Shelburne Farms

Shelburne Farms has such beautiful and clean grounds. We paid $ 8 per person for the entrance fee, which included a tractor ride to the farm. They also offered a guided tour for $ 3 additional per person, at specific times, which includes other sites within the farm grounds. We took the tractor, it is a wonderful experience except for the cold winds. Bundle up well if you are coming during the start of the fall season now!
We patted the animals (swiss dairy cow and calf, sheeps and lambs). Lots of well fed and happy chickens and roosters variety in the chicken coop with access to outdoor. Saw the cheese factory, wood work factory and bought some cookies from the bakery too. We bought lunch at the lunch cart, had the pulled pork sandwich and home made hot dog. Both were delicious. Service was a little slow for food to be ready after we ordered. We were also surprised when the staff asked us very blantly if we would like to leave a tip on the check when he runs the credit card. We were a little shocked by his attitude as usually we don’t get asked the question when ordering from a take-​out food cart with no other
service provided, other than getting the food ready per order. The question is tacky and should not even be asked on a take-​out food kiosk, without a table service of a server. The tip jar on the counter should suffice for anyone who wishes to leave a tip.
We had an opportunity to also toured the Inn, it is so gorgeous, wished we have stayed a night if its more affordable during the high season (Fall Foliage). The breakfast menu seems very reasonably priced and farm fresh, we would have just loved to dine there and enjoy the quaint surroundings and Lake Champlain, if we have more time to spare.
We sampled the variety of cheese, jelly, mustards and jams at the gift shop and bought a few local product. Carol, who worked at the store was extremely helpful with our questions, very friendly and keen to assist. I inquired about the raw honey as I am a honey fanatic and she was kind enough to let me sample it. I ended up buying the large bottle and she also showed me how I can order online too. We loved her enthusiasm, keep up the good job. Overall, we enjoyed our farm experience at Shelburne Farms.

Really a beautiful place to visit, and even better for kids to visit. There are chickens, pigs, goat, cows, and all kinds of animals to see. There are hiking trails, one of which we took (The Lone Tree) that was minimally challenging and overlooks the Inn on the property and Lake Champlain. They also have all kinds of demonstrations during the day such as cheesemaking, milking cows, etc that go on throughout the whole day. There is a lunch cart and a bakery so you can get food or something to drink as well. We took the 15 minute tractor ride that went from the main gate to the main farm area, or you can walk a beautiful trail through the fields. They also have a schedule for 1.5 hour ride throughout the property, if you have time, it is supposed to be worth it (I think it cost $ 3). I stopped here for a short bit, and missed the ride, but it takes you to areas that are too far to walk to. This is truly a beautiful place.

We visited Shelburne Farms on a rainy weekday afternoon, looking for something novel to do with young kids from Long Island.
After a quick van ride (no tractor ride to weather), we arrived at the Farm Barn just in time for the kids to get enough satisfying tugs on the cow’s udder for mom to get some photos. Right afterward, there was a story-​time about pigs. There were goats (kids) and calves available for petting (not for feeding!) in the barn as well. Out back, some chickens were running around and a goat shack, pig pen, and some donkeys were within a quick walk from the Farm Barn. We basically roamed from animal area to animal area until all were exhausted.
On a nicer day, the tour (+$ 3 per person) would probably be a better option, especially with kids. We all wanted to see more of the grounds, but felt a bit too lazy to walk and explore too much.
At $ 8 per person and $ 5 per kiddo (free for members and the 7,100 Shelburne residents), it’s not cheap considering how little you can see and do, but your admission continues to support animal care and maintenance of the large property (although I’m sure the concerts held there also help). There is no food available after 3pm in the Farm Barn area, so you start to feel stranded after a couple hours if you get there around then. There is a bread shop nearby where you can buy super fresh bread.
GREAT place to take kids though. It was swarming with little nuggets that allows them to self-​entertain for a good length of time. But, it is a gorgeous, Vermonty space within a very short drive from «big city» Burlington.

To be fair, I was never allowed to enter Shelburne Farms. I tried to go on a Sunday morning. I suspected I was in trouble when the guard at the entrance asked me why I was there. I explained that I hoped to have breakfast and then tour the farm. He said, «You need reservations, and you can’t just walk around, you have to take the tour.» He said he would call the restaurant to see if there was room for «a single lady» (note – I am a married professional woman who was traveling on business). He left me sitting on the side of the road for 10 minutes and never called the restaurant. I could overhear his conversations because I had the car window rolled down. I finally turned around and left, never to return.

Our favorite place to visit in Vermont. It’s stunning, educational, interactive and perfectly exemplifies all that is wonderful about Vermont.
I’ve been here several times, even for a wedding, and it’s always a magical experience. Rolling green hills, historic structures, nature walks, wood shop, kids camps, museum with visiting exhibitions, the massive Ticonderoga ship, and my favorite farm with cows, calfs, sheep, chickens, pigs, rabbits, oh my!
*Note: the farm is separate from the museum just down the road. You can easily do both in one day or split up the two trips for more time at each location.
You can take a trailer ride to the farm or take a short 15 minute nature walk. Just stay left on the trail to cut through and avoid the road. A cute farm stand serves lunch items direct from the farm. A schedule of events is posted, so you don’t miss the cow milking or feedings or sheep brushing.

This place make you feel special. You Must experience it. Beautiful scenery, great fresh food from local area, excellent service. I wish I can come here more often!

Skip the $ 16 admission fee for two, go straight to the Farm Store, and grab picnic goods for lunch and take a walk around the neighborhood! (That’s what we did!).
I traveled to Burlington, VT as a post graduate celebration (I got my PhD!). Shelburne Farms was recommended to us, but we didn’t know we had to pay $ 8 a person to see the grounds (which includes walking a mile, eating at the Farm Stand, and going to the bread shop). Paying $ 16 for a walk for two was a little much for us as students.
Instead of paying for admission, we we walked straight into the Farm Store and made ourselves a lovely picnic! They offer an $ 8.50 cooler bag and ice pack which was perfect. We bought two blocks of aged cheddar, raspberry jam, maple syrup, and maple candies! We then drove to Klinger’s Bread Company (which is 5 – 10 minutes away) and picked up bread, and then drove right back to the neighborhood Shelburne farms is located.
We ate at a local little waterfront park inlet in the neighborhood, where folks were fishing and relaxing. So beautiful and fun! A perfect end to our road trip.

Incredible place, definitely one of my favorite places to take my daughter. So much to do, and the price is very affordable. Can you milk a cow here? Sure. Can you help pick eggs? Absolutely. Watch crafters make cheese? Definitely. You could spend all day here and want to come back the next day to do it again. Tip: You may want to bring hand sanitizer with you after handling the animals. They do have a wash station, but nice to have a little extra.

This was such an amazing place to bring my toddler. The animals the food and the locations are very breathtaking. The staff is always on hand to answer questions, and the landscape takes your breath away. My only regret was we didn’t have a full day there. Spend the entire day if you can, hacking, walking and petting animals… oh and eating cheese.

A great place to take children (adults too!) to learn about farming and sustainability! An absolute must visit! There is so much to do, you have to come for two days and even stay at the inn!

If you’re looking for things to do around the Burlington area, this is a great place to visit! I’m from Montréal and come down to Vermont every so often, I’m always astounded by the beautiful sights the green mountain state has to offer and Shelburne Farms is no exception.
Strongly recommend taking the tractor tour, the hour and a half ride takes you near the Lake Champlain, shows you around the dairy farm and inside the Inn and courtyard for a breathtaking experience. This national historic site is no stranger to weddings, fundraisers and receptions. If you want to book a room or dinner, consider at least a month wait!
There are over 10 miles of hiking trails but if you want more of a relaxing experience, the tour will take you everywhere you need to see. Although there were mostly senior citizens on our tour, the farm is fun for all ages. We noticed many school buses with children from summer camps as well.
We visited the Children’s Farmyard on our own, they have scheduled activities such as cow/​goat milking and egg picking and every day from 10 to 3 pm you can see their making of cheddar cheese.
One of the first things our tour guide mentionned was that there is something «magical» about Shelburne Farms and that’s really the word that stuck with me throughout our trip.

My only experience was with the farm store as I was limited on time. I was told this is one of the key destinations in the Burlington area so I had to pop my head in before heading out of town.
Please note that I grew up on a farm and an generally a sucker for anything that deals with agritourism. The main purpose of my visit was to snag a Vermont food product souvineer and sample the farm’s cheese. The store offered an assortment of items perfect to take home including syrup, recipe books, cheese, Lake Champlain chocolate, tea and so on. I ended up going home with the Vermont Chai and syrup candies. Items were unsurprisingly on the pricey side. As for the cheese, the older and stinkier, the better. You could probably peruse the entirety of the shop in around 15 minutes. It’s worth a visit if you find yourself at the farm.

My husband and I were looking for a little nature walk and stumbled upon Shelburne Farms. I am so glad we did, because it ended up being one of the best things we did while in Vermont for the weekend.
We walked from the Welcome Center to the barn. I was SO psyched to see a petting zoo with adorable baby goats, calves and sheep. There was also a schedule with tons of activities that visitors could participate in including milking a cow! I really wanted to do this, but it wasn’t convenient to the time we were there.
We decided to follow the 5 mile walking trail and it was great. Not super challenging, although it’s definitely a bit of a workout and it offers spectacular views of Lake Champlain. I loved it.
When we got back from our hike, we pet some more animals and then went into the shop and sampled some cheese made on site (you can watch the cheesemaking happening). I bought some smoked cheddar. They also have a food cart outside with fresh sandwiches and salads and a bakery on site.
This place was AMAZING and I will definitely come back when in the area.

Probably a great place for kids to explore. As an adult, there wasn’t too much to it. I enjoyed the huge estate with the Farm House in the center and the nice hike up One Tree Hill to see the views. The workers (farmers) are very friendly and welcoming. They have a tractor train that takes you out to the farm if you don’t wish to walk the ¾ miles or in bad weather. The farm house has a great cheese making educational experience with free tasting of the different aging of cheeses. You can view and pet cows, goats, and sheep. And they have a chicken coop with free range chickens and roosters to checkout. Thy have some varieties of rabbits and llamas to view and some pigs, turkeys and donkeys that I saw.
There is a bread baker on site that makes fresh breads and treats on site.

Beauty radiates from this place. It is amazing that this is a farm. The petting area is fun. The lakeside is amazing, and clean. The food is fantastic as well! I love that everything is sustainable at this location as well. Great educational focus.

I didnt realize what a large organization Shelburne ran. I thought they just made cheese, which the cheddar us pretty solid. Little did i know they had a full farm coop thing going. Very smilar to what Blue Hill at Stone Barns is doing in NY. Great sustainable products which are also delicious!

My brother and sister in law just held their wedding here and I can’t even describe how gorgeous it is. The good was absolutely fantastic and all local. Best salad I’ve ever had, and I have eaten a boatload of salad in my days. Excellent service in the Coach barn with a beautiful view of the lake and a lovely adjacent courtyard for outdoor mixing and mingling. We all got ready in the main the building — also stunning. Liz waited on us throughout the day and the service was outstanding. Kids playroom could have occupied my daughter for 38 days without pause.

Great place to visit if you like farms and outdoors settings.
The farm sits on a huge piece of land with wonderful vistas of rolling pastures and woods, topped off by views of Lake Champlain. There are herds of brown cows and sheep on the pastures.
I took the tour at 9:30 and was the only one on the tour so I got my own private tour. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and interesting with a lot of stories about the history of the place.
The best part of the tour is a visit to their inn, which retains its Victorian look, so you feel like you’re going back a century when you step in the place.
If you like nature walks they have several walking paths. I took a 4.5 mile walk around the property, which had some beautiful views of the pastures and woods. It was not crowded at all on this Saturday, so it was a great place to be outdoors and enjoy nature without distractions from crowds of people.

The farm is beautful. My family and I went on a tour. We got to see the farm and the inn.
At the end of the tour we got to do a little cheese tasting. There is a small gift shop so make sure you stop by and buy a few things.

I would definitely file Shelburne Farms as a «don’t miss» attraction if you’re in the area. Vermont is lucky to have this beautiful farm. In addition to being aesthetically pleasing, it’s also a non-​profit, working farm with the intent of teaching the community where their food comes from.
The grounds were huge and we unfortunately didn’t have enough time to explore as much as I would have liked. Admission is $ 8 for adults and $ 11 (I think) to include the tour which departs at different times (so check ahead). We did admission only and primarily explored the main portion of the farm with chickens, goats, and baby cows (so cute). We also had lunch at the little food stand which was a treat. The dishes were predominantly made by ingredients produced on the farm. We shared apple celery root soup, a veggie sandwich, and a delicious salad loaded with roasted root vegetables. While we were awaiting the entrees, we snacked on apple cider doughnuts.
The farm also has a baker producing cookies and bread as well as a cheesemaker where you can watch cheesemaking in action and load up on samples. There are also opportunites throughout the day to participate in various farm chores such as milking cows and shearing sheep.
They also have an inn and restaurant which we didn’t explore. If I’m ever in the area again, I’d ditch the B&B in town and stay a little while longer on this idyllic farm.