Tours, Programs, and Free Exhibits Offer Local History and Fun Activities
Lake Champlain Maritime Museum is excited to welcome visitors back for its 2025 season opening on Saturday, May 17. With exhibits, shipwreck tours, sailing, and other unique experiences, this season is all about inspiring curiosity, connecting with local history, and providing opportunities for everyone to engage with the lake. The Museum will once again open its doors for free for all guests in 2025 and will also continue to offer pay-what-you-can summer camps and teen expeditions.
“The history of the Lake Champlain region shows us the power of people, adventure, and skill,” said Chris Sabick, Executive Director of Lake Champlain Maritime Museum. “We have discovered the stories of families who built their lives on the lake, of innovators who change the way we think and travel on water, and of people who overcame challenges to improve their lives and their country. In 2025, our goal is to inspire locals and visitors alike to explore and take pride in this history, find a deeper connection to the lake, and build a better future for all.”
Exhibits Dive into History, Maritime Technology, and Shipwrecks
With over 10 exhibit buildings and an archaeology lab, visitors can gain a deeper appreciation for how people of the past connected with Lake Champlain for commerce, recreation, conflict, and community.
Step into the newest exhibit “Underwater Archaeology: Diving into the Stories of People and Canal Boats on Lake Champlain” and explore how underwater research helped uncover stories of people who lived and worked aboard canal boats. A favorite stop for any boater, the Hazelett Small Watercraft Center is a celebration of small boats in a two-story building that includes the towering ice yacht Storm King.
The Museum’s popular exhibit “Key to Liberty: The American Revolution in the Champlain Valley” will be open from May 17-July 6 for anyone interested in learning more about local history from American Revolution before it closes for a renovation and grand re-opening in May 2026 to mark the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding.
Additional exhibits explore indigenous culture, the history of Prohibition, clean water, and more. Explore all exhibits at www.lcmm.org/Exhibits.
Unique Experiences for All Interests
On the water or on the land, visitors can join the Museum for unique experiences with history and the lake:
- Shipwreck Tours are scenic guided boat tours offering a rare chance to explore shipwrecks in Lake Champlain with remote operated vehicle (ROV) technology, underwater footage, and Museum experts. Shipwreck Tours are on Thursdays, July through September from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tickets are $25 for children under 18 and $45 for adults. Ticket reservations can be made at www.lcmm.org/ShipwreckTours.
- Collections Corner is an exclusive opportunity to explore rarely-seen artifacts up close and hear their stories from an expert. Collections Corner is free to attend and held monthly, starting on May 17 with the Museum’s collection of rare vintage postcards. Find details at www.lcmm.org/collections-corner-historic-postcards-of-lake-champlain-3.
- Open Dinghy Sailing is a new program at the Museum, offering weekly sailing dinghy rentals to anyone with sailing experience. Open Dinghy Sailing will be available on Wednesday and Friday afternoons in June through October from 4–7 p.m. Reservations open on May 1. All sailing programs and classes can be found at www.lcmm.org/Sailing.
- The Summer Party is a lively annual celebration of the Museum with live music, games, food, drink, and a raffle as the museum stays open late for one special night. Tickets are $50 per person and include dinner as well as a raffle ticket. Preview details for The Summer Party at www.lcmm.org/SummerParty.
- Rowing Clubs for adults of all ages offer weekly meetups for open-water rowing outings, exercise, or practice on the lake in the Museum’s fleet of 4-oared and 6-oared rowing gigs. Rowing clubs options are available for beginner to experienced rowers in Vergennes and Burlington, VT. Join a rowing club at www.lcmm.org/Adult-Rowing.
Pay-What-You-Can Camps and Expeditions
Rowing, fishing, kayaking, boat building, hiking, and more! Summer camps and expeditions at the Museum offer engaging and empowering experiences for ages 6 to 16. For over five years, the Museum has offered summer camps and teen expeditions to all families with “pay-what-you-can” tuition with the goal to ensure that all children have access to a fun summer on Lake Champlain. Camps and expeditions run from June through August. Registration is open on a rolling basis starting in December each year at www.lcmm.org/Camps.
Visit for Free and Discover More
Lake Champlain Maritime Museum will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. from May 17 to October 19, 2025 and admission is free for all visitors. For all locals, frequent visitors, or first-time guests, the Museum is a unique place to connect with local history, archaeology, and ecology and experience Lake Champlain in a new way. Check the museum’s calendar for the latest programs and events at www.lcmm.org/Calendar.