
Ethan Allen Park and Tower
Historic stone tower offering breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Champlain and surrounding mountains, accessible via a scenic park hike.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best weather for hiking & views

Ethan Allen Park and Tower
Best Time
Best weather for hiking & views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic stone tower offering breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Champlain and surrounding mountains, accessible via a scenic park hike.
"Fantastic view. Lots of trails to explore if you have the time."

🎯 Check Tower Status First
The tower's interior access is unofficial. Ask locals or check community boards for opening times.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The hike to the tower is uphill with inclines. Good walking shoes are a must! :athletic_shoe:

Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.6 · 135 reviews
Type
Historical Landmark
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ethan Allen Tower
Summit of the hill
Historic stone tower offering breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Champlain and surrounding mountains.

Scenic Hiking Trails
Throughout the park
Explore various trails winding through the park, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a more vigorous hike.

Lake Champlain Vista
From the tower's top
Stunning vistas of Lake Champlain, especially beautiful during peak fall foliage.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Tower Access: Check Before You Go
Hike & Views: Prepare for an Uphill Trek
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Is the Ethan Allen tower in NNE open to the public?
I had gone during the pandemic and it was all locked up. I’m not sure where to check the status of it being open or not to go inside and to the top of the tower. Has anyone been recently or know where to check open vs. closed?
🎯 Check Tower Status First
The tower's interior access is unofficial. Ask locals or check community boards for opening times.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The hike to the tower is uphill with inclines. Good walking shoes are a must! :athletic_shoe:
Ethan Allen Tower in Burlington
Got some okay photos from up there. Pretty cool spot for a quick stroll.
Vacation advice - April 21-25
Hello Vermonters! (Burlingtoners? Burlingers?) My wife and I are considering taking a trip to your area for the week after Easter, Mon 4/21 - Fri 4/25. We have two kids, 3.5 and 8, as well. I’ve done some research and it seems like bike rentals and some other things are not…
📸 Capture the Views
The panoramic vistas from the tower are incredible, especially during fall. :camerawithflash:
💧 Bring Water
Stay hydrated on your uphill trek, especially during warmer months. :droplet:
What should we do that isn’t typical tourism?
Wife and I live a few hours south, thinking of staying in Burlington for our anniversary next week. We are big foodies, but don’t like typical tourism like nature trails and museums. Can anyone suggest some non-traditionally touristy things for us to do while we’re there?
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Tower Status First
The tower's interior access is unofficial. Ask locals or check community boards for opening times.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The hike to the tower is uphill with inclines. Good walking shoes are a must! :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Views
The panoramic vistas from the tower are incredible, especially during fall. :camerawithflash:
💧 Bring Water
Stay hydrated on your uphill trek, especially during warmer months. :droplet:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Ethan Allen Park and Tower for its stunning panoramic views of Lake Champlain and the surrounding mountains, especially during fall foliage. The hike to the tower is considered a pleasant, moderate trek. However, the unpredictable interior access to the tower is a common point of disappointment for some.
"Great stop to stretch you legs and take in a beautiful view. Access via the park parking lot and it is a short hike (about 1/2 mile round trip.) Trail is mostly flat but does have incline."
DuWayne Layton
"Fantastic view. Lots of trails to explore if you have the time
The castle itself is very interesting."
Splash Branding
"When we visited it was closed so we couldn't get a better view from the top. Otherwise cool to see"
Dusty Mitchell
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ethan Allen Park is located in Burlington, Vermont. Access is typically via the park's parking lot, from which you'll begin your hike to the tower.
Yes, there is a parking lot available at the park, serving as the starting point for the hike to the tower.
Information on public transport routes directly to the park can be limited. It's advisable to check local Burlington transit schedules for the most up-to-date options.
The park itself is accessible, but the hike to the tower involves inclines and uneven terrain, which may be challenging for some. The tower interior also has stairs.
From downtown Burlington, head north on North Avenue, which will lead you towards Ethan Allen Park. Follow signs for park access.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ethan Allen Park is generally free to enter. There are no admission fees for the park itself.
While the park is free, access to the interior of the Ethan Allen Tower is not guaranteed and may be managed by local volunteers. There isn't a set ticket price.
The tower's interior access is unofficial and can vary. It's often unlocked by local residents when they are available. There are no set public hours.
Your best bet is to ask locals or check community forums. A group of nearby residents sometimes unlocks and locks the tower.
Access to the tower interior is highly unlikely during winter months due to weather and the unofficial nature of its opening. The park itself may be accessible.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The hike is about a half-mile round trip and is mostly flat but does have an incline. It's considered a moderate, short hike.
You'll get panoramic views of Lake Champlain, the Green Mountains, and the Adirondack Mountains. It's particularly stunning during fall foliage.
Yes, the park offers numerous trails for exploring, making it a great spot for a leisurely walk or a longer hike.
The park trails have inclines, and the tower itself has interior stairs, making it less accessible for those with significant mobility challenges.
The tower is a historic stone structure, though Ethan Allen himself did not live there. It offers a glimpse into local history and architecture.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hours, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, offer beautiful lighting. Fall foliage season provides vibrant colors for stunning photos.
From the base of the tower looking up, or from the surrounding park trails offering different perspectives. The top provides panoramic landscape shots.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, be mindful of any graffiti or vandalism, which some visitors find disheartening to photograph.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the panoramic views from the tower. A standard zoom lens is versatile for park trails.
Drone regulations can vary. It's best to check local ordinances and park rules before flying a drone to ensure compliance.








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