Museum grounds and exhibits are closed for the season. We will re-open in May 2025. Learn more about what we do during the winter season.
Our 3-acre campus has lots to explore with indoor exhibit buildings and outdoor exhibits! Scroll down for some important details to help you prepare for your visit. What can you see while you’re here? Check out what exhibits are open on our Exhibits page and check for events and workshops on our Calendar.
Admission
Admission to the Museum is free for all visitors!
Read more about why we’ve eliminated admission fees →
Season Dates
As a seasonal museum, our grounds and exhibits are open from May to October every year. Museum grounds and exhibits open for the 2024 season on May 18, 2024 and close after October 20, 2024. We will re-open in May 2025.
Museum Hours
During the open season, exhibits are open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Exhibits
We have over 10 different exhibits and exhibit buildings on campus. Check out which exhibits are currently open.
Daily Programs & Events
There’s always something going on at the Museum! Plan ahead and visit on a day with activities that interest you or a tour. Check our calendar for the latest daily programs and upcoming special events.
Campus Map
Get oriented! View or download the Museum’s campus map.
Pet Policy
Lake Champlain Maritime Museum is a dog-friendly campus. Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome on campus, in the Hoehl Family Visitor and Education Center, and at all outside exhibits. Dogs are not allowed inside exhibit buildings. Poop bag dispensers and trash cans are available around campus – please remember to clean up after your canine friend.
Visitor Safety*
Following guidance from the State of Vermont and the CDC, all visitors are asked to observe the following safety rules to keep all our visitors, staff, and families healthy:
- Check-in: Upon arrival to the Museum, visitors are required to check-in at the Hoehl Family Visitor and Education Center before starting their visit.
- Masks: Masks will be optional for visitors and staff based on their own personal preferences.
- Respect other visitors: Please give adequate space to other visitors and groups.
- Stay home if you’re sick: If you’re feeling unwell in any way, please stay home and visit the Museum another day.
*We will update these protocols regularly to be in line with the current guidelines. Review the Museum’s complete COVID-19 Safety Protocols here.
Free Parking
Free parking is available at the Museum and there are two bike racks for cyclists. Free accessible parking is located directly outside of the Hoehl Family Visitor Center.
Directions
We are located at 4472 Basin Harbor Road, Vergennes, VT 05491 situated right on Lake Champlain at North Harbor, right next to Basin Harbor. We strongly recommend using Google Maps to navigate your way to the Museum by car or bike. Use the map below to get custom directions to you or use our directions from Downtown Vergennes as a guide:
Directions from Downtown Historic Vergennes:
Drive south through Vergennes on Main Street and cross the bridge over Otter Creek. Turn right on Panton Road and continue for 1.4 miles. Turn right on Basin Harbor Road (at BJ’s Farm Supply) and continue for 4.8 miles. After passing a sign for Basin Harbor on your right, you will see the Museum and our sign on your right.
Directions On Google Maps:
Accessibility
Lake Champlain Maritime Museum is committed to making our museum visit accessible for all visitors. The Museum originally opened in 1985 and we have both historic and contemporary buildings on our grounds, all of which have an accessible entrance at grade level or with ramps. Approximately one-third of the Museum site consists of open grounds, which include gardens, grassy and natural areas, pine groves, picnic areas, gravel walkways, outdoor exhibits, and facilities for watercraft at North Harbor. Our waterfront is at the base of a steep gravel path and is not wheelchair accessible.
Verbal description tours of select exhibits for visitors who are blind or have low vision are available upon request. For information about accessibility or accommodation requests during your visit at the Museum, please contact our Director of Programs and Visitor Experience, Katharine Noiva, at katharine@lcmm.org or 802-475-2022 ext 109. Increasing the Museum’s accessibility for our visitors is an ongoing process and we welcome your feedback.
Where to Stay
Planning a trip to the area and looking for some recommendations? Check out our Area Lodging Information page for some of our favorite campgrounds, cottages, inns, bed and breakfasts, and hotels.