Overview
Colchester is a town in Northwest Vermont. It is home to Saint Michael's College. Colchester is primarily a bedroom community of Burlington. The town is very spread out, with most businesses and residences clustered in three villages: Colchester village, Mallet's Bay, and Severance Corners. St. Michael's College is located in the southeast corner of the town near Winooski and Essex Junction.
3 sights · 3 things to do · 6 places to eat · 1 bars & cafés · 4 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Colchester
Niquette Bay State Park
Hike the network of trails around the park for views of the Champlain Islands or go swimming at the beach. The entrance to the park is at the end of Raymond Rd.
Colchester Pond
Hike the trails surrounding this large pond, especially during autumn when foliage is at its peak. The parking area is found at the end of Colchester Pond Rd.
Colchester Historical Society
Has restored a vintage 1815 log schoolhouse. May-Oct.
St. Micheal's Play House
See a play at this local college theatre.
Sunset Drive-In
See a double feature at this 4 screen drive-in.
Causeway Park
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Sep. Summer highs reach about 78°F; winter lows dip to about 7°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Mar, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Jul and Jun. (climate data from nearby Montpelier)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- BTV Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport, Burlington — 5 mi away. Directions
- PBG Plattsburgh International Airport, Plattsburgh — 15 mi away. Directions
- ALB Albany International Airport, Albany — 128 mi away (major hub). Directions
I-89, US Route 7, and US Route 2 all pass through town. Colchester is a 10-20 min. drive north of Burlington, 2 hours south of Montreal, and 3.5 hours northwest of Boston.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Colchester Pond, Colchester Historical Society
- Lunch Three Brothers Pizza and Grill
- Afternoon Sunset Drive-In
- Dinner Rozzi's Lakeshore Tavern
- Evening Tilly's Pub
Day 2
- Morning Niquette Bay State Park, Causeway Park
- Lunch Spanked Puppy Pub
- Afternoon St. Micheal's Play House
- Dinner Bayside Bakery and Coffee Bar
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
By car
I-89, US Route 7, and US Route 2 all pass through town. Colchester is a 10-20 min. drive north of Burlington, 2 hours south of Montreal, and 3.5 hours northwest of Boston.
By plane
Burlington International Airport is a 10-20 minute drive from most parts of Colchester. You can rent a car at the airport.
Get around
You will need a car to get around Colchester.
See
Do
Outdoor activities include sailing - rent a boat and go sailing on Mallet's Bay.
Do Colchester Pond
Hike the trails surrounding this large pond, especially during autumn when foliage is at its peak. The parking area is found at the end of Colchester Pond Rd.
Buy
There are few shops in Colchester.
Eat
Eat Three Brothers Pizza and Grill
Eat Junior's Italian
Italian restaurant with attached pizzeria.
- McGuillicuddy's, 18 Severance Green, +1 802 871-5480. Bar and restaurant with patio.
Eat Miami Mami (Cuban Kitchen in Vermont)
Cuban food.
Drink
Rozzi's and Spanked Puppy also have bars attached to the restaurant.
Drink Tilly's Pub
Hang out with some St. Michael's College students at this nearby bar.
Sleep
Stay Residence Inn Burlington-Colchester
Stay Hampton Inn
Nearby
Winooski
City / town · 7 listings · 3 mi away
Burlington
City / town · 98 listings · 5 mi away
South Burlington
City / town · 37 listings · 5 mi away
Essex
City / town · 36 listings · 6 mi away
Milton
City / town · 3 listings · 8 mi away
Williston
City / town · 9 listings · 8 mi away
South Hero
City / town · 18 listings · 9 mi away
Jericho
City / town · 25 listings · 10 mi away
My experience
Write about your trip here. Notes save automatically in this browser as you type; back them up from My journal.