There are so many fun things to do in Stowe, VT, it can be hard to know where to start. From skiing and snowboarding in the winter to hiking and biking in the summer, this picturesque town has something for everyone.
If you’re looking for a more relaxing activity, take a scenic drive or go shopping in one of the charming boutiques. No matter what you choose, you’re sure to have a great time in Stowe!
Here are 13 of the best things to do in Stowe, VT to help with your trip planning.
Stowe Mountain Resort
When winter comes to Vermont, it’s time to hit the slopes! Home of the famous Goat Glade run, Stowe Mountain Resort has something for every type of skier or snowboarder.
As one of the top ski resorts in New England, it offers an unforgettable experience for both novices and experts alike. It doesn’t matter what your preferred activity is when you visit Stowe because you’re sure to have fun!
The mountain resort actually spans two mountains: Spruce Peak and Mount Mansfield. For Spruce Peak, you’ll get 116 trails, while you have 39 miles for skiing on Mount Mansfield.
Beginners will love learning how to ski amidst breathtaking mountain scenery while experienced skiers can take advantage of mogul trails and gladed runs.
Kids and beginners will love the popular snow tubing park and Rope Tow, while advanced skiers can explore their high-alpine limits on challenging ski trails like the famous Stowe face.
Skiing is a perfect winter activity for everyone!
171 Cottage Club Road Stowe Stowe, VT 05672, (413) 427-2075
Trapp Family Lodge Outdoor Center
With panoramic views, stunning trails, and an abundance of activities, the Trapp Family Lodge Outdoor Center is the perfect place to explore in Stowe.
Sound of Music fans will be familiar with the real Von Trapp family, who settled in this lodge and eventually made a business out of it too.
You can go on a history tour of the lodge to dive deeper on their history if you’re a fan. The place is now known as a ski resort, famous for their trails and horse-drawn carriage rides.
The outdoor center offers plenty of activities for everyone, including cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, biking, and hiking. The trails are well-maintained and provide stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
If you’re looking for a peaceful day outdoors, this is the perfect place to do it.
800 Trapp Hill Rd, Stowe, VT 05672, 18022535719
Stowe Recreation Path
For more relaxing outdoor activities, go biking or walking on one of Stowe’s most popular trails!
Just minutes from downtown Stowe, the Stowe Recreation Path runs straight through the heart of town. It spans 5.5 miles and passes from the town to Topnotch Resort. There are a couple of local shops and farms around to explore too.
This beautiful trail is the perfect place to get outside and enjoy nature. Whether you’re biking with your family, taking an after-dinner walk, or exploring the vast trails, this is a great place to get exercise.
The spectacular views around Mount Mansfield and of the surrounding area make this a hit among tourists and certainly one of the best things to do in Stowe!
Moss Glenn Falls
If you’re looking for a beautiful waterfall to visit, Moss Glenn Falls is a must-see in Stowe.
This waterfall is located just minutes from downtown Stowe and is easily accessible from the road. To get here, you’ll have to hike the Moss Glenn Falls trail.
It’s a short hike, about 3 miles, and fairly accessible. During winter, it can get slippery so it’s best not to try to risk it.
The falls are part of the Moss Glenn River and flow over a series of rocks before dropping into a pool below. It’s a great place for a family picnic or take a refreshing dip in the summertime.
There are plenty of trails around the falls for visitors to explore, so be sure to bring your camera!
369-615 Moss Glen Falls Rd Stowe, VT 05672
Bingham Falls
Another waterfall to explore is Bingham Falls. This waterfall is a little harder to get to than Moss Glenn Falls, but it’s well worth the effort!
You’ll need to hike about 7 miles roundtrip on the Bingham Falls trail to see it. The hike is difficult, so be prepared for a strenuous journey.
Bingham Falls is part of the Huntington River and drops about 40 feet over a series of cascades. It’s an impressive waterfall with great views and many wildlife to see.
Smugglers Notch State Park
For a more unique outdoor activity, head over to Smugglers Notch State Park.
Just 20 minutes outside of Stowe, this park has some of the best views in all of Northern Vermont! Climb up rugged peaks for an unobstructed view of lush forests and mountains beyond.
The area became famous as a way for illegal trade to happen between the US and Canada. From smuggling goods to alcohol during the prohibition, there’s a lot of history here.
If you’re feeling adventurous, take on one of their more advanced trails like the Long Trail. If you’re not, no worries-you can still have a great day exploring their beautiful pond and scenic views!
You can also explore Bingham Falls or Sterling Pond in the area. If you’re with your family, you can make camp at one of their many campsites.
Ben & Jerry’s Waterbury Factory
Walking into Ben & Jerry’s factory is like walking into a playground for adults! Okay, maybe that’s not quite true, but it’s definitely worth the visit.
This famous ice cream factory is located in Waterbury, just a short drive from Stowe. You’ll get to learn about some of their most iconic flavors and watch as they come to life right before your eyes. You’ll also get to try some of their ice cream and learn about the company’s history.
This is a fun activity for all ages and a great way to learn more about one of Vermont’s most famous companies. After the tour, you can also visit their gift shop and buy some souvenirs.
Gentle Giants Sleigh and Carriage Rides
One of the most beautiful places in Stowe is right at your fingertips! Just about ten minutes from the Trapp Family Lodge, Gentle Giants offers guided sleigh and carriage rides around Stowe’s snow-covered hills.
The ride is about an hour long and takes you through some of the most picturesque scenery in all of Vermont. Your carriages are pulled by gentle giants, Belgian and Percheron draft horses.
You’ll get to see the Trapp Family Lodge, Stowe village, and the beautiful Mount Mansfield.
It’s the perfect way to take in all the beauty of Vermont as you sit back and relax with your loved ones. These gentle giants are sure to become one of your favorite winter activities in Stowe!
Vermont Ski and Snowboarding Museum
During the winter months, Stowe is home to some of Vermont’s most popular ski resorts! The Vermont Ski Museum tells you all about the history of skiing in this area.
You’ll get to learn about their Olympic skiers and see some of their most iconic equipment. There are also a couple of items here like skis, boots, and even chair lifts.
It’s perfect for both kids and adults, so everyone can learn something new at this great museum!
Stowe Cider Company
After a long day of skiing or sightseeing, relax at the Stowe Cider Company. This local company offers tastings for their many different ciders.
Ciders are a big thing in Stowe and you can’t leave without having a taste of the local flavors.
Here you can taste award-winning Vermont Hard Ciders, take home some souvenirs and even pick up your favorite fall flavors. It’s the perfect place to warm up after a chilly day outside.
It’s a great place to spend an afternoon with friends and family as you learn about how they make their cider right here in Stowe.
Piecasso Pizzeria and Lounge
After you’ve gotten your fill of cider and apples, it’s time to pick up some dinner.
Piecasso offers amazing wood-fired pizzas that will have your mouth watering as soon as they come out of the oven!
They offer traditional hand-tossed pizzas done in New York styles. It’s a favorite among locals and visitors and surely won’t disappoint!
Their cozy atmosphere and plentiful seating makes Piecasso a great place to grab lunch or even just stop in for a pint on your way back from the mountain.
Idletyme Brewing Company
If you’re looking for a place to relax after a long day, Idletyme Brewing Company is the perfect spot. This local brewery offers up some of the best craft beer in all of Vermont.
You can choose from their many different taps or even get a flight to try out several different beers. They also offer fantastic locally sourced dishes that pair perfectly with their award-winning drinks!
Idletyme is a great place to spend an afternoon with friends, trying out some of the best beer Vermont has to offer. You’ll definitely want to come back for more!
The Fly Rod Shop
Since you’re already in the area, make sure you stop by The Fly Rod Shop!
This hidden gem is an awesome place to learn about fly fishing for both beginners and experts. They offer everything from beginner and children’s lessons to casting classes and trips down local rivers.
The shop also has everything you’d need to start your fly fishing journey. You can get equipment like rods and flies, as well as clothing and appropriate footwear.
The staff really knows their stuff and will even share some of the best spots for trout around here with you! Check out their website or give them a call today for more information.
If you’re looking for some fun things to do in Stowe, VT, we hope this guide helped you with your trip! From sleigh rides and cider tastings to museum visits and pizza nights, there’s something for everyone in this charming Vermont town.
Stowe has something fun to do every season, so come see what they have in store!
