There are few places more beautiful in spring than Vermont — not only for its rolling hills, forests and blooming maples, but also for the rich public art and sculpture scattered across the state. For a distinctive spring itinerary, combine visits to Vermont’s many maple sugarhouses with a self-guided arts tour that highlights murals, outdoor sculpture parks and gallery spaces.
Vermont ranks among the top states for creative professionals: a high percentage of its workforce is made up of visual artists, writers, musicians and photographers. That concentration of makers means you’ll find exceptional public art, inventive installations and community-driven cultural events throughout the state.
Begin your trip in St. Albans, home to an annual Maple Festival each April. While in town, look for large-scale mural work such as the 6-by-16-foot “Sugaring Off” on the Federal Building and the striking “Haying” mural nearby. From there, visit Branon Family Maple Orchards in Fairfield and Bakersfield, where seventh-generation producers combine traditional syrup-making with modern sustainability practices like solar energy.
Next, head to Jeffersonville, known for some of the largest painted murals in Vermont. Notable examples include the North & South Silos, which depict summer and autumn and evoke both past and future generations. A short drive away, Cold Hollow Sculpture Park in Enosburg offers roughly 50 monumental sculptures set in old farm meadows and hay fields, creating a powerful dialogue between art and landscape.
In Burlington, the waterfront and downtown areas provide more public art to explore. The Andy A-Dog Williams Skatepark mural is a local landmark, and the pedestrian-only Church Street Marketplace features sculptures and smaller murals tucked along its shops and cafes. Be sure to seek out “Everyone Loves a Parade,” a detailed mural by Pierre Hardy, celebrated for his imaginative, large-scale public works.
Montpelier is another worthwhile stop. The Vermont Arts Council supports rotating outdoor sculpture gardens and exhibits that showcase contemporary work by local artists; these displays typically change on a two-year cycle, so each visit can reveal new pieces. Nearby, Morse Farm Sugarworks offers maple tours, tastings and a short nature trail — a sweet complement to the day’s art-focused outings.
Finish your tour in Manchester at the Southern Vermont Arts Center, which contains the state’s largest sculpture garden. The center includes sculpture parks and formal gardens, a historic mansion and multiple galleries presenting regional and national artists. Spread across more than 120 acres of forestland and trails, the site affords sweeping views of the Green and Taconic Mountains while providing ample opportunities to walk among outdoor installations.
This combined maple-and-art route highlights Vermont’s distinctive blend of seasonal traditions and creative expression. Whether you’re drawn to murals, monumental sculpture or intimate gallery shows, these stops offer a scenic, culturally rich way to experience the state in spring.