Ethan Allen Park & Tower - Image 1
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Ethan Allen Park and Tower

4.6
·135 reviews·Burlington, United States

Historic stone tower offering breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Champlain and surrounding mountains, accessible via a scenic park hike.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late Spring to Fall

Best weather for hiking & views

CrowdMedium
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Ethan Allen Park & Tower - Image 1

Ethan Allen Park and Tower

Best Time

Late Spring to Fall

Best weather for hiking & views

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Historic stone tower offering breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Champlain and surrounding mountains, accessible via a scenic park hike.

4.6
(135 reviews)

"Fantastic view. Lots of trails to explore if you have the time."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 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:

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 · 135 reviews

Type

Historical Landmark

👶 Good for kids🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ethan Allen Tower

Ethan Allen Tower

Summit of the hill

Historic stone tower offering breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Champlain and surrounding mountains.

Scenic Hiking Trails

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

Lake Champlain Vista

From the tower's top

Stunning vistas of Lake Champlain, especially beautiful during peak fall foliage.

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Planning Your Visit

Tower Access: Check Before You Go

The Ethan Allen Tower's interior access can be unpredictable. A local group sometimes unlocks it, but there's no official schedule. Confirm its status before your visit to avoid disappointment.

Hike & Views: Prepare for an Uphill Trek

Reaching the tower involves a moderate, uphill hike of about half a mile round trip. Wear comfortable shoes and be ready for some inclines to enjoy the panoramic views.

Best Times

When
Late Spring to Fall
Why
Best weather for hiking & views
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful hike
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

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. Reddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The hike to the tower is uphill with inclines. Good walking shoes are a must! :athletic_shoe:

reddit.com

Ethan Allen Tower in Burlington

Got some okay photos from up there. Pretty cool spot for a quick stroll.

reddit.com

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:

reddit.com

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. Reddit

👟 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

4.6
(135 reviews)

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

Spectacular panoramic views
Historic stone tower
Pleasant uphill hike

What People Dislike

Unpredictable tower access
Vandalism at the top

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. Reddit

Yes, there is a parking lot available at the park, serving as the starting point for the hike to the tower. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

From downtown Burlington, head north on North Avenue, which will lead you towards Ethan Allen Park. Follow signs for park access. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ethan Allen Park is generally free to enter. There are no admission fees for the park itself. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Your best bet is to ask locals or check community forums. A group of nearby residents sometimes unlocks and locks the tower. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ 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. Reddit

You'll get panoramic views of Lake Champlain, the Green Mountains, and the Adirondack Mountains. It's particularly stunning during fall foliage. Reddit

Yes, the park offers numerous trails for exploring, making it a great spot for a leisurely walk or a longer hike. Reddit

The park trails have inclines, and the tower itself has interior stairs, making it less accessible for those with significant mobility challenges. Reddit

The tower is a historic stone structure, though Ethan Allen himself did not live there. It offers a glimpse into local history and architecture. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Golden hours, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, offer beautiful lighting. Fall foliage season provides vibrant colors for stunning photos. Reddit

From the base of the tower looking up, or from the surrounding park trails offering different perspectives. The top provides panoramic landscape shots. Reddit

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, be mindful of any graffiti or vandalism, which some visitors find disheartening to photograph. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the panoramic views from the tower. A standard zoom lens is versatile for park trails. Reddit

Drone regulations can vary. It's best to check local ordinances and park rules before flying a drone to ensure compliance. Reddit

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