Description
This popular 253-acre park is off the southwestern tip of St. Albans Point in Lake Champlain's 'Inland Sea'. The park is accessible only by boat, with the state's passenger ferry making the 10-minute trip from the mainland. The park is famous for its marina, waterfront lean-to's, secluded cabins and delicious food from the Burton Island Bistro. No cars are permitted on the island, making it a perfect place for hiking and biking. 18th century maps refer to this as the "Isle of White." Jesse Welden, an early St. Albans settler and agent for Ethan and Ira Allen, is attributed with clearing and farming the island. As recently as 1874, Lake Champlain navigation charts label it "Potter's Island," though C.C. Burton, a farmer on the mainland, was using the island for pasture by the 1840's. Sidney Burton owned the island through the early 1900's and leased it to tenant farmers who raised cows, pigs, sheep and chickens. Crops included beans and peas. Remnants of the island's agricultural past such as fence lines and stone piles, rusted farm implements and the foundation of the old barn are still visible.
Geography:
Set in the northern waters of Lake Champlain, 253-acre Burton Island is accessible only by boat. The island's rocky shoreline, marshy areas, woods and open fields provide habitat for a variety of plants and animals. The island was farmed extensively from the early 1800s through the 1950s. The abandoned fields have been reclaimed by wild plants. Those who take time to explore can see the remnants of farm buildings and other signs of the past including rusting equipment, drainage ditches and foundations.
Recreation:
Excellent camping, swimming, boating, fishing, biking and picnicking. Canoes, kayaks and standup paddleboards are available to rent. Nature and interpretive programs are also available.
Facilities:
3 rental cabins, 14 tent-sites, 26 lean-tos, 4 remote tent sites and restrooms with flush toilets, hot and cold running water and coin-operated showers. There is also a 100-slip marina with wifi, dockside electricity and a marine holding-tank pump out facility and 15 boat moorings. There is a nature center and museum, camp store and bistro on the island. Drinking water is available throughout the park.
Nearby Attractions:
Hacketts Orchard, Isle La Motte, Lake Champlain Ferries, Snowfarm Vineyard, Vermont Teddy Bear Factory, Church Street Marketplace, ECHO Center for Lake Champlain
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