6 Most Beautiful College Towns In Vermont

What happens when a school shapes the town around it? Vermont is a small, mountainous state nestled between New York and New Hampshire, densely populated with forests, rivers, and small, tight-knit communities. Vermont was its own republic before joining the Union in 1791 and was the first state to outlaw slavery in 1777. Today, Vermont’s college towns carry that legacy of independence through strong public institutions, beautiful campuses, and a focus on local life. These six towns embrace their roots while providing a warm welcome for the next generation. Choose your stop, take the backroads, and look at college life in Vermont.

Burlington

The University of Vermont brings energy to Burlington. Start at the Fleming Museum of Art, located on campus. Rotating exhibits and permanent collections provide a clear look at regional and global culture. Enjoy some downtime in the Burlington Bike Park, with pump tracks and dirt jumps for all skill levels. Then settle in at Foam Brewers for hazy IPAs with a great view of Lake Champlain.

If you prefer a more upscale experience, the Champlain Valley Dinner Train offers round-trip service from Burlington to Middlebury for a three-hour ride with full meal service and scenic views; ending right in the heart of Middlebury.

Middlebury

Once the train drops you off, you’ll notice that the college defines the town. Begin at the Mahaney Arts Center on Middlebury College’s campus. It regularly hosts student recitals, rotating gallery shows, and public performances. Then walk to the adjacent Middlebury College Trails, a well-kept network of wooded paths ideal for quiet hikes and short nature walks.

Just across the bridge, stop by Middlebury Falls, where Otter Creek flows beneath downtown’s historic buildings. Continue with the Henry Sheldon Museum, one of the oldest community museums in Vermont, where you’ll find 19th-century rooms and local history exhibits. In July, Festival on the Green takes over the village green with a week of free music and arts.

Castleton

This town mixes campus creativity with small-town Vermont charm. At Vermont State University, Castleton campus, Casella Theater won second place for Best Performance Venue in the 2023 Best of the Lakes Region Awards. In August, it features Algorithmocene, a multimedia installation that uses sound-generated gestures to explore how memory and human interaction leave visual traces.

Next, visit Crystal Beach on Lake Bomoseen. Locals swim, picnic, and play volleyball here from early May to late September. Then head to Breezy Hill Berry Farm for summer fruit and baked pies. In September, stop by the Castleton Festival, a celebration of local food, crafts, and live music.

Johnson

This town is the creative center of northern Vermont. Start at Vermont State University-Johnson, where the Dibden Center for the Arts hosts student and guest performances in music, theater, and dance. Nearby, the Vermont Studio Center opens its doors every third Sunday from June to October. Visitors can tour the studios, talk with artists, and view active exhibitions. It’s the largest international artist residency program in the country.

You can walk directly to the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail from here. If you’re not continuing along the full trail out of town, cool off at Journey’s End Swimming Hole instead. In July and August, the town hosts free Tuesday night concerts on the village green.

Randolph

Randolph’s transition from farmland to an educational center began in 1806 with the establishment of its first school. Start at Vermont State University’s Randolph campus and visit the Red Schoolhouse, built in 1792 on the site of the town’s first tavern. Still in use today, it marks Randolph’s early shift from frontier stop to educational hub. Randolph is also home to the Vermont Technical College.

Then walk through the Randolph Center Historic District, where Federal-style and Greek Revival homes line the streets. Afterward, visit the Chandler Center for the Arts, a restored 1907 performance hall and gallery. In summer, stop by the Kimball Library Concert Series, a free outdoor music event held on the green.

Bennington

Bennington College is not your standard campus. It sits on a hill surrounded by woods, trails, and creative spaces. Start at the Suzanne Lemberg Usdan Gallery on campus, which features rotating exhibits of contemporary art. Then visit the Old First Congregational Church, where Robert Frost is buried in the adjacent cemetery. Continue with a visit to the Bennington Battle Monument, a 306-foot stone obelisk commemorating a Revolutionary War victory.

If you’re up for a challenge, hike the Bald Mountain Trail, a moderate out-and-back trail of 7.9 miles with sweeping views at the summit. Make sure to check the Southern Vermont HomeBrew Festival, a celebration of small-batch beers and local flavor.

Vermont’s Smartest Small Towns

These six towns offer more than a college. They offer a lifestyle. Trails begin at dorm doors, concerts play on village greens, and galleries double as classrooms. Small schools have a big presence in daily life, from food to festivals. Whether you’re swimming after a hike in Johnson, catching a student performance in Castleton, or walking trails outside Middlebury, these towns are quiet, accessible, and full of purpose.Art shapes both the campuses and the towns, influencing local life, community events, and public spaces. These are places to study, to create, to perform, and to live among the arts. If you’re looking for college towns that feel authentic and grounded, this list is your place to start.