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Shelburne Museum

Shelburne, VT

History

A sprawling outdoor museum of historic buildings gathered on one campus, from a covered bridge and a lighthouse to a full-size steamboat, the Ticonderoga. Plan a few hours and wear comfortable shoes for the grounds.

Shelburne Museum was founded in 1947 by Electra Havemeyer Webb on a 45-acre (about 18-hectare) site on Lake Champlain. It has 39 exhibition buildings, 25 of them historic structures moved here from elsewhere. They include the steamboat Ticonderoga of 1906 (220 feet, or 67 m, long), the Colchester Reef Lighthouse of 1871, a covered bridge of 1845 and a round barn of 1901. The collection holds more than 150,000 objects, including folk art, quilts, decoys, carriages and Impressionist paintings.

Allow at least three hours for a visit, as the buildings are spread widely across the grounds. Wear comfortable shoes. The outdoor areas make the visit most pleasant in dry weather; check ahead for the season when the museum is open.

Nearest town
Shelburne, VT
Category
History & culture
GPS
44.3780, -73.2270

Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.

Good to know

Best time to go

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

The most pleasant months are usually June and August–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and July. Cold, short days in November–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)

Sources

Nearby

Campsites nearby

All campsites in Vermont · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026

FAQs

Where is Shelburne Museum?

Shelburne Museum is in Shelburne, VT, at GPS 44.3780, -73.2270. It is about 7 mi from Burlington.

Can you camp near Shelburne Museum?

Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Shelburne Camping Area, about 1 mi away; within 25 mi there are 33 campsites and motorhome stopovers.

What is there to see near Shelburne Museum?

Places worth a stop nearby: Church Street Marketplace (7 mi), Mount Philo State Park (7 mi), Ausable Chasm (16 mi) and Smugglers' Notch (24 mi).

When is the best time to visit Shelburne Museum?

The most pleasant months are usually June and August–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and July. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)

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