United States
Vermont (VT)
Vergennes
Things to Do in Vergennes
Lake Champlain Maritime Museum
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Lake Champlain Maritime Museum

See all things to do
See all things to do
Lake Champlain Maritime Museum
4.5
134 reviews
#1 of 14 things to do in Vergennes
Speciality Museums
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10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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About
Lake Champlain Maritime Museum is a free museum on the shores of Lake Champlain with outside and indoor exhibits, summer camps, boat building, rowing, underwater research, and more. Museum exhibits are open mid-May through mid-October, programs run year-round. Explore the history, archaeology, and ecology of Lake Champlain, through hands-on experiences, exhibits, and events.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
134 reviews
Excellent
76
Very good
52
Average
3
Poor
2
Terrible
1
John I
Clifton Park, NY774 contributions
Never heard of it - but glad we found out.
Jul 2021
A tour guide on the "Ethan Allen" in Burlington mentioned that a replica of the "Philadelpia" gun boat of the Battle of Valcour Island was in Vergennes, Vermont. Well, we looked it up and found this wonderful museum. Right on the lake (almost). Admission was free, and most of the outdoor exhibits were open. We learned a bunch from the docent on the Philadelphia regarding Ethan Allen, the battle, and the lake's part in the Revolutionary War. Priceless info. There is one indoor exhibit centered on just the different styles of boats used on the lake. Additionally, there was a very interesting outdoor exhibit of the lake and it's relation to NYS, VT. and Canada during the trying times of Prohibition. If you are in Burlington, Vergennes, or driving Rt. 22A, this is a great place to spend 2 hours.
Written July 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
emacmd99
Berryville, VA42 contributions
Take a chance on this museum
Aug 2022 • Couples
This little pearl is not only excellent but free. We had just visited Fort Ticonderoga, and the Maritime Museum reinforced the fascinating history of the Aboriginal, French, British and American back and forth over this important waterway. I’m pretty sure most families with kids would enjoy both the history and the boats.

It’s a little out of the way, beautifully put together, and almost no one there. And its free!
Written August 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sue M
Eastham, MA54 contributions
Great exhibits
Oct 2021 • Couples
Found this gem on a super rainy October weekend. Interestingly, the museum is now free in an admirable effort to be accessible to all who wish to visit. We enjoyed the exhibits, which included many artifacts, images, and well-written and interesting text. The little building from the girls’ summer camp and the boat building were wonderful. The 36’ ice sailboat was impressive, as were all the skiffs, dories, canoes, and other craft, some a few hundred years old.
Written October 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PaleoGypsy
Philadelphia, PA2,130 contributions
Free to Visit
Jul 2021 • Couples
While it is free to visit, donations are welcome. The parking lot is a bit tight. Bring your own snacks and beverages. Wear sturdy shoes. Bug spray may help. There are lots of placards to read. Some of the buildings are state-of-the art and have fabulous displays. Depending upon your interest level, plan to spend 1-2 hours here.
Written July 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Beverly B
Panton, Vermont14 contributions
A wonderful gem
May 2014 • Couples
Located in the Basin Harbor Club, this museum's unassuming appearance on the outside belies the amazing treasures that are found within. Lake Champlain is rich in maritime history, including The Revolutionary and 1812 wars, and the museum provides a wealth of information and artifacts dating back hundreds of years. Equally fascinating is the work the museum is doing to preserve many of the actual boats and items that lie on the floor of the lake. I have visited several times and never fail to be amazed by this wonderful treasure. It's well woth a visit, and plan to stay a while to take it all in.
Written February 18, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GerriS63_10
Wilmington, DE250 contributions
A Mini Mystic Seaport
Jul 2019 • Friends
During a cruise along Lake Champlain it was mentioned that the a replica of the gun boat Philadelphia was located at the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum. As we had see the original in the Smithsonian Museum in Washington DC we thought it would be fun to see it. We were surprised at the scope of the museum. There are a number of buildings all dedicated to the boating history of Lake Champlain and several short videos. Worth the visit.
Written July 15, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul S
Portland, OR161 contributions
Wonderful local museum for Lake Champlain boats, etc.
Mar 2019 • Family
If you are not from the area, a pleasant surprise history lesson on the importance of Lake Champlain in colonial US, especially during th Revolutionary War.
Extrensive collection of boats, power, sail and rowing. Even an ice boat. A little packed together (except in the main museum building.) Visited as part of the boat building class for local high school students. They build a new long boat every year, from scratch, to add to the racing fleet. Part of the Museum's emphasis on boat building and repair, including blacksmitihing the metal. Excellent reputation for teaching boat repair skills.
Modest entrance fee. Definitely worth the visit.
Written March 23, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Q. C
Trumansburg, NY619 contributions
Make it part of your plans.
Oct 2018 • Business
The Lake Champlain Maritime Museum is small, but mighty. Not only is the LCMM a museum focused on the history of Lake Champlain and the vessels that are part of that history, but they maintain and continue to learn from the underwater sites in Lake Champlain (Revolutionary War boats/ships) but also build, and demonstrate the function through their living boats, The Lois McClure and the Philadelphia II. It is a small and mighty organization flush with very able volunteers to be able to do the amazing programming and discovery that they do. Plan on visiting.
Written October 8, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gregg B
Hey Q.C. - we appreciate the review! Thank you!
Written October 13, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
blondie16
New Bedford,MA485 contributions
Worth the trip
Jul 2013 • Couples
Very educational. Bit of a drive from the highway, but pleasant. Not a huge museum, but well presented. Everyone will learn something new.
Written August 5, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Watsson
Annapolis, MD470 contributions
worth the detour
Jul 2013 • Couples
The Lake Champlain Maritime Museum is off the beaten path, but well worth the detour. The must-see exhibit is #8, a replica of a Revolutionary War gunboat. It's not the boar that's so special but the docent that holds forth. His recounting of the area's role in the French and Indian Wars, the Revolution and the War of 1812 is absolutely fascinating. You can listen for hours.
Written August 3, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Lake Champlain Maritime Museum (Vergennes) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Frequently Asked Questions about Lake Champlain Maritime Museum
Lake Champlain Maritime Museum is open:
  • Sun - Sat 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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