Things to Do at Shelburne Museum

Complete Guide to Shelburne Museum in Burlington

About Shelburne Museum

Shelburne Museum offers visitors a collection of over 2,000 artifacts with admission typically $15. The cafe closes 30 minutes before the main facility, so plan lunch accordingly. Smooth metal handrails warm under your palm as you climb stairs that offer increasingly expansive views through floor-to-ceiling windows. The facility serves as an important cultural hub for Burlington, hosting community events and educational programs throughout the year.

What to See & Do

SS Ticonderoga Steamboat

A 220-foot sidewheel steamboat from 1906, completely restored and housed in its own building. You can explore multiple decks and get a real sense of what Lake Champlain travel was like in the early 1900s.

Circus Building

Houses a spectacular hand-carved miniature circus with over 4,000 pieces, plus a collection of vintage circus posters and memorabilia that captures the golden age of American circus culture.

Round Barn

A distinctive 1901 round dairy barn that now showcases carriages, sleighs, and other horse-drawn vehicles. The architecture itself is worth the visit - these round barns were surprisingly efficient designs.

Electra Havemeyer Webb Memorial Building

The museum's main gallery space featuring rotating exhibitions and permanent collections of American folk art, including weathervanes, trade signs, and decoys that are genuinely museum-quality pieces.

Lighthouse and Colchester Reef Light Station

An actual lighthouse moved here from Lake Champlain, complete with lighthouse keeper's quarters. It's a bit surreal seeing it landlocked, but it gives you great views of the grounds and surrounding countryside.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Generally open daily May through October, 10 AM to 5 PM. Limited winter hours November through April (weekends only). Hours can vary seasonally, so it's worth checking their website before visiting.

Tickets & Pricing

Adult admission typically runs around $25-30, with discounts for seniors and students. Children under 5 are usually free. Two-day passes are available and actually make sense given how much there is to see. Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate.

Best Time to Visit

Late spring through early fall offers the best experience when all buildings are open and the grounds are most pleasant for walking. Summer can get crowded, but the museum is large enough that it rarely feels overwhelming.

Suggested Duration

Plan for a full day if you want to see everything properly. You could easily spend 4-6 hours here, and that's moving at a decent pace. Many visitors split their visit across two days.

Getting There

The museum sits 7 miles south of Burlington on US Route 7. Drive straight down Route 7 from downtown-the entrance signs won't let you miss it, and you'll be there in 15-20 minutes with free parking waiting. No car? You're stuck with taxis or rideshare since public transit doesn't reach here. The grounds are massive. The museum runs trams between buildings, which you'll need-some spots are spread far apart across the property.

Things to Do Nearby

Shelburne Farms
A working sustainable farm and National Historic Landmark with a spectacular lakeside setting. Great for walking trails, farm tours, and their famous cheddar cheese.

Lake Champlain
The sixth-largest freshwater lake in the US, offering boating, swimming, and scenic drives along the shoreline. Several public beaches and boat launches are within a few miles.

Burlington Waterfront
A revitalized downtown area with restaurants, shops, and the Burlington Bike Path. The Church Street Marketplace is particularly lively, especially in summer.

Vermont Teddy Bear Factory
Located right in Shelburne, this factory offers tours showing how their handmade teddy bears are created. It's touristy but genuinely entertaining, especially if you're traveling with kids.

Magic Hat Brewing Company
One of Vermont's well-known craft breweries offering tours and tastings. Located in nearby South Burlington, it's a good stop if you're interested in Vermont's craft beer scene.

Tips & Advice

Wear comfortable walking shoes - the grounds are extensive and you'll be doing quite a bit of walking between buildings, some on gravel paths.

Start with the map and plan your route, but don't feel compelled to see everything if you're getting museum fatigue. Some buildings are more interesting than others depending on your interests.

The museum's cafe serves decent food, but consider packing a lunch - there are pleasant spots on the grounds for picnicking, and it'll save you time and money.

If you're visiting in peak season, try to arrive early in the day. The museum gets busier as the day progresses, and some of the smaller buildings can feel crowded with too many people.