Places to Visit
Springfield has many places that allow you to fully immerse yourself in nature, as well as an assortment of historical locations and museums. Check out these places below when planning your day out in Springfield.
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The Springfield Art & Historical Society exists to promote an appreciation of Springfield’s history and historical art by identifying, collecting, preserving, and making available material that documents the story of the town’s people, industry, and culture.
Sat 1 pm - 4 pm
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Located on Clinton Street (at the Toonerville Trailhead lot) on Saturdays 10 am - 2 pm, May through October
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The Market features local produce, meats, cheese, and eggs FRESH from the farm
~ Local baked goods from a variety of amazing local bakers
~ Creative items sold by talented local artisans and crafters
~ Cooking tips and demos using market ingredients.
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The Eureka Schoolhouse stands between Vermont Route 11 (to the south) and the Black River to the north, in the dispersed rural setting of Goulds Mill, southeast of the Springfield's main village center. It is a small single-story structure, built out of hand-hewn timbers and covered by a wooden shingle roof. Its walls are finished in rough-cut wooden boards, scored to resemble cut stone. A brick chimney rises from the rear right corner. The front facade, facing south toward the road, is three bays wide, with the entrance in the left bay, and large sash windows in the other two.
The school is believed to have been built in 1785, and is the oldest known schoolhouse in the state. It underwent a series of alterations over the 19th century, and was closed in 1900. It stood vacant and abandoned for many years, and was carefully disassembled by preservationists and stored in 1958. In 1968, it was reassembled to its original configuration (as best it could be determined from extant records) at the present site, which also includes the relocated Baltimore Covered Bridge.
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The Fort at Number 4 was a mid-18th century stockade fortification protecting Plantation Number 4, the northernmost British settlement along the Connecticut River in the Province of New Hampshire until after the French and Indian War. It was located in the present-day town of Charlestown, New Hampshire.
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The Stellafane Observatory is an astronomical observatory in Springfield, Vermont, founded in 1920 by Russell W. Porter. The Pink Clubhouse was built in 1923 at the site by the Springfield Telescope Makers Club.
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James Hartness was the owner of the original Hartness estate and the source of its many eccentricities.
Most famously, Hartness commissioned a series of underground tunnels below our cozy mansion. These tunnels were conceived of as a massive private office for Hartness' work. They now provide underground access to the equatorial turret telescope that James Hartness designed and built into the front lawn. The tunnels also house the Hartness-Porter Museum of Amateur Telescope Making - and, rumor has it, the occasional ghost.
Book your stay at the Hartness properties today to experience this unique history for yourself.
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The Hartness State Airport was initially built by James Hartness as part of his love of machines and flying. The airport grew over the years to have more hangers and landing strips.
Stoughton Pond is a 56 acre mixed use nature area containing a lake located in Perkinsville as part of the North Springfield Lake Dam. Stoughton Pond consists of a powered pavilion, multiple outdoor grills, picnic tables, a playground, and of course the swimming area in the lake. Non motorized boats such as Kayaks and Canoes are permitted as is fishing. Parking and entry are complimentary.
Wilgus State Park offers a variety of attractions including 4 cabins with Wi-Fi, 17 tent camping sites, and 6 lean-tos. The campground features running water, a restroom, and hot showers. There is also a picnic area and picnic shelter which can be reserved for a small fee. Wilgus State Park features 2 short hiking trails plus kayak & canoe rentals. Wilgus state park is rich with historic charm featuring 7 stone water fountains, 12 stone fireplaces, and a wood-framed ranger's quarters. Fishing is permitted at Wilgus state park as well.
The greater Springfield area of Windsor County features nearly 20 different cycling routes across the area consisting of a variety of challenge levels. Everything from quick 3 mile rides to routes connecting covered bridges in the area to an all encompassing 100 mile trip around Windsor County.
The Toonerville Trail features 2 convenient parking lots at both the northern and southern ends, located at Robert B. Jones Industrial Park across from Edgar May and right next to Hoyts Landing across from the self storage. The Toonerville trail is roughly 3 miles long, open to those walking, running, and biking. 4 legged friends are welcome as long as they are leashed. The Toonerville trail follows the scenic Black River, full of nature and wildlife in addition to lovely overlooks.
Originally opened in 1753, Crown Point Country Club packs more than 70 years of history into a scenic 18 hole course. Featuring a fully stocked pro shop, large bar selection, and restaurant; Crown Point Country Club features everything you need to enjoy the seasons on the perfectly maintained greens & fairways.
Located directly on the Charlestown Border just before the bridge is Hoyt's landing. A popular spot for both boating and fishing. A powerboat ramp and dock are both present. Enjoy the leisurely Connecticut River views for an uninterrupted 9.5 miles all the way to the Bellows Falls boat landing. There are multiple picnic stops along the way which alternatively can be used for loading up your boat if you desire a shorter trip.
Morningside Flight Park is your one stop shop for all things aviation! Open May through October and conveniently located in Charlestown, Morningside offers a wide array of off the ground activity. Activities include Hang Gliding, Paragliding, Powered Paragliding, kiting, glider rentals just to start. Morningside is a popular destination for thrill seekers and those looking to see the region from a sky high view.
North Springfield Lake offers a variety of outdoor activities starting with an 8.5 mile hiking and biking loop. During winter months, this trail is popular for skiing and snowshoeing. Included is also a boat ramp for kayaks, canoes, and small boats. Fishing is also a popular attraction at the North Springfield Lake. The 1361 acre property also feature snow mobile trails.
Experience all Mount Ascutney has to offer through 4 exciting trailheads and over 12 miles of hiking trails and special trails for Mountain Biking. Alternatively, drive up the Mount Ascutney Parkway for a shorter less strenuous hike to the observation deck. Mount Ascutney features 38 wooded tent / RV sites for camping, 10 lean-to sites, 5 cabins, and a picnic pavilion. Mount Ascutney features 2 launching sites, making the park a popular destination for hang gliders. Mount Ascutney also hosts multiple races annually for runners, bikers, and their ever popular twice annual hill climb for road racers. During winter months, Mount Ascutney is a popular location for snowshoeing, skiing, and ice climbing. Certain portions of the park also permit hunting during the fall deer season plus spring & fall Turkey season.
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Okemo
Featuring Skiing, Snowboarding, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling in the winter months, Okemo is also a popular summer destination, with their mountain road being opened to hikers, bikers, and drivers once the snow melts. Mount Okemo is also a popular racing destination, hosting annual hill climbs. The summit features a refurbished fire tower with panoramic 360° views. Hunting within portions of the Okemo State Forest as is camping in designated areas.
Saint-Gaudens National Historical State Park preserves the home, gardens, studio, and artworks of sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens. During summer months, the Saint-Gaudens Memorial sponsors a free open to the public summer concert series.
First settled in the 1770's, Charles C. Beaman purchased the Old Moses Chase Farm in 1882. The couple commissioned the Bank Barn, Chauncey Cottage, Blow-Me-Down Mill, Casino, and Dance hall. Through inviting friends that included artists, writers, actors, and influential urbanites to visit their property, a social circle known as the Cornish Colony was formed. Today, the state park stands open for ranger guided tours, while a portion of the property is leased to Opera North which hosts multiple summer concerts.
Featuring a Boreal Kettle Bog formed by melting glaciers, the North Springfield Bog has no inlet or drainage for water, relying entirely on snow melt and rainfall as sources. This unique ecosystem features highly acidic low oxygen water perfect for a variety of species such as moss, blueberries, Leatherleaf, and multiple carnivorous plants.
Located squarely in the center of Downtown Springfield Vermont, Comtu Cascade Park features an homage to the clothespin, which was invented in Springfield. The park also features picnic tables, patio seating, a rain garden, and viewing dek overlooking the falls. Comtu Cascade Park also hosts Fourth Fridays in summer months, with live music and a variety of local vendors selling crafts and food.
Open 7 days a week 9AM-5PM during spring, summer, and fall months Wellwood Orchard is a must visit destination featuring a variety of fruits throughout the seasons. Wellwood is most famous for pick your own strawberries, and pick your own apples, though they also have blueberries, peaches, and other fruits. They have a wonderful petting zoo, and a farmstand with fresh donuts, pies, and other treats. One highlight of the season is their annual harvest festival, though their season opener is also very popular.
Located across from the Toonersville trail as you are heading out of town towards Charlestown, Muckross State Park is the former estate of both Edgar May and W.D Woolson encompassing 204 nature filled acres. There are no official trails, or facilities. Only roughly formed hiking paths featuring an 80 foot waterfall, and a pond. There is a small parking area for about 6 cars. The park has been in operation since 2016. The park still contains rustic cottages of years past for your viewing pleasure.
Hartness Park is an 85 acre town forest with multiple trailheads featuring 3 miles of trails. The park was donated to the town by the daughters of James Hartness in 1943 and featured a rope tow with ski slopes featuring multiple ski jumps. Today the nature of the park park is enjoyed by hikers, bikers, horseback riders, snowshoers, and cross country skiers.
Hosted annually by the Springfield Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Vermont Apple festival brings together dozens of artisans. Locals offers something for everyone from crafts and homemade goods, food trucks, fresh apple cider, a farmers market, beer and wine garden, live music, artisan foods, apple crisp, cider donuts, activities for the kids, the "Fastest kid in town race" and an incredibly competitive Apple Pie baking contest! The Vermont Apple Festival brings in thousands of visitors annually for a very special local tradition.
Multi-generational family run farm settled in 1798 run by the 6th and 7th generations. Wood's Cider Mill raises cows, pigs, chickens, turkeys, and are Apiaries. They cut and bale their own hay, run their own sawmill, and have a large family garden. They cut their own firewood for syrup and cider. Wood's cider mill has been producing local delicacies since 1882, and purveyors of fine maple syrup since at least the 1830s. Wood's Cider Mill has been making apple jellies and molasses for hundreds of years, and is a popular local attraction for good reason.
Edgar May is Springfields own local fitness center! Featuring a full gym, twin swimming pools, and a 40 foot climbing wall. Edgar May hosts a wide variety of multiple monthly fitness classes for all ages and style of exercise. During warm summer months, Edgar May oftentimes hosts free to swim sessions for families to cool off from the hot summer heat.
Springfield Vermont's only movie theatre and the home of The Simpson's world premier! For generations Springfield Cinemas has provided big screen entertainment to fans of all ages. Featuring 3 giant screens, the latest releases, and all your typical movie snacks. Springfield Cinemas is adjoined by an ice cream shop, making the experience extra special. Springfield Cinemas also allows rentals of their giant screen for videogaming with friends, providing a unique experience.
A unique experience in downtown Springfield, Gallery at The Vault is a local artisan craft market inside the old Springfield Bank building, featuring all sorts of decorations and artfully designed accessories, the vault is open daily giving you a glimpse inside the old giant safe which once housed mountains of cash, and now houses lovely artworks.
Springfield is home to Vermont's oldest existing schoolhouse. Erected in 1785, Eureka Schoolhouse stayed open through 1900. In 1958, the schoolhouse was deconstructed and stored for preservation, landing at it's current location in 1968 after a decade long reconstruction effort. Much of the original lumbar and elements were used to keep the schoolhouse true to it's origins. Today, the Eureka Schoolhouse stands as a welcome center for the town of Springfield and a historic landmark.
The Baltimore Covered Bridge spans just 37 feet in length. Constructed in 1870, the bridge was moved from its original location in North Springfield to its current location next to the Eureka Schoolhouse in 1970 after preservation efforts headed by Senator Milton S. Graton. The Eureka Covered Bridge is one of just 100 covered bridges remaining in Vermont.
Constructed in 1886 the Cornish-Windsor Bridge connected the dry state of Vermont to the wet state of New Hampshire. While still the longest covered bridge in Vermont, this popular "kissing bridge" was the longest in the United States up until 2008. The bridge originally operated as a toll bridge, becoming toll free in 1943.
Opened in 2012, the Hall Art Foundation welcomes visitors with a rotating selection of temporary artworks. Exhibitions are hosted seasonally May through November. The museum sits on a converted former dairy farm consisting of 5 historic buildings surrounded by 400 scenic acres.
Located in nearby Londonderry Vermont, Magic Mountain features a thrilling 1500 foot vertical drop. Largely unchanged since the 1960s, Magic Mountain is designed for skiers and snowboarders of every level. Magic Mountain contains multiple glades encompassing all sides of the mountain. During spring, summer, and fall months, Magic Mountain hosts a variety of off-season activities such as mountain biking while the Black Line Tavern remains open year round.
Overlooking North Springfield Lake, Springweather Nature Area created in 1978 overlaps the Springfield Weathersfield border. Short trails are popular for birdwatching, hiking, and snowshoeing. This tranquil nature refuge spans 70 acres and is marked by 3 distinctly colored trail blazers.
Vermont's premier cross country skiing resort, Viking Nordic Center hosts 18KM of groomed trails for classic cross country and skate skiing with an additional 6km of snowshoe trails. After a session hitting the trails, unwind and warm up at Viking's cozy cafe. On certain evenings, night skiing is accessible. Also available are private and group lessons. For those looking to wake up and ski first thing, Viking Nordic Center opens their charming 1800's farmhouse for families of up to 10.
Located on 1200 manicured acres of protected land in nearby Grafton VT, the Trails and Outdoor center features year-round fun. In winter months you are welcome to enjoy skiing, snowshoeing, tubing, fat biking and even sleigh rides. During summer months, the center is open for hiking, mountain biking, and swimming. Summer camp is a highlight for many local and visiting children.
Known by their acronym V.AS.T. the Vermont Association of Snow Travelers is a local non-profit serving as one of the oldest snow mobile clubs in the country. The organization is comprised of more than 100 hyper local clubs with over 22,000 members. V.A.S.T. is responsible for maintaining and grooming 5000 miles of snowmobile trails in Vermont.
One of the newest additions to downtown Springfield, VRmont is an exciting virtual reality center located squarely on Main Street. VRmont features a large variety of experiences including over 20 different VR Escape rooms, and a multitude of VR Arcade games. VRMont can be booked for birthday parties, corporate events, groups for any reason, or individuals. VRMont also has a conference a tech suite suitable for meetings. They have dedicated Minecraft and Lego stations, plus a STEAM maker lab with 3D printers and more.
Kavidia offers a wide spectrum of holistic healing practices and in home services. Join Kavidia for yoga, sound baths, individual or group sessions, and home health products.
Pur Identity is your one stop shop for relaxation and rejuvenation. Pur Identity is a private, one-chair salon offering haircuts, trims, styling, coloring, and waxing services among other beauty treatments. They offer services for both Men and Women.
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Purrmont
A local favorite for visitors of all ages. Purrmont is a relatively new concept combining a cafe with a play area for feline friends. You have the option of getting a tasty treat or refreshing beverage, plus choosing to catch a vibe with the cafe's cats. Both experiences can be separate or combined. Purrmont is the purrfect spot for hours of affection and pets.
