snow Farm Vineyard & Winery: Enjoy wine tastings with sweeping views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains.
  • Hyde Log Cabin: Step back in time at one of the oldest surviving log cabins in the U.S., built in 1783.
  • Allenholm Farm: Pick apples, meet friendly farm animals, and shop for Vermont-made goodies at this historic island orchard.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Grand Isle is during the late spring through early fall (May–October). Enjoy warm days for swimming, boating, biking, and apple picking. Fall brings stunning foliage and crisp air perfect for lakeside hikes. Winter is quiet but offers beautiful, snowy solitude for cozy getaways.

How to Get There

  • If you are traveling by car: Grand Isle is located about 30–40 minutes north of Burlington, accessible via U.S. Route 2 across scenic causeways.
  • By Plane: Burlington International Airport (BTV) is the nearest airport, about a 40-minute drive away.
  • By Ferry: Take the Grand Isle–Plattsburgh ferry for a beautiful 15-minute ride across Lake Champlain to New York State.

Where to Stay

  • Grand Isle Lake House – Historic lakefront inn offering beautiful rooms, event space, and access to private beaches and lawns.
  • Ferry Watch Inn – Romantic lakeside B&B with spectacular sunset views and cozy accommodations near the ferry landing.
  • Grand Isle State Park Campgrounds – Stay right on the lake at wooded campsites with easy access to water activities and nature trails.

Best Things to Do

1. Step Into Early American History at Hyde Log Cabin

Step Into Early American History at Hyde Log Cabin

© vermontalm/stock.adobe.com

  • What is the Hyde Log Cabin?
    • The Hyde Log Cabin, located in Grand Isle, Vermont, is the oldest log cabin in the United States.
  • Who built the Hyde Log Cabin?
    • The historic cabin was built in 1783 by Jedediah Hyde, Jr. and his family. Hyde worked as a surveyor for Ira and Ethan Allen, who owned large tracts of land in the region.
  • How long was the Hyde family associated with the cabin?
    • The Hyde family occupied the cabin for more than 150 years, making it a significant historical landmark.
  • What are the features of the Hyde Log Cabin?
    • The 20 by 25-foot cabin was made of peeled cedar logs with a gabled roof. It had one room with a loft space above and a large stone chimney.
  • Has the Hyde Log Cabin been relocated?
    • Yes! In 1946, the cabin was moved from its original location, about two miles away, to a site north of the Grand Isle Elementary School, where it now stands alongside a small blockhouse.
  • Who operates the Hyde Log Cabin today?
    • The cabin is operated as a historic house museum by the Grand Isle Historic Society and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Hyde Log Cabin, Grand Isle, VT

2. If You Crave a Scenic Ride, Pedal Across the Island Line Bike Ferry

If You Crave a Scenic Ride, Pedal Across the Island Line Bike Ferry

© Island Line Bike Ferry

  • What is the Island Line Trail?
    • The Island Line Trail is a three-mile-long packed gravel recreational trail with a magnificent backdrop of the Green Mountains and the Adirondacks.
  • Why is the Island Line Trail considered one of the best trails in Vermont?
    • It is regarded as one of the most scenic trips in the world and among the easiest biking and walking trails in Vermont.
  • Where does the Island Line Trail take visitors?
    • The trail leads into the middle of Lake Champlain, where visitors can board the Island Line Bike Ferry to continue their ride to South Hero Island.
  • How does the bike ferry work?
    • The specially equipped bike ferry, the Bill and Carole Hauke 2, carries passengers across the 200-foot "cut" or gap in the trail across the lake.
  • What trails does the bike ferry connect?
    • The ferry links the Burlington Bike Path, the Colchester Causeway, and the South Hero F&W Allen Point Access Area, forming a beautiful 14-mile trail.

Island Line Bike Ferry, Island Line Trail, South Hero, VT 05486, website

Plan Your Trip