Burlington Earth Clock
A monumental sundial and stone circle on Lake Champlain, offering a unique blend of art, science, and natural beauty.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Sun's shadow tells the time
Burlington Earth Clock
Best Time
Sun's shadow tells the time
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A monumental sundial and stone circle on Lake Champlain, offering a unique blend of art, science, and natural beauty.
"It gives Stonehenge vibes with the large rocks and is a pretty cool place to stop."
☀️ Check the Sun!
The Earth Clock is a sundial, so visit on a clear day for accurate timekeeping.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The path to the clock is scenic but can be unpaved in sections.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Sundial Stone Circle
Center of the Earth Clock
A mesmerizing circle of 14 granite stones that tell time, mark seasons, and act as a compass. Stand in the center to see your shadow tell the time.
Lake Champlain Views
Adjacent to the Earth Clock
Enjoy breathtaking vistas of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains from this scenic spot along the bike path.
Burlington Bike Path
Extending from Oakledge Park
A beautiful, paved path perfect for a leisurely stroll or bike ride, offering access to the Earth Clock and other park amenities.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Park & Path Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
☀️ Check the Sun!
The Earth Clock is a sundial, so visit on a clear day for accurate timekeeping. 
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The path to the clock is scenic but can be unpaved in sections.
🅿️ Parking at Oakledge
Park at Oakledge Park for easy access to the Earth Clock via the bike path.
🧭 Understand the Time
Your shadow tells the time, but remember to account for daylight saving.
Tips
from all over the internet
☀️ Check the Sun!
The Earth Clock is a sundial, so visit on a clear day for accurate timekeeping.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The path to the clock is scenic but can be unpaved in sections.
🅿️ Parking at Oakledge
Park at Oakledge Park for easy access to the Earth Clock via the bike path.
🧭 Understand the Time
Your shadow tells the time, but remember to account for daylight saving.
📸 Capture the Moment
The stone circle offers a unique, 'mini-Stonehenge' vibe for photos.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Burlington Earth Clock a unique and interesting stop, especially for its 'Stonehenge vibes' and scenic location along Lake Champlain. While some expected a more elaborate timekeeping device, most appreciate it as a functional sundial and a pleasant spot for a walk or bike ride. The surrounding park offers additional amenities, making it a worthwhile visit for those exploring Burlington.
"When I found this on the Internet while visiting Burlington I was PSYCHED to go check it out! Easy to get to and plenty of parking. It's a short walk, maybe 1/4 mile from where we parked. I expected it to be some elaborate time keeping device from all the hype, but it's really just a sundial with some Stonehenge looking rocks around it that don't do anything. It was nice to visit, but if you skipped it on a weekend trip, just google a picture of it and you basically got to visit."
Brian Polley
"Green path along the lake Champlain. Last part is not paved. We started a bit early, at Oakleadge Park and beach and made it to the Winooski river. Out and back bike took us about 3 hours ( we stopped a few times). There were 2-3 homeless people camps on the way. Some beaches smelled weird. There were lots of small insects in the southern part. Multiple parking spots on the way."
Julia BALANDINA
"One of our destinations was Burlington, VT. There are a few "roadside attractions" to checkout in this area...(not to mention the most popular ice cream place only 30 min away 😉) BUT if you have the "time" stop and see this Earth Clock, it gives Stonehenge vibes with the large rocks. There's also a diagram with instructions. Unfortunately, there was no sun the day we visited, but still a pretty cool place. Benches along the bike/walking path to sit and enjoy the water and landscape."
Chenoa Cavanaugh-Burg
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Burlington Earth Clock is located along the Burlington Bike Path, accessible from Oakledge Park. You can park at Oakledge Park and take a short walk (about 1/4 mile) down the path to reach the clock.
Yes, parking is available at Oakledge Park. There's a small fee for parking, but it provides convenient access to the bike path and the Earth Clock.
Absolutely! The Earth Clock is situated directly on the Burlington Bike Path, making it a perfect stop for cyclists.
If you're not driving, you can access the Earth Clock via public transport to Burlington and then utilize the bike path. It's a popular route for locals and visitors alike.
Some reviews mention encountering homeless encampments along the bike path, particularly in the southern sections. While generally safe, it's something to be aware of.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets required to visit the Burlington Earth Clock. It's a free outdoor attraction.
The Earth Clock is an outdoor installation and is accessible at any time. However, its function as a sundial means it's best viewed during daylight hours when the sun is out.
Oakledge Park typically has a small parking fee, but entry to the park and the Earth Clock itself is free.
Yes, the Earth Clock is an outdoor monument and is accessible year-round. However, winter conditions might affect path accessibility and the overall experience.
While you can technically visit at night, the Earth Clock functions as a sundial, so it won't tell time accurately in the dark. It's best experienced during daylight hours.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Earth Clock is a sundial. By standing in the center circle, your shadow points to the time on the surrounding granite stones, which are aligned with the sun's journey.
The 14 granite stones are arranged to function as a clock, compass, and calendar, measuring the sun's path throughout the seasons.
Yes, when the sun is out, the Earth Clock can show the exact time. You may need to adjust for daylight saving time.
Oakledge Park offers a beach area, playgrounds, picnic spots, and beautiful walking trails along Lake Champlain, making it a great destination for families.
Yes, children often find the Earth Clock fascinating. It's a unique way to learn about time and the sun, and the surrounding park offers plenty of space for them to play.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for photos of the Earth Clock and Lake Champlain. Sunny afternoons also provide clear shadows for the sundial effect.
Absolutely! The entire area around the Earth Clock, including the bike path and Lake Champlain, offers stunning scenic views perfect for photography.
You can capture wide shots of the stone circle, close-ups of the granite, and photos of people interacting with the sundial. The lake and mountain backdrop add to the photographic appeal.
Crowds can vary, but visiting during off-peak hours or weekdays can provide more opportunities for unobstructed photos.
Drone usage regulations can vary by park and local ordinances. It's advisable to check with Burlington Parks and Recreation before flying a drone in the area.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to bring comfortable shoes for exploring the bike path and consider packing a picnic to enjoy in the park. 🚶♀️ Walkers & Cyclists
The path is mostly paved and well-maintained, providing a smooth ride or walk. 📸 Photographers
Aim for golden hour for the most dramatic lighting, or a sunny day to capture the sundial in action. The bike path itself also presents numerous opportunities for scenic shots. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Science and Symbolism of the Earth Clock
+2 The central sundial is precisely calibrated, and standing in its center allows your shadow to indicate the hour. This astronomical alignment makes it a functional calendar and compass, reflecting ancient practices of observing celestial movements. +1The symbolism extends to its connection with the Earth and the cycle of seasons. The design aims to foster a deeper appreciation for our planet's natural rhythms and our place within them.
+1 It's a place for contemplation, offering a unique perspective on time and nature, especially when viewed against the backdrop of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains. Visitors often describe it as having 'Stonehenge vibes,' appreciating its monumental presence and the ingenuity behind its design. Experiencing the Burlington Bike Path
While the path is generally well-maintained, some sections might be unpaved, so wearing appropriate footwear is recommended.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit