Overview
Grand Isle County is a county in Northwest Vermont. It is the smallest county in Vermont by area and only has around 7,000 people.
3 sights · 10 things to do · 12 places to eat · 2 bars & cafés · 9 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Grand Isle County
Chazy Reef Formation
Possibly the world's oldest coral reef.
Grand Isle Art Works
Vermont Shakespeare Company
Alburgh Golf Links
18 hole lakeside golf course.
Biking/Hiking
Bike along the Champlain Bikeway or along a quiet road. Trails can be found around the islands.
Fishing
Charter a boat or bring your own
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.
- PBG Plattsburgh International Airport, Plattsburgh — 14 mi away. Directions
- BTV Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport, Burlington — 24 mi away. Directions
- ALB Albany International Airport, Albany — 144 mi away (major hub). Directions
Grand Isle County can be reached by car using US Route 2 using either the bridge from Rouses Point, NY or the causeway from Colchester, VT. There is also a bridge connecting Grand Isle County to Swanton, VT. Grand Isle County is about 1.5 hours from Montreal, 4 hours from Boston, and 30-45 minutes from Burlington.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Chazy Reef Formation, Alburgh Golf Links, Vermont Flight Academy
- Lunch Hero's Welcome
- Afternoon Grand Isle State Park, North Hero State Park
- Dinner North Hero House
- Evening Hall Home Place Cidery
Day 2
- Morning Grand Isle Art Works, Biking/Hiking
- Lunch Ruthcliffe Lodge & Restaurant
- Afternoon Wilcox Cove Golf Course, Knight Point State Park
- Dinner Shore Acres Inn & Restaurant:
- Evening Snow Farm Vineyard
Day 3
- Morning Vermont Shakespeare Company, Fishing
- Lunch Steamship Pier Bar & Grill:
- Afternoon Alburg Dunes State Park, Burton Island State Park
- Dinner South End Cafe
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
The islands are not exactly a dining destination. Some of the bed & breakfasts and inns will have a restaurant in them and there are a few other standalone spots. Most of the options consist of snack bars and general stores that sell sandwiches or maybe pizza. There are some apple orchards in the islands so if you come in the fall, grab a bag of apples and maybe some donuts.
South Hero is home to most of the islands' restaurants. Here is a listing of restaurants in the rest of the county.
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
Places in Grand Isle County
Understand
Grand Isle County is made up of several islands in the middle of Lake Champlain as well as a large peninsula at the northern end of the lake. Most people refer to Grand Isle County simply as "the islands." It is not connected by land to any other part of the U.S.. Grand Isle County has a milder climate than the rest of the state because of the presence of the lake.
Get in
By car
Grand Isle County can be reached by car using US Route 2 using either the bridge from Rouses Point, NY or the causeway from Colchester, VT. There is also a bridge connecting Grand Isle County to Swanton, VT. Grand Isle County is about 1.5 hours from Montreal, 4 hours from Boston, and 30-45 minutes from Burlington.
Go south end road north hero ferry
By ferry
Lake Champlain Ferries runs a 24-hour service connecting Plattsburgh with Grand Isle.
Get around
Most people will need a car to get around the islands as there is no public transportation. Although the attractions are fairly spread out, the terrain is relatively flat so some people may enjoy cycling. U.S. Route 2 is the only major road, running north to south from South Hero to Alburgh where it crosses a bridge into New York State.
See
The islands aren't exactly packed with things you can see in the traditional sense (i.e. I came to take a picture of this specific attraction). However, the islands are one of the most beautiful parts of Vermont and gorgeous scenery is the norm. Obviously, the islands are surrounded by Lake Champlain, which is quite scenic on its own. To the east, you can see the Green Mountains rising in the distance. Look southwest and you will see the Adirondacks meeting the shoreline.
Here are some specific things to see:
- Hyde Log Cabin, Route 2, +1 802-828-3051. Considered one of America's oldest log cabins and is home to the society collection. Open Th-M 11AM-5PM.
- St. Anne's Shrine: Isle la Motte +1 802-928-3362. Visit this shrine marking the site of the oldest European settlement in Vermont. There is a visitors center and gift shop.
- The Lake Champlain Monster, Otherwise known as Champ, this prehistoric sea monster supposedly lives in Lake Champlain.
Do
One reason many people come to the islands is to simply do nothing. There aren't any cities, crowds, or traffic. You may just want to relax. If you do feel like doing something, there are many outdoor activities.
Do Biking/Hiking
Bike along the Champlain Bikeway or along a quiet road. Trails can be found around the islands.
State Parks
Buy
Grand Isle County certainly isn't a shopper's paradise, however you will be able to find antiques, VT made crafts & art, and specialty foods. Listings for South Hero can be found in its respective article.
Shop The Green Frog
A small store that has numerous little toys, mini cars, model kits, puzzles and various items for the lake and beach for all the kids out there. Moccasins, decorative items, small jewelry items, and over a hundred kinds of t-shirts are available for the adults interests. You can also stop in for a refreshing drink, a candy bar or a candy stick.
Shop Silver By Tish
This small, privately-owned store is a favorite jewelry store among many locals. All repairs are done on site, right in front of you, and their friendly service will help you make all the right decisions when finding that perfect piece of jewelry. Notable for having many sterling silver items, they also carry gold items and they even let you design your own jewelry.
Eat
The islands are not exactly a dining destination. Some of the bed & breakfasts and inns will have a restaurant in them and there are a few other standalone spots. Most of the options consist of snack bars and general stores that sell sandwiches or maybe pizza. There are some apple orchards in the islands so if you come in the fall, grab a bag of apples and maybe some donuts.
South Hero is home to most of the islands' restaurants. Here is a listing of restaurants in the rest of the county.
Eat Hero's Welcome
Choose from a variety of sandwiches at this general store. There are also baked goods and coffee for sale and a small convenience store area with packaged food for sale. The sandwiches are all named after a local landmark or historical figure. Across the street is a patio which overlooks the ironically named "City Bay" and the Green Mountains beyond.
Eat North Hero House
This fine dining restaurant features views of the lake, a pub, and outdoor seating in the summer.
Eat Zach's Cafe at the Gallery
Grab a sandwich or salad at this art gallery cafe.
Eat Kim's Snack Bar (Kim's Snack Stand)
Kim's Snack Shack-best burgers, fries, and clam strips on the north end of the island
Eat The Blue Paddle
This bistro is the perfect place to eat with all your friends and family. The Blue Paddle offers entrees for lunch, dinner and brunch. It has a nice "homey" feel to it, large deck outside, full service bar and a nice "campy" theme that blends well with the atmosphere of South Hero. All food is available for take-out, morning pastries and coffee are available and the bistro is open year-round!
Eat Pan's South Hero Pizza
Pan's Pizza is the place to order from when it's a rainy night and there's nothing else to do. Although they don't do delivery, you can call up and order take-out. Very friendly service and great pizza makes this place a very popular eatery for all Vermonters.
Eat Seb's Snack Bar
A good place to stop after a long day on the water, featuring an old style pickup window and a selection including burgers, fries, red hots , and grilled cheese. It also has an ice cream counter with over 20 different kinds of ice cream flavors, and they make milk shakes too. Outdoor seating available and gift shop attached to building.
Eat Wally's Place-Bagels & Deli
Wally's Place-Bagel & Deli was established only two years ago, but has quickly become a popular destination. They have over a dozen different types of bagels, spreads and breakfast sandwiches, baked goods and they always have fresh Green Mountain Coffee brewing along with other sodas and juices.
Drink
The islands are home to East Shore Vineyards in Grand Isle and Snowfarm Vineyard in South Hero. Both have tasting rooms, but East Shore's is actually located in Burlington
Drink Hall Home Place Cidery
Hall Home Place is part of the Hall family farm which has been on Isle LaMotte since the late 18th century. The tasting room is located in a stone farmhouse built in 1828. It is a simple affair with a single table and a few chairs. This remote farm is really off the beaten path. Hall Home Place produces a variety of ice ciders from the farm's apple orchard that you can taste on-site or purchase a bottle to take home with you.
Drink Snow Farm Vineyard
Offers many different types of wines that are made right on their vineyard. With all the able space on their vineyard, they are always open to host weddings and receptions. Also, they host many live concerts in the summer time that occur once to twice a week. They also have a year round tasting area located in Stowe, Vermont, which is on the mainland located minutes away from the Ben and Jerry's Factory. Snow Farm's South Hero tasting room is located near Crescent Bay at the south end of the island. The property contains the highest point on the island and you are free to walk the vineyards. Inside, you can order a tasting, a full pour, or even a full bottle to enjoy at the bar or on the patio. They also offer a selection of meats and cheeses to have with your wine.
Sleep
You won't find any chain hotels in the islands, just B&Bs and family owned inns.
Stay Ransom Bay Inn
Stay Crescent Bay Farm Bed and Breakfast
Set up in an 1820s style farm house, with three different kinds of rooms to choose from, each with its own theme to match the area that it's near: The Garden Room, The Mountain Room and The Winery Room. The Bed and Breakfast is on a farm that has llamas on site for visitors to see and feed. No smoking or pets.
Stay safe
There is almost no crime in the islands, just don't get eaten by Champ.
Go next
The Islands are a quick drive or ferry ride from:
Towns
- South Hero
Nearby
Grand Isle
City / town · 6 listings · 6 mi away
St. Albans
City / town · 29 listings · 10 mi away
Plattsburgh
City / town · 36 listings · 11 mi away
Champlain and Rouses Point
City / town · 8 listings · 14 mi away
Milton
City / town · 3 listings · 14 mi away
Colchester
City / town · 17 listings · 18 mi away
Winooski
City / town · 7 listings · 22 mi away
Essex
City / town · 36 listings · 23 mi away
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